ARTIE LANGE: Jack and Coke

 Image / 2009 / 87 mins / Unrated

MSRP: $19.98, Blu-ray $24.98

If you like Howard Stern, you'll love his comedic sidekick, Artie Lange.  Shot at a New York comedy club, chock full of Artie fanatics, this blue comic quickly dives into the brash offensive humor that has become his trademark.

If profanity and vulgarity isn't your cup of tea, you should probably steer away from this almost ninety minute comedy bit, as its chief goal is acheving maximum offensiveness.  Nothing is sacred or off bounds, including the recent death of Heath Ledger.

Artie goes after A-Rod, Mike Tyson and Tom Brady so hard it'll make you cringe.  Not for the faint of heart, this is probably one better left to watch alone or with the guys.

ATONEMENT

Universal / 2007/123 mins / Rated R

MSRP: $20.99

Based on the book by Christopher Hampton, the film is set during 1935 surrounding the events of the Tallis family.  When Briony Tallis (Saorise Ronan) sees her older sister Cecilia (Keira Knightly) and Robbie Turner (James McAvoy) at the fountain of their family's estate, her jealous misinterpretation of what is happening sets into motion a series of unfortunate events that will have lasting repercussions for all of them.

Robbie, who is the son of the Tallis family's maid, has his college tuition paid for by the family.  His plans of going to medical school go awry, when Briony reads a letter intended for his sister causing her to believe Robbie is a deviant.  When her cousin is raped, she tells the police it was Robbie, when in fact it was a visitor to the estate.

A sweeping weepy soap opera with standout performances by both Knightly and McAvoy, Atonement promises to pull on the heartstrings in this moving 2007 melodrama, directed by Pride and the Prejudice's, Joe Wright.

Now available on Blu-ray, the exquisite landscape and lush visuals are picture perfect in full 1080p, usining the AVEC MPEG-4 codec on BD-50 dual layered disc.  The audio quality is as masterful as Dario Marianelli's moving score with extras including seven minutes of deleted scenes, behind-the-scenes featurettes including feature commentary by the director, interviews with Knightley and McAvoy as well as a brief featurette examining how the novel was brought to life.

THE BOYS ARE BACK

Miramax / 2009 / 104 mins / Rated PG-13

MSRP: $19.99

Here is another underrated film starring Clive Owen about the story of Joe Warr, a successful sportswriter thrust into single-fatherdom, caring for his two boys after the death of his second wife (Laura Fraser) who loses her battle to cancer.

Artie, Joe's youngest, is in denial when dealing with the news of his mother's death.  His older teenager son, Harry, returns to Australia to be with his father when he discovers the tragic news. 

Given the subject matter, this film could have easily slipped into the maudlin tone of a Lifetime movie, however with the powerful and moving performance of Clive Owen, the movie manages to pack some genuine emotional turns and some terrific performances, particularly by Nicholas McAnulty, the youngest son. 

Tough not to resist, especially if you're looking for a find in the rental market, "The Boys Are Back" provides mild relief in the cluttered market of weekly DVD releases.

DEARLY DEPARTED

Echo Bridge / 2009 / 84 mins / Unrated

MSRP: $16.95

Celebrity scandal, death and murder have finally found their way to DVD and Blu-ray with the short documentary titled, Dearly Departed.  Hollywood is the breeding ground of the famous and tour guide Scott Michaels (E!'s "20 Most Horrifying Murders") knows the famous better than most.

Dearly Departed is an all-access pass to the backlots of Los Angeles, focusing on locations where the famous and infamous met their untimely demises.  You'll venture into the Viper Room where River Phoenix died and the site where the Black Dahlia was discovered.  The documentary also visits many other hot spots including the places where Robert Kennedy was murdered and Janis Joplin's body was found and delves into the controversy surrounding Marilyn Monroe's death. 

Not a bad way to blow 84 minutes.... and at less than twenty bucks!

FAME

MGM / 2009 / 107 mins / Rated PG

MSRP: $39.99

A lot has happened since Irene Cara's catchy hit spawned from the popular 1980's dance flick--and not all of it good.  The 2009 remake tries in earnest to pull you in with a veritable grab bag of dance numbers including jazz, hip-hop, ballet and tap set against the backdrop of a current day performing arts academy.

It's "American Idol" meets "All That Jazz" in this updated look at a group of students attending the New York City High School for the Performing Arts.  Who is talented enough to rise through the ranks and who will fall by the wayside, never to experience even fifteen minutes of... FAME?

Unfortunately, not many succeed in this overwrought remake.  Neither the characters nor performances are particularly that memorable or outstanding.  The Blu-ray edition offers both theatrical and extended cuts as well as fifteen deleted scenes.  The added fat of the extended edition is simply superfluous.  The eleven character profiles and Fame National Talent Search Finalists offered as part of the special features to generate an "American Idol" type fervor inevitably fall short of the goal.

A more interesting redo of the material would have been in documentary form rather than in a fictionalized drama.  The producers would have been better served portraying the lives of the real students of the academy, capturing their own private dramas and dreams.  I would sashay past this one and pay my respects to the original.

I Heart Jonas

Walt Disney / 2009 / 155 mins / Rated G

MSRP: $19.99

The male version of Hannah Montana comes to DVD and Blu-ray just in time for Valentine's Day with "I HEART JONAS".  Pulled from their popular Disney show, fans will get a chance to revisit the lovable antics of three of the world's most famous musicians.

Viewers will get to see how Joe reacts when he discovers that Stella has a date with another guy and what happens when the tables are turned and a struggling young actress makes a play for the heartthrob.  With the never-before-seen bonus feature, "You've Just Been Jo Bro'd -- Surprising Jordin Sparks", the boys pull a prank on the American Idol winner when she thinks she's participating in a radio interview and mayhem quickly ensues.

Clearly geared for the tween set, this DVD even includes premium magnets featuring each one of the Jonas Brothers.

Louis Armstrong Concert

'Good Evening Ev'rybody'

Image / 2009 / 92 mins / Rated G

MSRP: $24.98

Rare footage of the jazz legend Louis Armstrong will be released for the first time in a rousing concert that pays tribute to the legendary trumpeter on his 70'th birthday party.  "Good Evening Ev'rybody" brings together Armstrong and musical greats for a never-before-released concert performance in his honor at the Newport Jazz Festival.  Guests include Dizzy Gillespie, Mahalia Jackson, Jimmy Owens, Bobby Hacket, Wild Bill Davison and Ray Nance.

Shown in a shorter version to great acclaim on PBS in 2008, this DVD includes the full feature length version with bonus features and tracks.  This is a true delight as you get a chance to revisit some of the songs he made classic, like "Hello Dolly", "Them There Eyes", "Nobody Knows the Troubles I've Seen", "When the Saints Go Marching In", "Mack the Knife" and of course, "What a Wonderful World".

My only complaint is the grainy black-and-white footage which deserved a digital face lift to help find its way to both old and new audiences everywhere.

Michael Jackson's THIS IS IT

Sony Pictures / 2009 / 111 mins / Not Rated

MSRP: $39.95

After months of preparation, Jackson was just eight days away from returning to England for the last rehearsal of his limited-run final concert when the unthinkable happened. On June 25th, Jackson was pronounced dead and the perpetual traveling circus of press that constantly haunted the icon would swoop in for their final meal.

This Is It focuses its energy, thankfully, on none of it. Instead, director Kenny Ortega chooses to focus entirely on the concert itself; the choreography, the pyrotechnics, the glitz…and the incredible talents of the ultimate front-man who was about to make the comeback of his career and of the century.

Regardless of how you feel about Jackson, publicly or personally, you can’t deny the man’s talent. At 50, the King of Pop shows virtually no progression in age in both his ability to move and sing. Watching him riff with one of the background singers is nothing shy of magic as you quickly realize the depths of his talents to move a crew of dancers that watch him in utter awe.

It’s moments like these that really shine through in This Is It, beyond all the hype, publicity and never-ending sensationalism surrounding the King of Pop. Despite chastising the crew after the impromptu rift, stating he needed to save his voice, it’s abundantly clear Jackson enjoyed the moment as much as they did. Michael Jackson is and was a performer, and watching him here makes you wonder why it took him over a decade to return to the stage.

Director Kenny Ortega carefully pieces together various numbers forming a musical tapestry. Sometimes dressed in an over-sized silver coat and orange pants, Jackson looks as if he raided Rod Stewart’s early wardrobe, while other times he is sporting more traditional outfits from his Bad period.  Nevertheless, in typical Jackson fashion, he is always looking hip, representing his own personal style which has added to his imprint.  Jackson and Ortega had plenty up their sleeves to wow both the fans and critics, starting with a clever working of “Smooth Criminal” from the Bad album, which included some creative editing of Jackson into classic film noir movies from the 1940s to include Rita Hayworth and Humphrey Bogart. Although not completely successful, it was nonetheless entertaining, as well as visually stimulating.

Among the biggest thrills included an entire re-imagining of “Thriller,” complete with a brand new video with state-of-the-art special effects including ghosts that were to fly over the audience, as well as a giant spider from which Jackson was to emerge. Unfortunately, since this was a rehearsal, the audience only got to sample small portions from what would have obviously stood out as the ultimate crowd-pleaser.

Some of the more poignant moments, however, were equally lasting, including a stand-out tribute to The Jackson Five, where Jackson himself took a moment to thank members of his family. Listening to him croon “I’ll Be There” takes on a whole new relevance, with nearly four decades instantly evaporating before your eyes.

Obviously close to Jackson’s heart, in this concert, was to raise worldwide awareness of the damage humans are doing to the Earth, exemplified in “Earth Song” from the HIStory collection which interjects an elaborate video of a little girl sleeping peacefully in a rain forest until man’s destruction slowly envelopes around her.

Watching Jackson perform, one is amazed not only at how strong his voice is but the incredible dance moves he manages. There is no sign of the frail specimen we saw during his trial or creature-like appearance exploited in the tabloids. Though rather thin, the performer seemed to come alive whenever he was on stage, as if literally being nourished by the performance itself.

Much will be said and written about this documentary — many seeing it as yet another way to cash in on the tragic icon, a man gifted with so much talent and whose life was cut short among sordid details. Despite it all, the one abundant, inescapable truth even the most ardent critic would have to admit is Michael Jackson had a deep abiding love and respect for his fans. It’s this purity that not only defines the performer but constantly rings true whenever he’s on stage. Aside from the body of music he’s left us with, this is perhaps Jackson’s greatest legacy.

This may be it for now, but not for a long time to come.

Paris, Texas

Criterion / 1994 / 147 mins / Rated R

MSRP: $39.95

Harry Dean Stanton plays Travis Henderson, a man who has been missing for four years when he suddenly appears in a vast Texas desert.  After he collapses in a local bar, a German doctor (Bernhard Wicki) picks him up and phones his brother Walt (Dean Stockwell) who lives in Los Angeles.  Walt picks up him up and the two head back to L.A. as he slowly unravels the mystery of where he's been the past four years.

In Los Angeles, Travis meets Walt's wife and his son and the three slowly develop a relationship.  Written by Sam Shepherd, Paris, Texas is a quintessential character study, lined with fine performances by the entire cast, including Nastassja Kinski, who plays Travis's ex-wife.

Presented in director Wim Wender's preferred aspect of 1.78:1 with MPEG-4 AVC transfer, this Criterion collection also includes some fascinating behind the scenes featurettes, including director commentary, interviews with cast and crew members as well as a 46 page illustrated booklet and interviews with Shepherd, Kinski, Stanton and Stockwell.

Saw VI

Lionsgate Films / 2008 / 95 mins / Unrated

MSRP: $39.95

There are few movie franchises which are virtually unstoppable as far as the sequel machine is concerned.  Like the Final Destination franchise, the Saw films have emerged as mainstay for horror film lovers, delivering non-stop chills and gore with a simple formula that never gets old.

VI picks up with Special Agent Strahm dead and Detective Hoffman emerging as the unchallenged successor to Jigsaw's legacy.  However, when the FBI draws closer to Hoffman, he's forced to set a new game into motion, lending new light to Jigsaw's grand scheme.

With the unrated and very graphic Blu-ray release, fans of the genre will get their money's worth in blood and gore.  Filmmakers would be smart to let the franchise rest before churning out a Saw VII.  If anything, it might be time to reinvent and reinvigorate the form by setting it in a new environment, with a new serial killer.

That said, Saw VI caps off nicely with a string of grisly deaths that will certainly satiate the most refined horror movie fanatic's tastes.

Surrogates

Disney/Buena Vista / 2009 /88 mins / Unrated

MSRP: $39.99

Bruce Willis returns to familiar territory playing an FBI Agent investigating the mysterious murder of a college student linked to the creator of a high-tech human surrogate phenomenon that allows average individuals the ability to purchase physically perfect versions of themselves, while their human versions sleep peacefully in their own homes.  Think Avatar meets the latest Abercrombie & Fitch catalogue. 

Directed by Jonathan Mostow (of Terminator 3:Rise of the Machines), Surrogates has it's moments, mostly in the action sequences but suffers in a case of the 'been there, seen that' script of cliches from movies of the 70's, 80's and 90's.  There's a little borrowed from "Westworld", "Futureworld" and "Blade Runner" in a story that seems like a watered down version something  Rod Serling and Ray Bradbury might have come up with.

In an amazingly trimmed down 88 minute length, it doesn't take long for action to kick into gear as Willis's Tom Greer smells a cover-up and starts digging where he shouldn't be. 

When Greer discovers the evil genius's master plan in shutting down his entire invention (thus killing the Surrogate's counterparts), the climax races to its inevitable ending without so much as a single left turn.

That said, Willis does what he can with the material, though it's hard to distinguish his character from the Die Hard pictures, John McClain and Tom Greer.  If you're looking for any type of morality tale, even something as weak as 'beauty is only skin deep', don't look for it here.  This is a simple action picture with a gimmick--

--unfortunately, there's not a lot of meat on the bone here to add up to a truly satisfying movie experience.

Not much to be found in terms of extras, other than some deleted scenes, audio commentary and music video.  The 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 does what it's supposed to, delivering fine detailed picture, making it almost impossible to detect the CGI enhancement to wipe at least a decade off Willis' face in his Surrogate form.

Toolbox Murders

Blue Underground / 1978 / 94 mins / Unrated

MSRP: $29.95

Long before the Saws of the world existed, simple slasher classics like the original "Toolbox Murders" of 1978.  Due to the enormous success of "Halloween", other filmmakers quickly discovered the fertile market for killer on the loose premises.  This one is simple enough--a lunatic runs around an apartment complex, this one apparently chock full of hot looking flight attendants ready to be served up, one-by-one with murder weapons pulled from a toolbox.

This grindhouse classic features some exploitative, over-the-top murders which would eventually serve as inspiration to Quentin Tarantino.  Watching it now, over thirty years after it's original release, it feels a bit tame and kitchy but all the more effective considering the time.

Extras on this blu ray release are worth the price of admission, including an "I Got Nailed in the Toolbox Murders" with a new interview with film's star Marianne Walter.  Also included is an interesting audio commentary with producer, director of photography and actress Pamelyn Ferdin as they reminisce about the filming of the movie.

Triangle

Icon Entertainment / 2009 / 498 mins / Rate R

MSRP: $39.95

From horror writer/director Christopher Smith comes an oddly intriguing psychological thriller that tries to breathe new life into an old cliche, this one, the Bermuda Triangle.

When Jess (Melissa George) sets out on a yacht with a group of friends, she can't shake the feeling that there is something wrong.  Her suspicions are quickly realized when the yacht hits a storm in the famed Bermuda Triangle and the group is force to board a passing ocean liner to get to safety.  The ship appears deserted but Jess is convinced she's been on the boat before.

Soon, they begin to realize they are not alone.  Someone is intent on hunting them down and it's up to Jess to put the pieces of the puzzle together before this ship of fools goes down for good.

Okay, I know on the surface it sounds cheesy, but this is a terrific direct-to-video thriller.  It's a satisfying mind-twister with a great pay-off you don't see coming.  Bringing to mind other at-sea-thrillers like Dead Calm and Ghost Ship, Smith does a fine job paying homage to the genre while generating a new classic.

Wild Ocean

Image Entertainment / 2009 / 40 mins / Unrated

MSRP: $24.98

Visually stunning, this 2009 documentary was released in IMAX taking viewers on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to the depths of the ocean splendor during nature's greatest migration spectacles.  Filmed off the wild coast of South Africa, Wild Ocean plunges viewers into an underwater circle of life smorgasbord of dolphins, sharks, whales, seals and fish.

An eco-friendly documentary, Wild Ocean, like March of the Penguins, educates and enlightens it's viewers on the delicate ecological plight of some of the oceans most fascinating creatures.  

The Blu-ray comes as close as possible to imitate the incredible detail of the IMAX experience, with vivid colors and breathtaking visuals of the underwater kaleidoscope.  A must-have for any nature enthusiast!

Whip it

20th Century Fox / 2009 / 120 mins / PG-13

MSRP: $39.95

Fresh off of "Juno", Ellen Page stars in the Drew Barrymore starring/directing vehicle, Whip It.  Set in the world of roller derby, Page plays Bliss Cavendar, a small-town nobody with dreams of stardom. 

Rather than conform to her family's desire for her future, Bliss decides to shake things up by landing a spot on a roller derby team and changes her name to "Babe Ruthless", the hottest chick on the speedway.

Barrymore takes a co-starring role, with some funny appearances by Juliette Lewis, Marcia Gay Harden, Daniel Stern and Jimmy Fallon (why she couldn't convince her on-again/off-again boyfriend Justin Long for a cameo is anyone's guess). 

Sure you've seen this all before, but Barrymore keeps it fresh and the plot moving in this 2009 midland feature from Fox.  This is breezy, harmless fun--and proves Barrymore might just have more up her sleeve as a promising comedy director in the future.

You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown

Warner Home Video / 1985 / 48 mins / Not rated

MSRP: $14.99

Twenty-two years after the CBS debut of "A Charlie Brown's Christmas", CBS commissioned an hour cartoon version of the popular stage play by the same name, "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown".  As expected, Snoopy, Linus, Lucy and the rest of the gang return in a musical salute to the world's biggest blockhead.

Digitally remastered with bright vibrant colors popping off the screen, this Charlie Brown classic will instantly transform you back to your childhood.  This is definitely one of the better Charles Shultz translations and spurred yet another resurgence in the Peanuts franchise when this originally aired in 1985.

With several catchy musical numbers, Warner Home Video wisely decided to re-release this Schultz classic, sure to find new audiences in the generations to come.

$5 a Day

Image Entertainment / 2008 / 98 mins / Unrated

MSRP: $35.98

As the world's biggest Christopher Walken fan, the master has found himself another juicy comedic role as Nat, an off-the-wall con artist and dead beat dad in this quirky family comedy released in 2008.  We discover Nat as he tries to reconnect with his terminally ill son, Flynn (played by Alessandro Nivola) as he abducts him into a harried cross-country jaunt to seek out an experimental drug treatment. 

Part Lorenzo's Oil, part The Last Detail, Nat has to pull off some outrageous schemes to drum up cash to finance their tour (thus the title, $5 a Day).  Armed with an all-star cast with Sharon Stone, Amanda Peet and Dean Cain, it's a wonder this off beat charmer didn't find an audience in the theater world and garner any indie awards.

If you love Walken as much as I do--you will find $5 a Day a cheap gem in the rough that's almost impossible to resist.  

ACROSS THE HALL

 Image / 2009 / 88 mins / Rated R

MSRP: $35.98

The timing on this independent release couldn't be worse (or best if you look at it from another angle) - with the sudden death of its star - Brittany Murphy.  That said, this edge-of-your-seat thriller does manage some genuine jolts and a few surprises in its breezy 88 minute length.

Danny Pino plays Terry, a groom who discovers his fiance (Murphy) has checked into a hotel where she's having an affair with his best friend.  This sends him into a homicidal fury as things quickly spin out of control with a real nail biting ending.  Murphy is stunning as June, delivering a powerful, if not slightly off-center performance in this above-average low budget thriller.

A throwback to film noir, the last time this subject matter was tackled with such panache was in "Body Heat".  Across the Hall fails to hit those sort of high notes, but it does deliver some memorable performances and is definitely worth a look.

BOOGIE NIGHTS

New Line Cinema / 1997 / 155 mins / Unrated

MSRP: $28.99

The film that very well could have inspired HBO's "Hung" now comes to Blu-ray, telling the story of a high school drop out who stumbles upon greatness by cashing in on his enormous "asset".  Starring Mark Wahlberg as Eddie Adams/Dirk Diggler, this early Paul Anderson classic set in the late 1970's porn industry packs an all-star cast, including Julianne Moore, John C. Reilley, Heather Graham, William H. Macy as well as a career saving performance by Burt Reynolds, as porn producer Jack Horner.

I'm a huge Burt Reynolds fan--and seeing him playing a character during a period when he was a box office star was an absolute kick.  Wisely, Reynolds chose to play the role subtly rather than chew the scenery--and was rewarded with best supporting actor nominations.

For the most part, post Marky Mark Wahlberg did a fine job playing Eddie - from the nervous, wide eyed innocent to the evolved drug addicted porn star.  The final shot even promises a brief glimpse at his legendary genitalia.

The picture quality is near perfect, conjuring a 70's oversaturated sensibility that quickly sets the mood, offset with a stellar soundtrack handpicked from the period that's sure to have you boogying through the many extras.

Extras include deleted scenes, commentary, and some very funny bits dug up from John C. Reilly.  This is one Blu-ray at a reasonable price that's well worth going the distance for!  

Che

Criterion / 2009 / 275 mins / Rated R

MSRP: $49.95

Remember to set your alarms on snooze, as Steven Soderbergh's four and a half hour bio-pic on Argentina born revolutionary hero, Ernest 'Che' Guevara comes out on dvd and Blu-ray.  Starring Benicio del Toro as the title role of the famous Marxist icon and his campaign against the Batista government.  

Until I saw this, I had relatively little knowledge of who 'Che' was--he had neither the flare or pizzazz like that of Evita Perone nor the weightiness of Ghandi.  That said, Soderbergh did provide a visual delight in recreating the ambiance and mood of the political revolutionary's life--and captured the turbulence of Cuba during Castro's height in power.

Del Toro was mesmerizing as the title hero and delivered another stand-out performance which was often more disturbing than last year's performance of Javier Bardem in "No Country for Old Men".  Overlooked by critics and audiences, Soderbergh probably could have done a bit more editing or found  himself a bio-pic that had greater universal appeal.  

Extras include some standard behind-the-scenes featurettes that are mostly forgettable as are interviews with Soderbergh himself.  Unless this is a part of history that you find truly exciting, Che is probably best left for the rental crowd or insomniacs looking for refuge.     

GAMER

Lionsgate / 2009 / 95 mins / Rated R

MSRP: $29.95

Envision a cross between "The Running Man" and "Death Race".  Here comes, yet another action-packed vehicle, this time with Gerard Butler in Gamer, where the future of entertainment consists of a super video game called "Slayers" where death-row inmates serve as real-life avatars for anonymous users in a death-to-the-finish battlefield.  If an inmate is so fortunate to beat the game, he wins a real-life pardon.  Of course, no one has ever managed that feat--until Kable (Gerard Butler) puts his life on the line in a death defying game to the finish.

Sound exciting?  That was the intent, however, Butler (who has yet to recapture the success he had in 300) tried to weave magic into a script with holes so big you could fly a 747 through.  The uber bad guy  is the game's show runner Ken Castle (played by Michael C. Hall) who tries his best Bill Gates impression as things quickly start to escalate between both worlds.

I liked Gamer better in theory than in practicality as the movie never manages to mine as much from the premise as possible.  It's as if the producers felt a bad script could be compensated simply by throwing in larger and louder action scenes.  Sadly, that never works.  The end result is a big, loud mess.  This is one game in which you might find yourself praying for the words, Game Over.

Magnolia

Warner Brothers / 1999 / 188 mins / Rated R

MSRP: $28.99

Writer-director Paul Thomas Anderson is one of those guys who seems to grow as a director with each film he produces.  Starting with the underrated, "The Hard Eight", he has developed a style and sensibility similar to the Coen brothers, following up with such successes as "Boogie Nights" or 2007's "There Will Be Blood". 

Magnolia is one of those films you can't take your eyes off of the moment it begins.  A pastiche of two intercut stories about men who are about to die.  Both are estranged , both want to make contact and neither child wants anything to do with their father.  

Clearly built as a dramatic vehicle for Tom Cruise, the film starts off with a narrator introducing three separate stories based on the theme of coincidence.  From there we meet our cast of disparate characters whose lives are intertwined in one way or another.  The film takes place in the course of one day as we watch their lives change forever.  

For his part, Cruise delivers--clearly outside his comfort zone but committing to the part as relentlessly as he did in "Born on the Fourth of July".  Coming off the dismally received and two-year-long filming process of "Eyes Wide Shut" the year before, it's a testament he managed to trust so implicitly once again in a director's vision.

Beautifully shot, the video transfer is perfect (2.40:1 theatrical ratio) with Dolby TrueHD 5.1 making  flawless audio delivery throughout.  

Extras include a "Video Diary" with Anderson and many of the stars of the film commenting during shooting as well as an extended "Frank T.J. Mackey Seminar" and an amusing "Seduce and Destroy Infomercial" followed by a music video by Aimee Mann titled "Save Me".

For the Blu ray film enthusiast, Magnolia represents an important classic and surely deserves a spot on your video shelf. 

Pandorum

Anchor Bay / 2009 / 108 mins / Rated R

MSRP: $39.98

Not since James Cameron’s classic space thriller "Aliens" hit theaters has another movie come close to the bone chilling formula of Pandorum… though many have tried.  Resident Evil creators, however, decided to throw their hat into the ring with last year’s overlooked sci-fi thriller, Pandorum.

Dennis Quaid  stars alongside Ben Foster, Cam Gigandet and newcomer Antje Traue in this thrilling drama about two crew members stranded on a seemingly empty spacecraft, quickly realizing they are not alone.

The year is 2174 Earth is in a deteriorating position as the population explosion has literally chipped away at every resource.   The spaceship Elysium is launched into the stratosphere with tens of thousands of humans, cryogenically stored for their long journey into space, with the ultimate goal of colonizing a new world.  Crews are routinely awakened and re-frozen in swing shifts as the ship makes its way to the planet Tanus—a picturesque environment that resembles Earth on a good day.

It becomes evident that the Elysium won’t be making its destination as planned, especially when crew member Bower (Ben Foster) wakes up to a claustrophobic disaster with the crewless ship in a state of disrepair.  As he slowly regains his senses - excluding his memory - he wakes up another crewmember, Payton (Dennis Quaid) whose memory is also clearly wiped as the two try to unravel the mystery of who they are, what their mission is and how things on the Elysium have gone awry.

As they slowly begin exploring the ship’s underbelly, the two stumble upon horrifying secrets like the gangs of ravenous humanoid monsters looking for their next meal.  

At its heart, it’s a story of survival.  In this case, humans versus the humanoids, and anything can happen.  Nobody likes a good thriller like I do and often these under-the-wire releases can be an incredible discovery.  Though far from perfect, the sum of its successes far outweigh its shortcomings.  If sci-fi is your bag, this underrated frightfest definitely deserves checking out.  

Smokin' Aces 1 & 2

Universal / 2007/2010 / 109 mins / Rated R

MSRP: $26.98/$36.98

I was lucky enough to catch "Smokin' Aces" the first time on HBO looking for a diversion from the same old, same old.  Surprisingly, it grabbed me right away both visually and in tone.  With Jeremy Piven playing yet another genius diversion of himself (like he does in Entourage) the film quickly pulls you in and never lets go.

Slick Vegas illusionist Buddy "Aces" Israel (Piven) is two-timing the mob by whispering mob secrets.  After a million dollar contract is put out on his life, Aces tries to pull one final disappearing act before a bevy of hit men and assassins try to rub him out for good in this tongue-in-cheek comedy thriller. 

Co-starring Ben Affleck, Ryan Reynolds and Andy Garcia, this little seen gem quickly found an audience on dvd and cable and spawned its sequel, Assassins' Ball.

In this go around, Tom Berenger stars as Walter Weed, an unassuming desk clerk at the FBI when the Bureau uncovers a plot to assassinate him.  Suddenly, a team of unseemly assassins are dispatched to knock him off, led by Vinnie Jones and Tommy Flanagan, in the hopes of winning the huge bounty on Walter's head.  

Though not as ingenious or mischievous as the original, SA2 does pack a powerful punch on its own, lead in part by a memorable power-tool wielding psychopath killer. 

I'd say the first is smokin and the second is a little hazy.

Whiteout

Warner Brothers / 2009 / 101 mins / Rated R

MSRP: $35.99

Don't laugh but here's the premise, Kate Beckinsale plays U.S. Marshall Carrie Stetko, the only law enforcement on Antarctica when she's sent to investigate the unthinkable--the continent's first homicide.  But when Carrie starts scratching the surface she finds herself in a deadly mess, involving a long-buried mystery under Antarctica's frigid environment.  

As winter closes in, it's up to Carrie to stay one step ahead of the killer, in this ten-little-indians scenario.  To lend help and give some credibility to this 2009 thriller is Tom Skerritt, who's years seem to be catching up with him.  Even at 75, he's the best thing in this film's average frightfest.

That said, Whiteout is so bad at times it's positively enjoyable.  I first saw this at a critic's screening which had the audience audibly laughing and groaning at some of the film's key moments.  Visually stunning, with Canada doubling for the harsh Antarctic environment, Whiteout does manage a few honest thrills--but quickly runs out of air in the third act, ending with a limp showdown between Carrie and the killer.

Whiteout could have used a little whiteout on the script before filming.  Albeit it is worth a look for the bored and curious--but better for rental than purchase.  

WWII in HD

A&E / 2009 / 470 mins / Unrated

MSRP: $39.95

Seventy years in the making, over three thousand hours of color footage no one knew existed, WWII in HD represents the first documentary to show World War II from the perspective of both sides in full HD color.  

This fascinating series provides a period of American History with a necessary facelift - filling in the action with living color. Utilizing diaries of soldiers who fought in the war's most brutal attacks, WWII in HD gives a first hand account in heart wrenching detail.  

Culled from rare color archival footage and converted to HD in meticulous detail, even the most casual enthusiast will delight in this engrossing series, which until now has been virtually unparalleled in any documentary.

First presented on the History Channel, this thoroughly engrossing documentary reminded me of the painstaking efforts Ken Burns undertook for his famous documentary on the Civil War.  Not to be missed, it deserves a spot on your video shelf marking one of the most important periods in American History.

New Line / 2009 / 128mins / Rated R

Blu-ray Release Date: 1-5-10

Reviewed on 1-6-10

Fresh meat rarely means more than it does in The Final Destination series… as most of the new lineup of young thespians will end up as dead meat.  I am a huge fan of the first film… and even the 2^nd.  However, it’s gotten to the point where I feel I’m obligated to see each new chapter out of habit now.  Same goes for the Saw series.  It seems these guys have directed themselves into a corner where it has become a morbid challenge to see who can outdo the other in gore.  I mean, come on… there’s only so much blood in the human body.   But you know what?   I’ll be in line for the next one too!

THE FINAL DESTINATION released January 5th, 2010 on Blu-ray! MSRP $35.99.  ($19.99 online)

When it’s all been done before… where do you go from there?  How about the third dimension!  A dimension of sight… a dimension of sound… a dimension of gore!  Yes, The Final Destination series has gone the route of gimmicky 3D – and honestly, this is the horror series that calls for it most.  Avatar this is not.  No subtle 3D here… this is in your face, duck under flying brain matter 3D.

I won’t go over the story, since it's basically the same in all four movies.  This one just starts off at a racetrack.  The ride is decent, the effects on par, and the acting in line with previous entries.  Don’t make this your first introduction to Final Destination – watch the one without the “The” in front of the title.

VIDEO

(1080p / 2.40:1 / VC-1)

The red pops.  That’s really all you need to know, right?  Endless black levels and razor sharp contrast proliferate this clean and three dimensional (without the glasses) image.  The picture is so clear it reveals many of the effects – since they are not always as transparent as they should be.  Digital blood?  I MISS the days of practical effects!!!  Not a fan of red/blue 3D (Anaglyphic) since it absolutely ruins the picture and colors, so I won’t cover that here.  Just know there is a sticker on the front of the case that says the 3D glasses are included “for a limited time”.  Not sure if that means the 3D version is limited as well.

AUDIO

(DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1)

Wow.  The audio track rocks in more ways than one... you will definitely FEEL this movie.  It’s an incredibly active and LOUD soundtrack that will put you in the middle of the scenes.  Dialogue is front and center heavy, but all-in-all… this is a great audio presentation.

EXTRAS

First extra I flipped to?  A Nightmare on Elm Street First Look!  Heck ya!   But wait… 2 minutes?  Isn’t that more of a “First GLANCE”? 

In regards to The Final Destination, we are presented with a relatively light collection of extras that consist of the standard deleted scenes, alternate endings and making-of's.  I think we’ve become a tad bit spoiled because normally this would be plenty. 

I thoroughly enjoyed the visual effect breakdowns and death scene dissections.  The two alternate endings did nothing for me.

MY SAY

Not the best entry… and definitely not the worst.  If you're familiar with the previous entries in the Final Destination franchise, you'll get exactly what you are expecting and very little else.  An easy recommend for horror hounds, and a solid title on the ol’ horror shelf.   A slick, overly-polished film that proves someone is still paying attention behind the scenes.  Bring on the next one!  (Since we obviously know this ISN’T the “Final” Destination)

G-Force.  When I saw the trailers announcing its theatrical release, all I could do was roll my eyes.  I mean, really Disney & Jerry Bruckheimer?  Little furry talking animals?  It's come to this? 

Well, after popping the Blu-ray in this past weekend, I have to say is... wow.  Didn't expect that.  I honestly went into it wanting to hate this film... but it was a LOT of fun.  That's what movies are supposed to be, right?  Entertaining.  Even Adam Lambert is quick to point this out.

The CG work is absoultely top notch, and the integration with live-action footage is seamless!  There is nothing about this movie that feels sloppy, and its quite obvious a lot of care went into its creation. The only downside was a realtively weak third act...

Guinea pigs.  Never woulda' thought...

G-Force blasts onto DVD & Blu-ray December 15th!