Wolfgang Reitherman, Hamilton Luske, Clyde Geronimi Studio: Buena Vista Home Video Release Date: 03/04/2008 Run time: 79 minutes Rating: G

Kevin Lima Don't be fooled by the title. Rather than 102, there are 4 reasons to like this sequel to the successful live-action remake of Disney's animated classic. There are the 101 spotted pooches, Glenn Close back in fine form as Cruella De Vil, Oddball—the spotless dalmation pup—and Waddlesworth, a parrot who thinks he's a rottweiler (and is voiced by Monty Python's Eric Idle). There are just as many reasons to be disappointed. Like most sequels, the story line is virtually a rewrite of the first, the secondary casting isn't as interesting, the dialogue merely serves to move the plot along, and the third act substitutes mean-spiritedness for comedy. After a period of rehabilitation, Cruella has returned to her old tricks. Once again, she simply must have a spotted coat and will go to any lengths to get ahold of the 102 dalmatians needed to make one with a hood. She sets her sights on the pups owned by her probation officer, Chloe (Alice Evans), and the owner of a local animal shelter, Kevin (Ioan Gruffudd of Horatio Hornblower). Her servant, Alonso (Tim McInnerny), and flamboyant furrier Monsieur Le Pelt (Gerard Depardieu, in one ridiculous outfit after another) are drafted to aid in her quest. It should come as no surprise that Chloe and Kevin fall in love, Oddball helps to save the day, and Cruella is defeated. Children should enjoy the animal high jinks, but adults are less likely to be enamored by this perfectly competent, but relatively charmless affair. —Kathleen C. Fennessy

Dave Fleischer, Isadore Sparber, Seymour Kneitel, Eddie Bernds, Eddie Rehberg WOW! 150 Cartoon Classics DVD Set. PRICED LOW! Hours of classic animation! Here's the ultimate collection of 150 Classic Cartoons. A laugh a minute featuring all-time favorite characters and fun-filled antics from the Golden Age of animation. Starring Woody Woodpecker, Popeye, The Three Stooges, Casper, Betty Boop and more on 4 Discs. Set weighs 6 ozs. Nab your kid-friendly Set now! 150 Cartoon Classics DVD Set

Peter Segal Henry finds the perfect woman & falls head over heels. When he sees her the following day she hasnt a clue who he is. Lucy suffers from a rare brain disorder that wipes her memory clean every night. Henry has to concoct new & increasingly clever ways to meet lucy & get her to fall in love with him every day. Studio: Sony Pictures Home Ent Release Date: 02/28/2006 Starring: Adam Sandler Rob Schneider Run time: 99 minutes Rating: Pg13

Jim Jordan, Edward Sobol

James Cameron Meticulously crafted but also ponderous and predictable, James Cameron's 1989 deep-sea close-encounter epic reaffirms one of the oldest first principles of cinema: everything moves a lot more slowly underwater. Ed Harris and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, as formerly married petroleum engineers who still have some "issues" to work out, are drafted to assist a gung-ho Navy SEAL (Michael Biehn) with a top-secret recovery operation: a nuclear sub has been ambushed and sunk, under mysterious circumstances, in some of the deepest waters on earth, and the petro-techies have the only submersible craft capable of diving down that far. Every image and every performance is painstakingly sharp and detailed (and the computerized water creatures are lovely) but the movie's lumbering pace is ultimately lethal. It's the audience that ends up feeling waterlogged. For a guy who likes guns as much as Cameron (his next film after all, was the body-count masterpiece Terminator 2: Judgment Day), it's interesting that the moral balance here is weighted heavily in favor of the can-do engineers; the military types are end-justifies-the-means amoralists, just like the weasely government bureaucrats in Aliens. —David Chute

As with Star Wars, the George Lucas-produced Indiana Jones trilogy was not just a plaything for kids but an act of nostalgic affection toward a lost phenomenon: the cliffhanging movie serials of the past. Episodic in structure and with fate hanging in the balance about every 10 minutes, the Jones features tapped into Lucas's extremely profitable Star Wars formula of modernizing the look and feel of an old, but popular, story model. Steven Spielberg directed all three films, which are set in the late 1930s and early '40s: the comic book-like Raiders of the Lost Ark, the spooky, Gunga Din-inspired Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, and the cautious but entertaining Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Fans and critics disagree over the order of preference, some even finding the middle movie nearly repugnant in its violence. (Pro-Temple of Doom people, on the other hand, believe that film to be the most disarmingly creative and emotionally effective of the trio.) One thing's for sure: Harrison Ford's swaggering, two-fisted, self-effacing performance worked like a charm, and the art of cracking bullwhips was probably never quite the iconic activity it soon became after Raiders. Supporting players and costars were very much a part of the series, too—Karen Allen, Sean Connery (as Indy's dad), Kate Capshaw, Ke Huy Quan, Amrish Puri, Denholm Elliot, River Phoenix, and John Rhys-Davies among them. Years have passed since the last film (another is supposedly in the works), but emerging film buffs can have the same fun their predecessors did picking out numerous references to Hollywood classics and B-movies of the past. —Tom Keogh

Ron Clements, John Musker After Aladdin discovers the Genie in the lamp, he uses his wishes to help win the heart of Princess Jasmine, despite the evil tricks of the Grand Vizier Jafar.
Genre: Feature Film Family
Rating: NR
Release Date: 5-OCT-2004
Media Type: DVD

Bluth, Don, Goldman, Gary A dog returns from the dead looking for revenge on his killer using an orphan girl who can talk to animals. Studio: Tcfhe/mgm Release Date: 10/14/2008 Starring: Dom Deluise (voice) Charles Nelson Reilly (voice) Run time: 85 minutes Rating: G Director: Don Bluth/gary Goldman

Greg Germann, Peter MacNicol, Jace Alexander, Sarah Pia Anderson, Adam Arkin When Ally McBeal premiered on the Fox network in 1997, the series was already riding high on critical praise, with its upscale mix of savvy humor and hot-topic legal drama. Created, produced, and written entirely by the amazingly prolific David E. Kelley, the show immediately found an appreciative audience of women drawn to the title character's frank perspectives on dating, sex, and career objectives, and men lured by a cast full of attractive, outspoken women with vibrant personalities and flattering wardrobes. (If you think that's a sexist observation, you haven't tuned in to the show's brilliant balance of male chauvinism, feminist attitude, and hilariously turbulent office politics.)

This two-disc compilation of episodes from the show's first season is aptly titled, because Ally McBeal—a Boston lawyer played by Calista Flockhart—is defined by her seemingly perpetual singlehood, her sexual and emotional yearnings, her professional passions, and—by one of Kelley's creative masterstrokes—her flights of imagination (often visualized via amusing computer-generated effects) that give the series a constant, unpredictable edge of humor and emotional depth.

These well-chosen episodes offer a comprehensive summary of the first season's major developments, including the emotional history shared by Ally and her now-married colleague Billy (Gil Bellows); the notorious "dancing baby" (in "Cro-Magnon") symbolizing the insistent ticking of Ally's biological clock; the amiable quirks of John "the Biscuit" Cage (Peter MacNicol); and the dubious pearls of wisdom known as "Fishisms." Here we witness the sublime chemistry of the ensemble cast, and each member is given ample time in the spotlight. Regular guest star Dyan Cannon is strongly featured in "Silver Bells," prior to the second-season addition of Nelle (Portia DeRossi) and Ling (Lucy Liu). That leaves plenty of room to establish Ally McBeal as the lively focus of the series—confused, opinionated, sexy, neurotic, frustrated, ecstatic, intelligent, emotional... and never, ever boring. —Jeff Shannon

Greg Germann, Peter MacNicol, Jace Alexander, Sarah Pia Anderson, Adam Arkin When Ally McBeal premiered on the Fox network in 1997, the series was already riding high on critical praise, with its upscale mix of savvy humor and hot-topic legal drama. Created, produced, and written entirely by the amazingly prolific David E. Kelley, the show immediately found an appreciative audience of women drawn to the title character's frank perspectives on dating, sex, and career objectives, and men lured by a cast full of attractive, outspoken women with vibrant personalities and flattering wardrobes. (If you think that's a sexist observation, you haven't tuned in to the show's brilliant balance of male chauvinism, feminist attitude, and hilariously turbulent office politics.)

This two-disc compilation of episodes from the show's first season is aptly titled, because Ally McBeal—a Boston lawyer played by Calista Flockhart—is defined by her seemingly perpetual singlehood, her sexual and emotional yearnings, her professional passions, and—by one of Kelley's creative masterstrokes—her flights of imagination (often visualized via amusing computer-generated effects) that give the series a constant, unpredictable edge of humor and emotional depth.

These well-chosen episodes offer a comprehensive summary of the first season's major developments, including the emotional history shared by Ally and her now-married colleague Billy (Gil Bellows); the notorious "dancing baby" (in "Cro-Magnon") symbolizing the insistent ticking of Ally's biological clock; the amiable quirks of John "the Biscuit" Cage (Peter MacNicol); and the dubious pearls of wisdom known as "Fishisms." Here we witness the sublime chemistry of the ensemble cast, and each member is given ample time in the spotlight. Regular guest star Dyan Cannon is strongly featured in "Silver Bells," prior to the second-season addition of Nelle (Portia DeRossi) and Ling (Lucy Liu). That leaves plenty of room to establish Ally McBeal as the lively focus of the series—confused, opinionated, sexy, neurotic, frustrated, ecstatic, intelligent, emotional... and never, ever boring. —Jeff Shannon

Joe Roth For kiki being the personal assistant to beautiful megastar gwen isnt easy. In fact its nearly impossible since the man of her dreams is eddie. Gwens estranged husband. Kiki is given the monumental task of helping gwen and eddie make it through a press junket organized by publicity exec lee phillips. Studio: Sony Pictures Home Ent Release Date: 07/19/2005 Starring: Julia Roberts Catherine Zeta-jones Run time: 103 minutes Rating: Pg13 Director: Joe Roth

Rob Reiner The worlds most powerful man has met his match. Michael douglas is the widower president wooing environmental lobbyist annette bening. Special features: interactive menus filmographies scene access and theatrical trailer. Subtitles in english and french. Studio: Castle Rock Hm Video Release Date: 09/27/2005 Starring: Michael Douglas Martin Sheen Run time: 115 minutes Rating: Pg13 Director: Rob Reiner

John Huston Broadway musical based on the little orphan annie comic strip. A young orphan girls adventures in finding a family that will take her. Studio: Sony Pictures Home Ent Release Date: 08/23/2005 Starring: Albert Finney Tim Curry Run time: 127 minutes Rating: Pg Director: John Huston

Eric Darnell, Tim Johnson Woody Allen as a worker ant with an inferiority complex? Sylvester Stallone as an affable soldier ant who discovers that digging tunnels is cool? The animation playground we all knew so well is turning into a theme park full of in-jokes for grownups. Antz explores age-old topics (one person—err, insect—can make a difference, individuality and social responsibility must exist side by side, war is hell) with comic asides and Woody Allen's funniest quips this side of PG (adults will chuckle at the socialist slogans bandied about as he campaigns for workers' rights). Sharon Stone voices the rebellious princess with a fun-loving streak that doesn't quite overcome her royal bearing and court training, but she can learn. Gene Hackman is all teeth (ants have teeth?) and menacing grins as the Army general plotting insect-icide. This bug's-eye view of life on Earth gives Allen's neurotic nonconformist an epic adventure of microscopic proportions: a devastating war with a termite colony, an odyssey to the fabled land of plenty (a picnic ground), and a race to save his fellow workers from certain death. Other voices include Anne Bancroft as the Queen, Christopher Walken, Jennifer Lopez, Danny Glover, Dan Aykroyd, Jane Curtin, and John Mahoney. The computer animation isn't exactly realistic but feels as solid and contoured as puppet animation with the smoothness and slickness of traditional cel cartoons, and the character designs and animation offer a marvelous range of expressions. The PG rating includes a gritty battle sequence that may frighten youngsters. —Sean Axmaker

Norman Tokar, Jack Kinney After an earthquake shakes the area children find a large gold nugget worth tens of thousands of dollars. But their newfound wealth is causing more problems than its solving so they agree to give the gold to two bumbling outlaws. Studio: Buena Vista Home Video Release Date: 02/07/2006 Starring: Tim Conway Don Knotts Run time: 100 minutes Rating: G Director: Norman Tokar

Thornton, Billy Bob, Tyler, Liv, Willis, Bruce After new york city is damaged by hundreds of small meteorites nasa discovers an asteroid is on a collison course with earth. They recruit the best deep core driller in the world harry stamper to train astronauts who will go to the asteroid drill into the center and detonate a nuclear warhead. Studio: Buena Vista Home Video Release Date: 05/16/2006 Starring: Bruce Willis Liv Tyler Run time: 151 minutes Rating: Pg13 Director: Michael Bay

Barry Levinson, Folmer Wiesinger, John Cork Out of jail and on the run bank robber bruce willis devises the perfect crime with imperfect partners billy bob thornton and cate blanchett. Studio: Tcfhe/mgm Release Date: 05/22/2007 Starring: Bruce Willis Cate Blanchett Run time: 123 minutes Rating: Pg13 Director: Barry Levinson

Christopher Nolan Batman Begins discards the previous four films in the series and recasts the Caped Crusader as a fearsome avenging angel. That's good news, because the series, which had gotten off to a rousing start under Tim Burton, had gradually dissolved into self-parody by 1997's Batman & Robin. As the title implies, Batman Begins tells the story anew, when Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) flees Western civilization following the murder of his parents. He is taken in by a mysterious instructor named Ducard (Liam Neeson in another mentor role) and urged to become a ninja in the League of Shadows, but he instead returns to his native Gotham City resolved to end the mob rule that is strangling it. But are there forces even more sinister at hand?

Cowritten by the team of David S. Goyer (a veteran comic book writer) and director Christopher Nolan (Memento), Batman Begins is a welcome return to the grim and gritty version of the Dark Knight, owing a great debt to the graphic novels that preceded it. It doesn't have the razzle dazzle, or the mass appeal, of Spider-Man 2 (though the Batmobile is cool), and retelling the origin means it starts slowly, like most "first" superhero movies. But it's certainly the best Bat-film since Burton's original, and one of the best superhero movies of its time. Bale cuts a good figure as Batman, intense and dangerous but with some of the lightheartedness Michael Keaton brought to the character. Michael Caine provides much of the film's humor as the family butler, Alfred, and as the love interest, Katie Holmes (Dawson's Creek) is surprisingly believable in her first adult role. Also featuring Gary Oldman as the young police officer Jim Gordon, Morgan Freeman as a Q-like gadgets expert, and Cillian Murphy as the vile Jonathan Crane. —David Horiuchi

Batman at Amazon.com
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Batman Begins 101: A Comic Book Primer
Where Have I Seen Christian Bale?
All Batman Comics and Graphic Novels
Batman Toys
Batman Begins Soundtrack

Stills from Batman Begins (click for larger images)

Joel Schumacher, Tim Burton For fans and newcomers, this boxed set holds a great collection, including all four great movies. The first in the series, Batman (1989), and arguably the best of the four movies, exudes the moodiness of the Dark Knight's character. Tim Burton's direction and Michael Keaton's rendition of Batman are an electrifying combo. Together they capture the sinister atmosphere of Gotham City and Batman's darkness. Jack Nicholson as the fiendish Joker and Kim Basinger as the resourceful and gorgeous Vicki Vale lend their charm. Three years later, in 1992, Burton and Keaton reunited for Batman Returns. This time our pointy-eared hero has to combat two villains: Danny DeVito as the disturbed and freaky Penguin and Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman. In Batman Forever (1995), Joel Schumacher gave his direction to the story with Val Kilmer under the cape. Kilmer keeps the moodiness but adds a little panache to his rendition. His archenemies this time are the Riddler (Jim Carrey) and Two-Face (Tommy Lee Jones). Luckily, he enlists the help of the Boy Wonder, Robin (Chris O'Donnell). The final movie in the series, Batman & Robin, is great eye candy, and this time Schumacher returns with George Clooney as the leading man and Chris O'Donnell again as Robin. Together Batman and Robin battle the icy Mr. Freeze (Arnold Schwarzenegger), with a little help from Batgirl (Alicia Silverstone). Delve into the Gotham City world with the Dark Knight to protect you, and don't forget to make lots of popcorn for this Batman marathon. —Samantha Allen Storey

Gary Trousdale The film that officially signaled Disney's animation renaissance (following The Little Mermaid) and the only animated feature to receive a Best Picture Oscar nomination, Beauty and the Beast remains the yardstick by which all other animated films should be measured. It relates the story of Belle, a bookworm with a dotty inventor for a father; when he inadvertently offends the Beast (a prince whose heart is too hard to love anyone besides himself), Belle boldly takes her father's place, imprisoned in the Beast's gloomy mansion. Naturally, Belle teaches the Beast to love. What makes this such a dazzler, besides the amazingly accomplished animation and the winning coterie of supporting characters (the Beast's mansion is overrun by quipping, dancing household items) is the array of beautiful and hilarious songs by composer Alan Menken and the late, lamented lyricist Howard Ashman. (The title song won the 1991 Best Song Oscar, and Menken's score scored a trophy as well.) The downright funniest song is "Gaston," a lout's paean to himself (including the immortal line, "I use antlers in all of my de-co-ra-ting"). "Be Our Guest" is transformed into an inspired Busby Berkeley homage. Since Ashman's passing, animated musicals haven't quite reached the same exhilarating level of wit, sophistication, and pure joy. —David Kronke —This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Studio: Paramount Home Video Release Date: 08/19/2008 Run time: 90 minutes Rating: Pg

Tim Burton No Description Available.
Genre: Feature Film-Comedy
Rating: PG
Release Date: 15-MAY-2007
Media Type: DVD

Sahan Arzruni Victor Borge was a master at combining two seemingly disparate elements: comedy and classical music. While the Dane's dapper dignity fit the image of "longhair" music, Borge undercut it with broad physical comedy, clever spoofs, and off-the-cuff wit. A pioneer in the field of live comedy recordings, Borge is nevertheless best appreciated on video, and The Best of Victor Borge Acts One and Two captures a 90-minute concert that includes many of his most famous routines. He chides late-arriving members of the Minneapolis audience ("I come from Copenhagen and was here before you!"), falls off the piano bench, and reads his sheet music upside down. There are a few unwitting guests: a stagehand drafted to turn Borge's pages, soprano Marylyn Mulvey who tries to sing a Verdi aria through Borge's teasing and scolding, and Sahan Arzruni as he and Borge play a two-piano Hungarian rhapsody on a single piano by climbing over and around each other. Borge also presents an opera "written by Mozart but credited to Salieri" ("so you can imagine what kind of opera it is") and proves that he's not merely a clown by skillfully performing a set of waltzes and lullabies. In addition, two of his best-loved sketches are nonmusical: Inflationary Language, in which numbers in language, like the economy, are increased ("I'll go back to Elevenessee.... Three-dleoo."), and Phonetic Punctuation, in which a period is read aloud to sound like fft and an exclamation point fsss fft. Like Anna Russell and PDQ Bach, Victor Borge helped make classical music accessible to a wide audience by showing that it could be laugh-out-loud funny. —David Horiuchi

Folklore collectors & con artists jake & will grimm travel from village to village pretending to protect townsfolk from enchanted creatures & performing exorcisms. They are put to the test when they encounter a real magical curse in a haunted forest with real magical beings requiring genuine courage. Studio: Buena Vista Home Video Release Date: 03/28/2008 Starring: Matt Damon Jonathan Pryce Run time: 119 minutes Rating: Pg13

Tom Shadyac A guy who complains about god too often is given almighty powers to teach him how difficult it is to run the world. Studio: Uni Dist Corp. (mca) Release Date: 11/27/2007 Starring: Jim Carrey Philip Baker Hall Run time: 101 minutes Rating: Pg13 Director: Tom Shadyac

John Lasseter, Stanton, Andrew Studio: Buena Vista Home Video Release Date: 05/16/2008 Run time: 95 minutes Rating: G

John Lasseter A hilarious action-packed adventure into the unique world of cars where lovable and unique characters teach us that life is a wonderful highway to be enjoyed for the journey not the destination. Studio: Buena Vista Home Video Release Date: 11/07/2006 Starring: Owen Wilson Bonnie Hunt Run time: 116 minutes Rating: G

Bill Melendez This half-hour Christmas show is one of the truly lovable animated specials in TV history, a status proved by its annual network telecast since 1965. A Charlie Brown Christmas was the first, and best, of a series of programs based on the Charles M. Schulz cartoon strip "Peanuts." Hapless hero Charlie Brown finds himself depressed at Christmastime, searching for the true meaning of the holiday amidst the glitz and commercialism of the modern age. Appointed director of the school holiday pageant, Charlie Brown ventures out with Linus to buy "a great, big, shiny aluminum Christmas tree." Instead they bring back a miserable tree—a real one. A Charlie Brown Christmas shows off the "Peanuts" gang doing what they do best: Lucy is bossy, Snoopy is crazy, Linus is sweet, and Pig Pen is, well, filthy. Instead of using adult actors trying to sound like kids, the production features real children providing the voices, an endearing effect. The jazz music score, composed by Vince Guaraldi, has become a classic in its own right; like so much about this program, it's an unexpected but perfectly right choice. —Robert Horton

Bill Melendez This half-hour Christmas show is one of the truly lovable animated specials in TV history, a status proved by its annual network telecast since 1965. A Charlie Brown Christmas was the first, and best, of a series of programs based on the Charles M. Schulz cartoon strip "Peanuts." Hapless hero Charlie Brown finds himself depressed at Christmastime, searching for the true meaning of the holiday amidst the glitz and commercialism of the modern age. Appointed director of the school holiday pageant, Charlie Brown ventures out with Linus to buy "a great, big, shiny aluminum Christmas tree." Instead they bring back a miserable tree—a real one. A Charlie Brown Christmas shows off the "Peanuts" gang doing what they do best: Lucy is bossy, Snoopy is crazy, Linus is sweet, and Pig Pen is, well, filthy. Instead of using adult actors trying to sound like kids, the production features real children providing the voices, an endearing effect. The jazz music score, composed by Vince Guaraldi, has become a classic in its own right; like so much about this program, it's an unexpected but perfectly right choice. —Robert Horton

Rob Marshall Based on the broadway musical two women convicted of murder in the 1920s become celebrities by manipulating the media. Studio: Buena Vista Home Video Release Date: 01/12/2007 Starring: Renee Zellweger Richard Gere Run time: 113 minutes Rating: Pg13 Director: Rob Marshall

Ken Hughes This 1968 kiddie-car caper is flawed but solid family fare. It retains a quaint charm while some of the songs—including the title tune—are quite hummable. A huge plus is Dick Van Dyke, who is extremely appealing as an eccentric inventor around the turn of the century. With nimble fingers and a unique way of looking at the world, he invents for his children a magic car that floats and flies. Or does he? The special effects are tame by today's standards, and the film is about 20 minutes too long—but its enthusiasm charms. The script was cowritten by Roald Dahl and based on the novel by Ian Fleming, best known for his James Bond adventures. —Rochelle O'Gorman

Dave Gardener, David Mallet Cirque du soleil takes one of its most popular shows quidam out from under the big top and brings it into the home to enjoy forever. Featuring some of the most awe-inspiring acrobatics ever seen quidam is an unforgettable experience whether youre seeing it for the first time or reliving the wonder and magic. Studio: Sony Pictures Home Ent Release Date: 09/23/2008 Run time: 90 minutes Rating: Nr Director: Franco Dragone

Charles A. Nichols, Riley Thomson, Wilfred Jackson Studio: Buena Vista Home Video Release Date: 04/11/2006 Run time: 57 minutes

Saturday Morning - you've got your cereal you're wearing your favorite pajamas and it's going to be at least two hours before mom and dad get outta bed... you're only missing one thing - Cartoons!!! Never before have so many fantastic cartoons been put together into one great set! With Superman Popeye Mighty Mouse Woody Woodpecker and many more! This double sided DVD is sure to entertain kids and parents alike for countless Saturday mornings to come.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: CHILDREN/FAMILY Rating: PG UPC: 787364502998 Manufacturer No: 45029-9

Gene Hackman, Margot Kidder, Christopher Reeve With great aplomb—and the tag line "You'll Believe a Man Can Fly"—DC Comics' Superman met with movie magic in 1978. The film featured Oscar-winning flying effects, John Williams's soaring music, and an innovative title sequence, and audiences ate it up, along with its thrilling sequel. Director Richard Donner's casting of the then-unknown Christopher Reeve couldn't have been better—the towering Reeve fit the suit and cape masterfully, but his real weapon was making the bumbling Clark Kent into an endearing leading man instead of the dry counterpoint to the Man of Steel that Kent had been in earlier film versions. Although most critics lean toward Richard Lester's Superman II (1980) as the series high point, which offered an endearing love story between the Man of Steel and Lois Lane (Margot Kidder), Donner's first film also deserves just praise in setting the old-fashioned cornball tone for the series and providing Superman's backstory from planet Krypton (featuring a high-priced Marlon Brando as Superman's father). The last two sequels lose much of the magic: 1983's Superman III seems to have been produced only to showcase red-hot comic Richard Pryor as a computer hack turned supervillain, and Reeve himself came up with the story line for 1987's Superman IV: The Quest for Peace, a silly attempt to impart a meaningful message of nuclear disarmament. Throughout the films, the supporting cast is first-rate, with old pros like Valerie Perrine, Jackie Cooper, and Ned Beatty having a grand old time. Even better are the villains, especially Terence Stamp as General Zod and Gene Hackman in his lightest, funniest work ever as Lex Luthor. —Doug Thomas

Robert Zemeckis Ellie arroway receives a radio message from the distant star vega from an unknown extraterrestrial source. Contained within the message are blueprints for a machine for intergalactic travel capable of transporting its passenger to deep space. Studio: Warner Home Video Release Date: 09/27/2005 Starring: Jodie Foster James Woods Run time: 150 minutes Rating: Pg Director: Robert Zemeckis

Studio: Warner Home Video Release Date: 12/09/2008 Run time: 151 minutes Rating: Pg13

Lee Tamahori Studio: Tcfhe/mgm Release Date: 10/26/2007

Ben Washam This all-time classic now has Horton Hears a Who! on the same video for a great double bill.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas
To heck with the kids—this is one of the best holiday presents you can give yourself. Adapted from the children's book by Dr. Seuss, this charming story is one to watch every holiday season. It is just edgy enough to help you forget the more cloying aspects of Christmas, yet it is also sweet enough to remind you of the reason for all that holiday cheer. Animation genius Chuck Jones directed this 1966 television production featuring the voice of Boris Karloff as the mean greenie. Bitter and selfish, the Grinch decides to steal Christmas away from the Whos, the sweet little folk who live at the bottom of his mountain home. When little Cindy Loo Who returns his hateful act with kindness, she melts the old miser's heart. There are many reasons to watch this: inventive wordplay, Karloff's impressive narration, and a very memorable soundtrack. —Rochelle O'Gorman

Horton Hears a Who!
Chuck Jones was chief animator on this lively adaptation of the famous book by Dr. Seuss. The story of a friendly elephant named Horton who discovers—deep inside a daisy—a tiny city called Whoville with tiny, intelligent residents—this film (fleshed out a bit from the source) is strong on character and has striking, appealing visuals. The little folks of Whoville, with their natural air of aristocracy, are a kick, and when they come to see Horton as a hero for his democratic view of all life big and small, the effect is quite touching. This should be a real treat for kids already familiar with the book, and just might inspire those who haven't read it to pick it up. —Tom Keogh

Rob Cohen In the closing paragraph of his 1996 review of Dragonheart, noted critic Roger Ebert summed up this adventurous fantasy quite nicely: "While no reasonable person over the age of 12 would presumably be able to take it seriously, there is nevertheless a lighthearted joy to it, a cheerfulness, an insouciance, that recalls the days when movies were content to be fun." That's precisely the quality that makes Dragonheart so appealing, despite the fact that it didn't exactly take flight and breathe fire at the box office. The movie takes itself seriously without sacrificing the wit and cleverness that make it so entertaining. It's about the last of the great dragon slayers, Bowen (Dennis Quaid), who teams up with the last of the great dragons, Draco (and voiced by Sean Connery), after they realize that killing each other would put them both out of business! So they devise a bogus dragon-slaying act that's a huge hit as they tour from village to village. Later, they must rouse the peasantry against the loutish Prince Einon (David Thewlis), whose life was once saved by Draco, but who now violates the "Old Code" of honor with a ruthless reign of terror. As Ebert rightly noted, Dragonheart is no masterpiece, and its story (which was originally conceived as a darker, more serious drama) isn't likely to capture everyone's heart (dragon or otherwise). But it's full of exciting action, witty dialogue, and gallant heroism, and in the presentation of a realistic talking dragon it's a milestone in computer-generated special effects, far surpassing the breakthroughs of Jurassic Park three years earlier. —Jeff Shannon.

Newhart, Bob Elf is genuinely good. Not just Saturday Night Live-movie good, when the movie has some funny bits but is basically an insult to humanity; Elf is a smartly written, skillfully directed, and deftly acted story of a human being adopted by Christmas elves who returns to the human world to find his father. And because the writing, directing, and acting are all genuinely good, Elf is also genuinely funny. Will Ferrell, as Buddy the adopted elf, is hysterically sincere. James Caan, as his rediscovered father, executes his surly dumbfoundedness with perfect aplomb. Zooey Deschanel, as a department store worker with whom Buddy falls in love, is adorably sardonic. Director Jon Favreau (Swingers) shepherds the movie through all the obligatory Christmas cliches and focuses on material that's sometimes subtle and consistently surprising. Frankly, Elf feels miraculous. Also featuring Mary Steenburgen, Bob Newhart, Peter Dinklage, and Ed Asner as Santa Claus. —Bret Fetzer

Pamela Ziegenhagen-Shefland, Mark Dindal Originally developed as an epic called Kingdom of the Sun, The Emperor's New Groove lost scale and most of Sting's song score (some of which can be heard on the soundtrack) on its way to the screen. The end result is the lightest Disney film in many a moon, a joyous romp akin to Aladdin in its quotient of laughs for kids and adults. The original story centers on the spoiled teenage emperor Kuzco (David Spade), who enjoys getting the best of his Aztecan subjects. When he fires Yzma (Eartha Kitt), his evil sorceress, she seeks revenge and turns Kuzco into a llama with the help of her hunk of the month, a lunk named Kronk (Patrick Warburton). Alone in the jungle, the talking llama is befriended by Pacha (John Goodman), who has just been told to vacate his pastoral home by the human Kuzco. What's an ego to do? That's pretty much the story and the characters—simple, direct, fun—a Disney film on a diet. For any fan of the acidic humor of Spade, this is essential viewing. As narrator of his tale, Kuzco uses a sarcastic tone to keep the story jumping with plenty of fun asides (he even "stops" the film at one point to make sure you know the story is about him). Even better is character actor Warburton (Elaine's stuck-up boyfriend on Seinfeld), who steals every scene as the dim-witted, but oh-so-likable Kronk. There's even a delicious Tom Jones number that starts the film off with a bang. —Doug Thomas

Stanton, Andrew A delightful undersea world unfolds in Pixar's animated adventure Finding Nemo. When his son Nemo is captured by a scuba-diver, a nervous-nellie clownfish named Marlin (voiced by Albert Brooks) sets off into the vast—and astonishingly detailed—ocean to find him. Along the way he hooks up with a scatterbrained blue tang fish named Dory (Ellen DeGeneres), who's both helpful and a hindrance, sometimes at the same time. Faced with sharks, deep-sea anglers, fields of poisonous jellyfish, sea turtles, pelicans, and much more, Marlin rises above his neuroses in this wonderfully funny and nonstop thrill ride—rarely does more than 10 minutes pass without a sequence destined to become a theme park attraction. Pixar continues its run of impeccable artistic and economic success (their movies include Toy Story, A Bug's Life, Toy Story 2, and Monsters, Inc). Also featuring the voices of Willem Dafoe, Geoffrey Rush, and Allison Janney. —Bret Fetzer

Joss Whedon, Tim Minear, Vern Gillum Studio: Tcfhe Release Date: 01/13/2009

John H. Venzon, Eric Dapkewicz, Henry Anderson, David Bowers, Sam Fell The story of an uptown rat that gets flushed down the toilet from his penthouse apartment ending in the seewers of london where he has to learn a whole new & different way of life. Studio: Paramount Home Video Release Date: 08/21/2007 Starring: Hugh Jackman Ian Mckellen Run time: 84 minutes Rating: Pg

Jon Gregory, Mike Newell A surprise hit and one of the highest grossing films ever to come out of Great Britain, this effortlessly enchanting romantic comedy finds confirmed bachelor Hugh Grant (Nine Months) attending weddings with his single friends as they all lament not being able to commit. Grant keeps running into an attractive American (Andie MacDowell) at these festivities and begins a long-running affair with her, even as he attends her own wedding, the funeral of one of his best friends, and his own pending nuptials. Featuring a spirited supporting cast including Kristin Scott Thomas (The English Patient) as the acerbic friend quietly in love with Grant, this touching and funny film with a mischievous sense of humor and some truly heartbreaking moments is destined to become one of the classic romantic comedies of all time. —Robert Lane

Jim Henson, Douglas Williams, Eric Till, George Bloomfield, Les Rose The adventures of a group of furry creatures called Fraggles who live in an underground home called Fraggle Rock, and their neighbors the Doozers, and the Gorgs.
Genre: Television
Rating: NR
Release Date: 6-SEP-2005
Media Type: DVD

David Dobkin After ending up in jail fred is given the opportunity to redeem himself by working in his brother nicholas workshop. With christmas fast approaching & fred threatening to sideline nicholas entire finely tuned operation fred finds out just how far it is until santa reaches his breaking point. Studio: Warner Home Video Release Date: 11/25/2008 Starring: Vince Vaughn Paul Giamatti Run time: 116 minutes Rating: Pg

Simon Wincer A 12 year old street kid. A 3 ton killer whale. A friendship you could never imagine. An adventure youll never forget. Studio: Warner Home Video Release Date: 12/09/2008 Starring: Lori Petty Michael Madsen Run time: 112 minutes Rating: Pg Director: Simon Wincer

Jules Bass, Arthur Rankin Jr., Bill Melendez, Evert Brown Jimmy Durante narrates this Christmas story that is based on the song of the same name. To make up for the fact that her students are in school on Christmas Eve, the local schoolteacher hires the magician Professor Hinkle to entertain the kids. Unfortunately, he's not a very good magician. Frustrated in his attempt to pull a rabbit out of his hat, he throws it away in anger. Outside, the kids build a snowman (what to call it? Harold? Oatmeal? Frosty!), and when the hat blows onto it, the snowman comes to life. Professor Hinkle decides he wants the hat back so he can make money off of its newfound magical properties, but the kids want to save Frosty. When the temperature starts to rise, a new problem threatens Frosty's existence. Karen, the leader of the children, comes up with a plan to save him: take him on a train to the North Pole, where it's always cold. With a cameo by Santa Claus and the promise of Frosty's return every year, this story of life, death, and holiday cheer is glazed with the sweet frosting of hope and happiness. A true holiday classic. —Andy Spletzer

Richard Francis-Bruce, Mark Steven Johnson Once intended as a feature for Johnny Depp, the long-germinating feature film adaptation of Marvel Comics' cult title Ghost Rider stars Nicolas Cage as motorcyclist Johnny Blaze, who transforms into a skull-faced angel of vengeance to battle the forces of evil. Though perhaps a bit too mature for the role, Cage brings a degree of humor to the outrageous proceedings; he's well matched by the Easy Rider himself Peter Fonda, amusingly cast as Mephistopheles, the demon with whom Blaze strikes a bargain to save his father, and in turn, causes his transformation into Ghost Rider. Wes Bentley is also fine as Blackheart, the rebellious offspring of Mephistopheles, and Blazes' chief opponent in the film. They're joined by a solid supporting cast which includes Donal Logue, Eva Mendes, and Sam Elliott, but their participation and a relentless barrage of CGI effects can't hide the fact that the story itself, though largely faithful to its comic origins, is rife with clichéd characterizations and glum B-movie dialogue. Fans of the venerable title may cry foul over this adaptation (as they did over helmer Mark Steven Johnson's previous comic-to-movie feature, Daredevil), but less stringent viewers may enjoy the fiery visuals and Cage's typically quirky performance. —Paul Gaita

Stills from Ghost Rider (click for larger image)

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Beyond Ghost Rider on Amazon.com

On Blu-ray
CD Soundtrack
Ghost Rider: Road To Damnation

Graphic Novels

Studio: Sony Pictures Home Ent Release Date: 08/02/2005

Randal Kleiser Riding the strange '50s nostalgia wave that swept through America during the late 1970s (caused by TV shows like Happy Days and films like American Graffiti), Grease became not only the word in 1978, but also a box-office smash and a cultural phenomenon. Twenty years later, this entertaining film adaptation of the Broadway musical received another successful theatrical release, which included visual remastering and a shiny new Dolby soundtrack. In this 2002 DVD release, Grease lovers can also now see it in the correct 2:35 to 1 Panavision aspect ratio, and see retrospective interviews with cast members and director Randal Kleiser. All these stylistic touches are essential to the film's success. Without the vibrant colors, unforgettably campy and catchy tunes (like "Greased Lightning," "Summer Nights," and "You're the One That I Want"), and fabulously choreographed, widescreen musical numbers, the film would have to rely on a silly, cliché-filled plot that we've seen hundreds of times. As it is, the episodic story about the romantic dilemmas experienced by a group of graduating high school seniors remains fresh, fun, and incredibly imaginative.

The young, animated cast also deserves a lot of credit, bringing chemistry and energy to otherwise bland material. John Travolta, straight from his success in Saturday Night Fever, knows his sexual star power and struts, swaggers, sings, and dances appropriately, while Olivia Newton-John's portrayal of virgin innocence is the only decent acting she's ever done. And then there's Stockard Channing, spouting sexual double-entendres as Rizzo, the bitchy, raunchy leader of the Pink Ladies, who steals the film from both of its stars. Ignore the sequel at all costs. —Dave McCoy

Under a thick carpet of green-dyed yak fur and wonderfully expressive Rick Baker makeup, Jim Carrey is up to all of his old tricks (and some nifty new ones) in this live-action movie of Dr. Seuss's holiday classic. He commands the title role with equal parts madness, mayhem, pathos, and improvisational genius, channeling Grinchness through his own screen persona so smoothly that fans of both Carrey and Dr. Seuss will be thoroughly satisfied. Adding to the fun is a perfectly pitched back-story sequence (accompanied by Anthony Hopkins's narration) that explains how the Grinch came to hate Christmas, with a heart "two sizes too small." Ron Howard proves a fine choice for the director's chair with a keen balance of comedy, sentiment, and light-hearted Seussian whimsy. Production designer Michael Corenblith gloriously realizes the wackiness of Whoville architecture, and his rendition of the Grinch's Mt. Crumpit lair is a marvel of cartoonish, subterranean grime. Then there's Cindy Lou Who (Taylor Momsen), the thoughtful imp who rallies her village to recapture the pure spirit of Christmas and melts the gift-stealing Grinch's cold, cold heart. You've even got a dog (the Grinch's good-natured mongrel, Max) who's been perfectly cast, so what's not to like about this dazzling yuletide movie? The production gets a bit overwhelmed by its own ambition, and the citizens of Whoville (including Jeffrey Tambor, Christine Baranski, Molly Shannon, and Bill Irwin) pale in comparison to Carrey's inspired lunacy, but who cares? If a movie can unleash Jim Carrey at his finest, revamp the Grinch story, and still pay tribute to the legacy of Dr. Seuss, you can bet it qualifies as rousing entertainment. (Ages 5 and older.) —Jeff Shannon

Chris Columbus First sequels are the true test of an enduring movie franchise, and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets passes with flying colors. Expanding upon the lavish sets, special effects, and grand adventure of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Harry's second year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry involves a darker, more malevolent tale (parents with younger children beware), beginning with the petrified bodies of several Hogwarts students and magical clues leading Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron (Rupert Grint), and Hermione (Emma Watson) to a 50-year-old mystery in the monster-laden Chamber of Secrets. House elves, squealing mandrakes, giant spiders, and venomous serpents populate this loyal adaptation (by Sorcerer's Stone director Chris Columbus and screenwriter Steve Kloves), and Kenneth Branagh delightfully tops the supreme supporting cast as the vainglorious charlatan Gilderoy Lockhart (be sure to view past the credits for a visual punchline at Lockhart's expense). At 161 minutes, the film suffers from lack of depth and uneven pacing, and John Williams' score mostly reprises established themes. The young, fast-growing cast offers ample compensation, however, as does the late Richard Harris in his final screen appearance as Professor Albus Dumbledore. Brimming with cleverness, wonderment, and big-budget splendor, Chamber honors the legacy of J.K. Rowling's novels. —Jeff Shannon

Mike Newell When harrys name emerges from the goblet of fire he becomes a competitor in a grueling battle among 3 wizarding schools - the triwizard tournament. But since harry never submitted his name for the tournament who did? now harry must confront a deadly dragon fierce water demons & enchanted maze. Studio: Warner Home Video Release Date: 08/19/2008 Starring: Daniel Radcliffe Rupert Grint Run time: 157 minutes Rating: Pg13

Studio: Warner Home Video Release Date: 05/06/2008 Rating: Pg13

Steven Weisberg, Alfonso Cuarón Some movie-loving wizards must have cast a magic spell on Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, because it's another grand slam for the Harry Potter franchise. Demonstrating remarkable versatility after the arthouse success of Y Tu Mamá También, director Alfonso Cuarón proves a perfect choice to guide Harry, Hermione, and Ron into treacherous puberty as the now 13-year-old students at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry face a new and daunting challenge: Sirius Black (Gary Oldman) has escaped from Azkaban prison, and for reasons yet unknown (unless, of course, you've read J.K. Rowling's book, considered by many to be the best in the series), he's after Harry in a bid for revenge. This dark and dangerous mystery drives the action while Harry (the fast-growing Daniel Radcliffe) and his third-year Hogwarts classmates discover the flying hippogriff Buckbeak (a marvelous CGI creature), the benevolent but enigmatic Professor Lupin (David Thewlis), horrifying black-robed Dementors, sneaky Peter Pettigrew (Timothy Spall), and the wonderful advantage of having a Time-Turner just when you need one. The familiar Hogwarts staff returns in fine form (including the delightful Michael Gambon, replacing the late Richard Harris as Dumbledore, and Emma Thompson as the goggle-eyed Sybil Trelawney), and even Julie Christie joins this prestigious production for a brief but welcome cameo. Technically dazzling, fast-paced, and chock-full of Rowling's boundless imagination (loyally adapted by ace screenwriter Steve Kloves), The Prisoner of Azkaban is a Potter-movie classic. —Jeff Shannon

Chris Columbus Studio: Warner Home Video Release Date: 01/29/2008 Rating: Pg

Robert Stevenson, Vincent McEveety Herbie the love bug herbie rides again herbie in monte carlo herbie goes bananas Studio: Buena Vista Home Video Release Date: 05/03/2005

Studio: Lions Gate Home Ent. Release Date: 05/22/2007 Run time: 109 minutes Rating: R

Andy Tennant Will Smith's easygoing charm makes Hitch the kind of pleasant, uplifting romantic comedy that you could recommend to almost anyone—especially if there's romance in the air. As suave Manhattan dating consultant Alex "Hitch" Hitchens, Smith plays up the smoother, sophisticated side of his established screen persona as he mentors a pudgy accountant (Kevin James) on the lessons of love. The joke, of course, is that Hitch's own love life is a mess, and as he coaches James toward romance with a rich, powerful, and seemingly inaccessible beauty named Allegra (Amber Valetta), he's trying too hard to impress a savvy gossip columnist (Eva Mendes) with whom he's fallen in love. Through mistaken identities and mismatched couples, director Andy Tennant brings the same light touch that made Drew Barrymore's Ever After so effortlessly engaging. As romantic comedies go, Hitch doesn't offer any big surprises, but as a date movie it gets the job done with amiable ease and style. —Jeff Shannon

Chris Wedge Just as A Bug's Life was a computer-animated comedy inspired by Akira Kurosawa's The Seven Samurai, the funny and often enthralling Ice Age is a digital re-imagining of the Western Three Godfathers. The heroes of this unofficial remake (set 20,000 years ago, during the titular Paleolithic era) are a taciturn mastodon named Manfred (voiced by Ray Romano), an annoying sloth named Sid (John Leguizamo), and a duplicitous saber-toothed tiger, Diego (Denis Leary). The unlikely team encounters a dying, human mother who relinquishes her chirpy toddler to the care of these critters. Hoping, against all odds, to return the little guy to his migrating tribe, Manfred and his associates need to establish trust among themselves, not an easy thing in a harsh world of predators, prey, and pushy glaciers. Audiences that have become accustomed to the rounded, polished, storybook look of Pixar's house brand of computer animation (Monsters, Inc.) will find the blunt edges and chilly brilliance of Ice Age—evoking the harsh, dangerous environment of a frozen world—a wholly different, and equally pleasing, trip. Recommended for ages 4 and up. —Tom Keogh

Donald Tait, Arthur Lubin Milquetoast henry limpet experiences his fondest wish and is transformed into a fish. As a talking fish he assists the us navy in hunting german submarines during world war ii. Studio: Warner Home Video Release Date: 08/09/2005 Starring: Don Knotts Paul Frees Run time: 102 minutes Rating: Nr Director: Arthur Lubin

After creating the last great traditionally animated film of the 20th century, The Iron Giant, filmmaker Brad Bird joined top-drawer studio Pixar to create this exciting, completely entertaining computer-animated film. Bird gives us a family of "supers," a brood of five with special powers desperately trying to fit in with the 9-to-5 suburban lifestyle. Of course, in a more innocent world, Bob and Helen Parr were superheroes, Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl. But blasted lawsuits and public disapproval forced them and other supers to go incognito, making it even tougher for their school-age kids, the shy Violet and the aptly named Dash. When a stranger named Mirage (voiced by Elizabeth Pena) secretly recruits Bob for a potential mission, the old glory days spin in his head, even if his body is a bit too plump for his old super suit.

Bird has his cake and eats it, too. He and the Pixar wizards send up superhero and James Bond movies while delivering a thrilling, supercool action movie that rivals Spider-Man 2 for 2004's best onscreen thrills. While it's just as funny as the previous Pixar films, The Incredibles has a far wider-ranging emotional palette (it's Pixar's first PG film). Bird takes several jabs, including some juicy commentary on domestic life ("It's not graduation, he's moving from the fourth to fifth grade!").

The animated Parrs look and act a bit like the actors portraying them, Craig T. Nelson and Holly Hunter. Samuel L. Jackson and Jason Lee also have a grand old time as, respectively, superhero Frozone and bad guy Syndrome. Nearly stealing the show is Bird himself, voicing the eccentric designer of superhero outfits ("No capes!"), Edna Mode.

Nominated for four Oscars, The Incredibles won for Best Animated Film and, in an unprecedented win for non-live-action films, Sound Editing.

The Presentation
This two-disc set is (shall we say it?), incredible. The digital-to-digital transfer pops off the screen and the 5.1 Dolby sound will knock the socks off most systems. But like any superhero, it has an Achilles heel. This marks the first Pixar release that doesn't include both the widescreen and full-screen versions in the same DVD set, which was a great bargaining chip for those cinephiles who still want a full-frame presentation for other family members. With a 2.39:1 widescreen ratio (that's big black bars, folks, à la Dr. Zhivago), a few more viewers may decide to go with the full-frame presentation. Fortunately, Pixar reformats their full-frame presentation so the action remains in frame.

The Extras
The most-repeated segments will be the two animated shorts. Newly created for this DVD is the hilarious "Jack-Jack Attack," filling the gap in the film during which the Parr baby is left with the talkative babysitter, Kari. "Boundin'," which played in front of the film theatrically, was created by Pixar character designer Bud Luckey. This easygoing take on a dancing sheep gets better with multiple viewings (be sure to watch the featurette on the short).

Brad Bird still sounds like a bit of an outsider in his commentary track, recorded before the movie opened. Pixar captain John Lasseter brought him in to shake things up, to make sure the wildly successful studio would not get complacent. And while Bird is certainly likable, he does not exude Lasseter's teddy-bear persona. As one animator states, "He's like strong coffee; I happen to like strong coffee." Besides a resilient stance to be the best, Bird threw in an amazing number of challenges, most of which go unnoticed unless you delve into the 70 minutes of making-of features plus two commentary tracks (Bird with producer John Walker, the other from a dozen animators). We hear about the numerous sets, why you go to "the Spaniards" if you're dealing with animation physics, costume problems (there's a reason why previous Pixar films dealt with single- or uncostumed characters), and horror stories about all that animated hair. Bird's commentary throws out too many names of the animators even after he warns himself not to do so, but it's a lively enough time. The animator commentary is of greatest interest to those interested in the occupation.

There is a 30-minute segment on deleted scenes with temporary vocals and crude drawings, including a new opening (thankfully dropped). The "secret files" contain a "lost" animated short from the superheroes' glory days. This fake cartoon (Frozone and Mr. Incredible are teamed with a pink bunny) wears thin, but play it with the commentary track by the two superheroes and it's another sharp comedy sketch. There are also NSA "files" on the other superheroes alluded to in the film with dossiers and curiously fun sound bits. "Vowellet" is the only footage about the well-known cast (there aren't even any obligatory shots of the cast recording their lines). Author/cast member Sarah Vowell (NPR's This American Life) talks about her first foray into movie voice-overs—daughter Violet—and the unlikelihood of her being a superhero. The feature is unlike anything we've seen on a Disney or Pixar DVD extra, but who else would consider Abe Lincoln an action figure? —Doug Thomas

More Incredibles at Amazon.com

The Incredibles Toy Store
CD Soundtrack
The Art of The Incredibles Book
Game Boy Advance
On VHS
The Essential Guide Book

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The Pixar Feature Films

Toy Story, 1995A Bug's Life, 1998Toy Story 2, 1999Monsters, Inc., 2001Finding Nemo, 2003The Incredibles, 2004

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Roland Emmerich In Independence Day, a scientist played by Jeff Goldblum once actually had a fistfight with a man (Bill Pullman) who is now president of the United States. That same president, late in the film, personally flies a jet fighter to deliver a payload of missiles against an attack by extraterrestrials. Independence Day is the kind of movie so giddy with its own outrageousness that one doesn't even blink at such howlers in the plot. Directed by Roland Emmerich, Independence Day is a pastiche of conventions from flying-saucer movies from the 1940s and 1950s, replete with icky monsters and bizarre coincidences that create convenient shortcuts in the story. (Such as the way the girlfriend of one of the film's heroes—played by Will Smith—just happens to run across the president's injured wife, who are then both rescued by Smith's character who somehow runs across them in alien-ravaged Los Angeles County.) The movie is just sheer fun, aided by a cast that knows how to balance the retro requirements of the genre with a more contemporary feel. —Tom Keogh

Jon Favreau Studio: Paramount Home Video Release Date: 09/30/2008 Run time: 126 minutes Rating: Pg13

. Arguing With Myself, a recorded live performance of ventriloquist Jeff Dunham, portrays a comedian whose revival of an old-fashioned art has made ventriloquism more relevant to modern societal concerns. Starring his six main characters, from Bubba Jay, a Nascar-obsessed hick, to Peanut, a flamboyant gay monkey, Dunham's puppets have dirty but relatively inoffensive senses of humor that mock the American Dream. One can easily see why Jay Leno champions Dunham, as his skits contain a similar sly sarcasm disguised as wholesome teasing aimed at men indebted to their ugly wives, for example, or people who live their lives working in cubicles. At times, though, Dunham's humor seems to lose its ironic distance, especially as he interacts with puppets like Jose Jalapeño, a Cuban chile pepper, or Sweet Daddy D, a Black pimp, both reliant on the antiquated humor once popularized in cartoons by racial caricature. Since the entire audience in the film is white, it is difficult to assess whether or not African-Americans or Latinos would find Dunham funny. In other words, Dunham's humor isn't overtly offensive enough to make fun of ethnic heritage. However, his skills as a ventriloquist alone make him a fascinating entertainer, and anyone interested in how puppetry and ventriloquism has progressed over the decades would benefit from watching Dunham bring life to his wooden friends. —Trinie Dalton

Dave Harrison, Michael Simon Jeff Dunham and his socially reckless "suitcase posse" are back in this highly anticipated follow-up to Arguing with Myself, his breakthrough television special and multi-platinum selling DVD release! What's next?

An ALL NEW show that is Bigger... Better... and Funnier than ever!

This time, Dunham welcomes two never-before-seen partners "Achmed the Dead Terrorist," and "Melvin the Superhero." Long-time favorites "Peanut," "Walter" and Jose Jalapeno...On a STEEK! are back in an entirely original show for everyone!

Taped at the historic Warner Theater in Washington D.C., this sold out concert is twice the length of the Comedy Central broadcast, with exclusive extras, featuring "The Making of Melvin," "What Would You Put on a Stick?" and a surprise political announcement from Walter!

"Spark of Insanity" is the ultimate event special from one of comedy's most inventive minds.

Joe Johnston Studio: Sony Pictures Home Ent Release Date: 11/08/2005 Run time: 105 minutes Rating: Pg

Steven Spielberg Steven Spielberg's 1993 mega-hit rivals Jaws as the most intense and frightening film he'd ever made prior to Schindler's List, but it was also among his weakest stories. Based on Michael Crichton's novel about an island amusement park populated by cloned dinosaurs, the film works best as a thrill ride with none of the interesting human dynamics of Spielberg's Jaws. That lapse proves unfortunate, but there's no shortage of raw terror as a rampaging T-rex and nasty raptors try to make fast food out of the cast. The effects are still astonishing (despite the fact that the computer-generated technology has since been improved upon) and at times primeval, such as the sight of a herd of whatever-they-are scampering through a valley. —Tom Keogh

Joe Johnston Surpassing expectations to qualify as an above-average sequel, Jurassic Park III is nothing more or less than a satisfying popcorn adventure. A little cheesier than the first two Jurassic blockbusters, it's a big B movie with big B-list stars (including Laura Dern, briefly reprising her Jurassic Park role), and eight years of advancing computer-generated-image technology give it a sharp edge over its predecessors. While adopting the jungle spirit of King Kong, the movie refines Michael Crichton's original premise, and its dinosaurs are even more realistic, their behavior more detailed, and their variety—including flying pteranodons and a new villain, the spinosaurus—more dazzling and threatening than ever. These advancements justify the sequel, and its contrived plot is just clever enough to span 90 minutes without wearing out its welcome.

Posing as wealthy tourists, an adventurous couple (William H. Macy, Téa Leoni) convince paleontologist Alan Grant (Sam Neill) and his protégé (Allesandro Nivola) to act as tour guides on a flyover trip to Isla Sorna, the ill-fated "Site B" where all hell broke loose in The Lost World: Jurassic Park. In truth, they're on a search-and-rescue mission to find their missing son (Trevor Morgan), and their plane crash is just the first of several enjoyably suspenseful sequences. Director Joe Johnston (October Sky) embraces the formulaic plot as a series of atmospheric set pieces, placing new and familiar dinosaurs in misty rainforests, fiery lakes, and mysterious valleys, turning JP3 into a thrill ride with impressive highlights (including a T. rex versus spinosaurus smack-down), adequate doses of wry humor (from the cowriters of Election), and an upbeat ending that's corny but appropriate, proving that the symptoms of sequelitis needn't be fatal. —Jeff Shannon

Jim Henson Sarah (a teenage Jennifer Connelly) rehearses the role of a fairy-tale queen, performing for her stuffed animals. She is about to discover that the time has come to leave her childhood behind. In real life she has to baby-sit her brother and contend with parents who don't understand her at all. Her petulance leads her to call the goblins to take the baby away, but when they actually do, she realizes her responsibility to rescue him. Sarah negotiates the Labyrinth to reach the City of the Goblins and the castle of their king. The king is the only other human in the film and is played by a glam-rocking David Bowie, who performs five of his songs. The rest of the cast are puppets, a wonderful array of Jim Henson's imaginative masterpieces. Henson gives credit to children's author and illustrator Maurice Sendak, and the creatures in the movie will remind Sendak fans of his drawings. The castle of the king is a living M.C. Escher set that adults will enjoy. The film combines the highest standards of art, costume, and set decoration. Like executive producer George Lucas's other fantasies, Labyrinth mixes adventure with lessons about growing up. —Lloyd Chesley

Clyde Geronimi, Hamilton Luske, Wilfred Jackson It's still one of the sweetest kisses onscreen, up there with Bergman and Grant, Bogey and Bacall: the moment when pampered purebred Lady and streetwise mongrel Tramp, sharing a moonlit plate of spaghetti in an alley behind an Italian café, unknowingly slurp the same strand, and suddenly find their mouths meeting in surprise and tenderness. Ah, puppy love. Lady and the Tramp is a delight of animation and surprisingly deep character development, given that the stars are all dogs. Lady, an adorable Cocker Spaniel, feels neglected when her owners become distracted by the pending birth of a baby. But the last straw is clueless Aunt Sarah's appearance with her conniving Siamese cats (among Disney's most creatively evil villains), who wreak havoc on Lady's blissful home life. Soon Lady is off on an adventure in the streets, where the savvy Tramp takes her under his paw. The lessons of friendship and loyalty, of integrity—not to mention trusting in the kindness of strangers—ring true to delighted children and adults alike. And unlike many Disney films, there's no real violence, only challenges that smart dogs (including a tough-talking vamp named Peg, voiced sublimely by Peggy Lee, who also wrote the songs), banding together, can tackle. The animation is terrific; the scene where we first meet Tramp shows him rinsing off under a pipe, and his subsequent shaking-off of the water follows the detailed rippling up and down his back that any dog lover will recognize. And is there any song more romantic than "Bella Notte"? Bellissima! —A.T. Hurley

A giant crocodile begins to eat tourists at a lake resort.
Genre: Feature Film-Action/Adventure
Rating: R
Release Date: 14-DEC-2004
Media Type: DVD

Stephen Norrington Allan quartermain leads a team of extraordinary figures to battle the technological madman known as the fantom. The league includes seafarer/inventor captain nemo vampiress mina harker invisible rodney skinner american spy tom sawyer the immortal dorian gray the deadly split personality of dr. Jekyll/mr.Hyde Studio: Tcfhe Release Date: 12/19/2006 Starring: Sean Connery Peta Wilson Run time: 110 minutes Rating: Pg13 Director: Stephen Norrington

Richard Pearce LEAP OF FAITH stars Steve Martin as Jonas Nightengale, a fraudulent faith healer who makes a living visiting small towns and giving hope in the form of prayer. Aided by his no nonsense manager, Jane (Winger), Jonas sets up his tent in a small suburb of Kansas where he soon learns that their hidden mikes, cameras and computers can't fool the neighborhood sheriff (Neeson). But, when Jonas is touched by a local waitress (Davidovich) and her disabled son Boyd (Haas), he learns something new about truth and what real miracles are made of.

Roger Allers, Rob Minkoff Not an ideal choice for younger kids, this hip and violent animated feature from Disney was nevertheless a huge smash in theaters and on video, and it continues to enjoy life in an acclaimed Broadway production. The story finds a lion cub, son of a king, sent into exile after his father is sabotaged by a rivalrous uncle. The little hero finds his way into the "circle of life" with some new friends and eventually comes back to reclaim his proper place. Characters are very strong, vocal performances by the likes of Jeremy Irons, Nathan Lane, and Whoopi Goldberg are terrific, the jokes are aimed as much (if not more) at adults than kids, the animation is sometimes breathtaking, and the music is more palatable than in many Disney features. But be cautious: this is too intense for the Rugrat crowd. —Tom Keogh

How good-looking is the DVD restoration of Disney's popular animated film? Take a look at the serviceable but dull film clips incorporated in the plethora of extras and compare them to the vivid gorgeousness of the film presentation. This "special edition" also adds a 90-second song ("Morning Report") that originated in the lavish stage musical. To Disney's credit, the original theatrical version is also included, both restored and featuring two 5.1 soundtracks: Dolby Digital and a new Disney Enhanced Home Theater Mix, which does sound brighter. As with the Disney Platinum line, everything is thrown into the discs, except an outsider's voice (the rah-rahs of Disney grow tiresome at times). The excellent commentary from the directors and producer, originally on the laser disc, is hidden under the audio set-up menu.

The second disc is organized by 20-minute-ish "journeys" tackling the elements of story, music, et cetera, including good background on the awkward Shakespearean origins at Disney where it was referred as "Bamlet." The most interesting journey follows the landmark stage production, and the kids should be transfixed by shots of the real African wildlife in the animal journey. Three deleted segments are real curios, including an opening lyric for "Hakuna Matata." Most set-top DVD games are usually pretty thin (DVD-ROM is where it's at), but the Safari game is an exception—the kids should love the roaring animals (in 5.1 Surround, no less). One serious demerit goes to the needless and complicated second navigation system that is listed by continent, but just shows the same features reordered. —Doug Thomas

Ron Clements, John Musker Studio: Buena Vista Home Video Release Date: 12/16/2008 Run time: 83 minutes Rating: G

Frank Oz The owner of a man-eating plant tries to curb its appetite in this delicious musical comedy. Levi stubbs is the singing voice of audrey 2 the plant. Special features: two original theatrical trailer and two tv spots subtitles in english french and spanish production notes and much more. Studio: Warner Home Video Release Date: 09/26/2006 Starring: Rick Moranis Ellen Greene Run time: 94 minutes Rating: Pg13 Director: Frank Oz

Joel Gallen, Michael Pellerin, Peter Jackson Studio: New Line Home Video Release Date: 01/08/2008

Peter Jackson In the final film of the trilogy frodo makes his way through the darkness to mount doom to destroy the one ring whole aragon learns of his destiny & the others prepare for a battle that will decide the fate of all. Studio: New Line Home Video Release Date: 01/16/2007 Starring: Elijah Wood Ian Mckellan Run time: 200 minutes Rating: Pg13

McKellen, Ian, Mortensen, Viggo, Wood, Elijah The 2nd installment of the epic trilogy. Frodo baggins & the fellowship continue their quest to destroy the one ring & stand against the evil of the dark lord sauron. Studio: New Line Home Video Release Date: 01/16/2007 Starring: Elijah Wood Liv Tyler Run time: 175 minutes Rating: Pg13 Director: Peter Jackson

Vaughn, Vince A research team is sent to the jurassic park site b island to study the dinosaurs there while another team approaches with another agenda. Studio: Uni Dist Corp. (mca) Release Date: 08/24/2004 Starring: Jeff Goldblum Pete Postlewaite Run time: 129 minutes Rating: Pg13 Director: Steven Spielberg

Romantic hilarious uplifting & always real this all-star cast will take you on a breathtaking tour of all of loves ups & downs. Catch loves spell & share the romance laughs & charm. Studio: Uni Dist Corp. (mca) Release Date: 01/15/2008 Starring: Hugh Grant Liam Neeson Run time: 135 minutes Rating: R

The Lucy Show. Lucy gets a roommate, Lucy and Carol in Palm Springs, Lucy meets John Wayne, Lucy with George Burns, Lucy meets the berles, Lucy and the Ring a ding, Lucy gets caught up in the draft, Viv visits Lucy, Main Street Usa, and Lucy meets the law

George Miller, George Ogilvie Gibson returns as the world weary hero who battles savages in a post nuclear war landscape. Includes trailer. Studio: Warner Home Video Release Date: 11/11/2008 Starring: Mel Gibson Tina Turner Run time: 107 minutes Rating: Pg13 Director: George Miller George Ogilvie

Randall Wallace Footnotes in movie books are likely to reduce this swashbuckling adventure down to a simple description: it was the first movie to star Leonardo DiCaprio after the phenomenal success of Titanic. As such it automatically attracted a box-office stampede of Leo's young female fans, but critical reaction was deservedly mixed. Having earned his directorial debut after writing the Oscar-winning script for Mel Gibson's Braveheart, Randall Wallace wrote and directed this ambitious version of the often-filmed classic novel by Alexandre Dumas. DiCaprio plays dual roles as the despotic King Louis XIV, who rules France with an iron fist, and the king's twin brother, Philippe, who languishes in prison under an iron mask, his identity concealed to prevent an overthrow of Louis' throne. But Louis' abuse of power ultimately enrages Athos (John Malkovich), one of the original Four Musketeers, who recruits his former partners (Gabriel Byrne, Gérard Depardieu, and Jeremy Irons) in a plot to liberate Philippe and install him as the king's identical replacement. Once this plot is set in motion and the Musketeers are each given moments in the spotlight, the film kicks into gear and offers plenty of entertainment in the grand style of vintage swashbucklers. But it's also sidetracked by excessive length and disposable subplots, and for all his post-Titanic star power, the boyish DiCaprio just isn't yet "man" enough to be fully convincing in his title role. Still, this is an entertaining movie, no less enjoyable for falling short of the greatness to which it aspired. —Jeff Shannon

Dave Bossert, Robert Stevenson There is only one word that comes close to accurately describing the enchanting Mary Poppins, and that term was coined by the movie itself: supercalifragilisticexpialidocious! Even at 2 hours and 20 minutes, Disney's pioneering mixture of live action and animation (based on the books by P.L. Travers) still holds kids spellbound. Julie Andrews won an Oscar as the world's most magically idealized nanny ("practically perfect in every way," and complete with lighter-than-air umbrella), and Dick Van Dyke is her clownishly charming beau, Bert the chimney sweep. The songs are also terrific, ranging from bright and cheery ("A Spoonful of Sugar") to dark and cheery (the Oscar-winning "Chim Chim Cher-ee") to touchingly melancholy ("Feed the Birds"). Many consider Mary Poppins to be the crowning achievement of Walt Disney's career—and it was the only one of his features to be nominated for a best picture Academy Award until Beauty and the Beast in 1991. —Jim Emerson

Chuck Russell A quiet bank clerk is turned into a cartoon character with strange abilities usually only available in animatation, all through an ancient mask he finds.
Genre: Feature Film-Comedy
Rating: PG13
Release Date: 3-FEB-2004
Media Type: DVD

Andy Wachowski, Larry Wachowski Neo and the rebel leaders estimate that they have 72 hours until 250000 probes discover zion and destroy it and its inhabitants. During this neo must decide how he can save trinity from a dark fate in his dreams. Studio: Warner Home Video Release Date: 05/15/2007 Starring: Keanu Reeves Laurence Fishburne Run time: 138 minutes Rating: R Director: Andy & Larry Wachowski

Larry Wachowski, Andy Wachowski By following up their debut thriller Bound with the 1999 box-office smash The Matrix, the codirecting Wachowski brothers—Andy and Larry—annihilated any suggestion of a sophomore jinx, crafting one of the most exhilarating sci-fi/action movies of the 1990s. Set in the not too distant future in an insipid, characterless city, we find a young man named Neo (Keanu Reeves). A software techie by day and a computer hacker by night, he sits alone at home by his monitor, waiting for a sign, a signal—from what or whom he doesn't know—until one night, a mysterious woman named Trinity (Carrie-Anne Moss) seeks him out and introduces him to that faceless character he has been waiting for: Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne). A messiah of sorts, Morpheus presents Neo with the truth about his world by shedding light on the dark secrets that have troubled him for so long: "You've felt it your entire life, that there's something wrong with the world. You don't know what it is, but it's there, like a splinter in your mind, driving you mad." Ultimately, Morpheus illustrates to Neo what the Matrix is—a reality beyond reality that controls all of their lives, in a way that Neo can barely comprehend.

Neo thus embarks on an adventure that is both terrifying and enthralling. Pitted against an enemy that transcends human concepts of evil, Morpheus and his team must train Neo to believe that he is the chosen champion of their fight. With mind-boggling, technically innovative special effects and a thought-provoking script that owes a debt of inspiration to the legacy of cyberpunk fiction, this is much more than an out-and-out action yarn; it's a thinking man's journey into the realm of futuristic fantasy, a dreamscape full of eye candy that will satisfy sci-fi, kung fu, action, and adventure fans alike. Although the film is headlined by Reeves and Fishburne—who both turn in fine performances—much of the fun and excitement should be attributed to Moss, who flawlessly mixes vulnerability with immense strength, making other contemporary female heroines look timid by comparison. And if we were going to cast a vote for most dastardly movie villain of 1999, it would have to go to Hugo Weaving, who plays the feckless, semipsychotic Agent Smith with panache and edginess. As the film's box-office profits soared, the Wachowski brothers announced that The Matrix is merely the first chapter in a cinematically dazzling franchise—a chapter that is arguably superior to the other sci-fi smash of 1999 (you know... the one starring Jar Jar Binks). —Jeremy Storey

Jay Roach Meet the Parents found such tremendous success in the chemistry produced by the contrasting personalities of stars Robert De Niro and Ben Stiller that the film's creators went for broke with the same formula again in Meet the Fockers. This time around, Jack and Dina Byrnes (De Niro and Blythe Danner) climb into Jack's new kevlar-lined RV with daughter Pam (Teri Polo), soon-to-be son-in-law Gaylord (Stiller), and Jack's infant grandson from his other daughter for the trip to Florida to meet Gaylord's parents, Bernie and Roz Focker (Dustin Hoffman and Barbra Streisand in a casting coup). The potential in-laws are, of course, the opposite of Jack, a pair of randy, touchy-feely fun-lovers. The rest of the movie is pretty much a sitcom: put Bernie and Roz together with Jack, and watch the in-laws clash as Gaylord squirms. As with the original, there is a sense of joy in watching these actors take on their roles with obvious relish, and the Hoffman-Streisand-Stiller triumvirate is likeable enough to draw you in. But the formula doesn't work as well in Fockers mostly because much of the humor is based on two obvious gimmicks: Gaylord Focker's name, and the fact that Streisand's character is a sex therapist. As a result, the movie itself is more contrived and predictable, and a lot less fun than the original. The casting is grand, but one wishes more thought was put into the script.—Dan Vancini

Jay Roach An about-to-be-married man meets his in-laws and screws up royally. Studio: Uni Dist Corp. (mca) Release Date: 05/23/2006 Starring: Robert De Niro John Abrahams Run time: 108 minutes Rating: Pg13

Barry Sonnenfeld Protecting the earth from the scum of the universe. While investigating a series of top secret close encounters agents k and j uncover the deadly plot of an intergalactic terrorist bug who is on a mission to assassinate two embassadors from opposing galaxies currently residing in new york. Studio: Sony Pictures Home Ent Release Date: 01/17/2006 Starring: Tommy Lee Jones Linda Fiorentino Run time: 98 minutes Rating: Pg13

Its been four years since the alien-seeking agents averted an intergalactic disaster of epic proportions kay has since returned to the comforts of civilian life while jay continues to work for the men in black who face the toughest challenge yet the mibs untarnished mission statement. Studio: Sony Pictures Home Ent Release Date: 06/24/2008 Starring: Tommy Lee Jones Lara Flynn Boyle Run time: 88 minutes Rating: Pg13

David Freeman, Kelly Makin About a dapper art auctioneer whose romance with a schoolteacher entangles him in the workings of her mob family. Special features: filmographies and theatrical trailer. Subitles in english. Studio: Warner Home Video Release Date: 11/02/2004 Starring: Hugh Grant Jeanne Tripplehorn Run time: 102 minutes Rating: Pg13 Director: Kelly Makin

George Seaton Beyond Miracle on 34th Street
Miracle on 34th Street (1994)

Christmas Classics Box Set
Horton Hears a Who!

Stills from Miracle on 34th Street (Click for larger image)

J.J. Abrams Special agent ethan hunt faces the mission of his life. Studio: Paramount Home Video Release Date: 02/05/2008 Starring: Tom Cruise Kerri Russell Run time: 125 minutes Rating: Pg13 Director: J.j. Abrams

Gil Kenan Even for a 12 year-old dj walker has an overactive imagination. He is convinced that any toy that touches his crabby neighbors property promptly disappears. Dj has seen it with his own eye! what everyone doesnt know is that dj isnt imagining things. Its all true & its about to get worse than dj imagined. Studio: Sony Pictures Home Ent Release Date: 09/25/2007 Starring: Voices Of Steve Buscemi Jon Heder Run time: 91 minutes Rating: Pg

Robert Luketic After years of looking for mr right charlie finds the man of her dreams kevin only to discover that his mother viola is the woman of her nightmares. Viola is determined to scare off her sons new fiancee by becoming the worlds worst mother in law. The 2 women battle it out to see who is the alpha-female. Studio: New Line Home Video Release Date: 01/08/2008 Starring: Jennifer Lopez Michael Vartan Rating: Pg13

Peter Docter, Silverman, David, Unkrich, Lee Studio: Buena Vista Home Video Release Date: 05/16/2008 Run time: 93 minutes Rating: G

20th Century Fox DVD in full screen with ENGLISH and Spanish audio available.

George Cukor Hollywood's legendary "woman's director," George Cukor (The Women, The Philadelphia Story), transformed Audrey Hepburn into street-urchin-turned-proper-lady Eliza Doolittle in this film version of the Lerner and Loewe musical. Based on George Bernard Shaw's play Pygmalion, My Fair Lady stars Rex Harrison as linguist Henry Higgins (Harrison also played the role, opposite Julie Andrews, on stage), who draws Eliza into a social experiment that works almost too well. The letterbox edition of this film on video certainly pays tribute to the pageantry of Cukor's set, but it also underscores a certain visual stiffness that can slow viewer enthusiasm just a tad. But it's really star wattage that keeps this film exciting, that and such great songs as "On the Street Where You Live" and "I Could Have Danced All Night." Actor Jeremy Brett, who gained a huge following later in life portraying Sherlock Holmes, is quite electric as Eliza's determined suitor. —Tom Keogh

Clint Eastwood Friends who grew up in working-class boston who drifted apart after a terrible tragedy. Years later brutal events will reconnect them. Studio: Warner Home Video Release Date: 05/23/2006 Starring: Kevin Bacon Laurence Fishburne Run time: 138 minutes Rating: R

Wolfgang Petersen Join the young atreyu and the faith of a young boy bastian as they battle the unknown of the nothing to save the creatures of fantasia and their childlike empress. Studio: Warner Home Video Release Date: 08/09/2005 Starring: Gerald Mcraney Barret Oliver Run time: 94 minutes Rating: Pg Director: Wolfgang Petersen

Henry Selick Studio: Buena Vista Home Video Release Date: 08/26/2008 Run time: 76 minutes Rating: Pg

Chris Columbus Sam a lucky guy who seems to have it all wonderful girlfriend successful career and a red porsche. But hes faced with having something he never thought he wanted after his girlfriend tells him shes pregnant. Studio: Tcfhe Release Date: 04/15/2008 Starring: Hugh Grant Julianne Moore Run time: 103 minutes Rating: Pg13

Roger Michell They don't really make many romantic comedies like Notting Hill anymore—blissfully romantic, sincerely sweet, and not grounded in any reality whatsoever. Pure fairy tale, and with a huge debt to Roman Holiday, Notting Hill ponders what would happen if a beautiful, world-famous person were to suddenly drop into your life unannounced and promptly fall in love with you. That's the crux of the situation for William Thacker (Hugh Grant), who owns a travel bookshop in London's fashionable Notting Hill district. Hopelessly ordinary (well, as ordinary as you can be when you're Hugh Grant), William is going about his life when renowned movie star Anna Scott (Julia Roberts) walks into his bookstore and into his heart. After another contrived meet-cute involving spilled orange juice, William and Anna share a spontaneous kiss (big suspension of disbelief required here), and soon both are smitten. The question is, of course, can William and Anna reconcile his decidedly commonplace bookseller existence and her lifestyle as a jet-setting, paparazzi-stalked celebrity? (Take a wild guess at the answer.) Smartly scripted by Richard Curtis (Four Weddings and a Funeral) and directed by Roger Michell (Persuasion), Notting Hill is hardly realistic, but as wish fulfillment and a romantic comedy, it's irresistible. True, Roberts doesn't really have to stretch very far to play a big-time actress who makes $15 million per movie, but she's more winning and relaxed than she's been in years, and Grant is sweetly understated as a man blindsided by love. Together, in moments of quiet, they're a charming couple, and you can feel her craving for real love and his awe and amazement at the wonderful person for whom he has fallen. The only blight on the film is its overbearing pop soundtrack, though Elvis Costello's heart-wrenching version of "She" gets poignant exposure. With Rhys Ifans as Grant's scene-stealing, slovenly housemate and Alec Baldwin in a sly, perfectly cast cameo. —Mark Englehart

Ethan Coen, Joel Coen Only Joel and Ethan Coen, the fraternal director and producer team behind art-house hits such as The Big Lebowski and Fargo and masters of quirky and ultra-stylish genre subversion, would dare nick the plot line of Homer's Odyssey for a comic picaresque saga about three cons on the run in 1930s Mississippi. Our wandering hero in this case is one Ulysses Everett McGill, a slick-tongued wise guy with a thing about hair pomade (George Clooney, blithely sending up his own dapper image) who talks his chain-gang buddies (Coen-movie regular John Turturro and newcomer Tim Blake Nelson) into lighting out after some buried loot he claims to know of. En route they come up against a prophetic blind man on a railroad truck, a burly, one-eyed baddie (the ever-magnificent John Goodman), a trio of sexy singing ladies, a blues guitarist who's sold his soul to the devil, a brace of crooked politicos on the stump, a manic-depressive bank robber, and—well, you get the idea. Into this, their most relaxed film yet, the Coens have tossed a beguiling ragbag of inconsequential situations, a wealth of looping, left-field dialogue, and a whole stash of gags both verbal and visual. O Brother (the title's lifted from Preston Sturges's classic 1941 comedy Sullivan's Travels) is furthermore graced with glowing, burnished photography from Roger Deakins and a masterly soundtrack from T-Bone Burnett that pays loving homage to American '30s folk styles—blues, gospel, bluegrass, jazz, and more. And just to prove that the brothers haven't lost their knack for bad-taste humor, we get a Ku Klux Klan rally choreographed like a cross between a Nuremberg rally and a Busby Berkeley musical. —Philip Kemp

Steven Soderbergh Ocean's Eleven improves on 1960's Rat Pack original with supernova casting, a slickly updated plot, and Steven Soderbergh's graceful touch behind the camera. Soderbergh reportedly relished the opportunity "to make a movie that has no desire except to give pleasure from beginning to end," and he succeeds on those terms, blessed by the casting of George Clooney as Danny Ocean, the title role originated by Frank Sinatra. Fresh out of jail, Ocean masterminds a plot to steal $163 million from the seemingly impervious vault of Las Vegas's Bellagio casino, not just for the money but to win his ex-wife (Julia Roberts) back from the casino's ruthless owner (Andy Garcia). Soderbergh doesn't scrimp on the caper's comically intricate strategy, but he finds greater joy in assembling a stellar team (including Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Don Cheadle, and Carl Reiner) and indulging their strengths as actors. The result is a film that's as smooth as a silk suit and just as stylish. —Jeff Shannon

Carol Reed, Ronald Saland This musical adaptation of dickens classic tale follows the adventures of oliver twist a young orphan who takes to the streets of 19th-century london in order to seek his fortune. Studio: Sony Pictures Home Ent Release Date: 04/22/2008 Starring: Ron Moody Harry Secombe Run time: 146 minutes Rating: G Director: Carol Reed

J.M. Kenny, Richard Donner After The Exorcist sparked a lengthy trend of supernatural thrillers, this 1976 horror film scored a hit with critics and audiences for mixing gothic horror and mystery into its plot about a young boy suspected of being the personification of the anti-Christ. (No doubt it's a favorite of shock-rocker Marilyn Manson.) Directed by Richard Donner (best known for his Superman and Lethal Weapon films), The Omen gained a lot of credibility from the casting of Gregory Peck and Lee Remick as a distinguished American couple living in England, whose young son Damien bears "the mark of the beast." Mysterious deaths and unexplained incidents draw the attention of a photographer (David Warner), whose investigation leads to the young boy—and also to the photographer's shocking decapitation (in a scene that has since been inducted into the horror hall of fame). At a time when graphic gore had yet to dominate the horror genre, this film used its violence discreetly and to great effect, and the mood of dread and potential death is masterfully maintained. It's all a bit hokey, with a lot of biblical portent and sensational fury, but few would deny it's highly entertaining. Jerry Goldsmith's Oscar-winning score works wonders to enhance the movie's creepy atmosphere. —Jeff Shannon

Karey Kirkpatrick, Tim Johnson Spring has sprung & verne & his woodland friends awaken from their long winters nap to discover that a large green hedge has cropped up right through the middle of their once-natural habitat. They learn to co-exist & even exploit this strange new world called suburbia. Studio: Paramount Home Video Release Date: 08/21/2007 Starring: Bruce Willis Gary Shandling Run time: 83 minutes Rating: Pg

George Abbott PAJAMA GAME THE (DVD MOVIE)

Don Chaffey Studio: Buena Vista Home Video Release Date: 01/16/2001 Run time: 135 minutes Rating: G

Joel Schumacher A mysterious masked figure roams the underground chambers of the opera populaire a 19th century parisian opera house. He tutors a young singer who rises quickly to stardom. The masked figure begins to harbor romantic feelings for his pupil but his hopes are dashed when the singers childhood boyfriend arrives in pari Studio: Warner Home Video Release Date: 09/06/2005 Starring: Gerard Butler Patrick Wilson Run time: 141 minutes Rating: Pg13

Studio: Buena Vista Home Video Release Date: 08/15/2008

Gore Verbinski Once again thrown nto the world of the supernatural captain jack sparrow finds out that he owes a bloody debt to the legendary davey jones captain of the ghostly flying dutchman. With time running out jack must find a way out of debt or else be doomed to eternal damnation & servitude in the afterlife. Studio: Buena Vista Home Video Release Date: 12/05/2006 Starring: Johnny Depp Keira Knightley Run time: 150 minutes Rating: Pg13 Director: Gore Verbinski

Gore Verbinski Pirate jack sparrow sets out to save a governors daughter from fellow pirates with the hopes that it will give him the opportunity to regain the ship that was stolen from him. Studio: Buena Vista Home Video Release Date: 05/11/2007 Starring: Johnny Depp Orlando Bloom Run time: 143 minutes Rating: Pg13 Director: Gore Verbinski

David A. Simmons, Robert Altman This musical fantasy features the famous comic strip character who comes to life and tries to find his real father. Studio: Paramount Home Video Release Date: 08/22/2006 Starring: Robin Williams Shelley Duvall Run time: 113 minutes Rating: Pg Director: Robert Altman

Rob Reiner Screenwriter William Goldman's novel The Princess Bride earned its own loyal audience on the strength of its narrative voice and its gently satirical, hyperbolic spin on swashbuckled adventure that seemed almost purely literary. For all its derring-do and vivid over-the-top characters, the book's joy was dictated as much by the deadpan tone of its narrator and a winking acknowledgement of the clichés being sent up. Miraculously, director Rob Reiner and Goldman himself managed to visualize this romantic fable while keeping that external voice largely intact: using a storytelling framework, avuncular Grandpa (Peter Falk) gradually seduces his skeptical grandson (Fred Savage) into the absurd, irresistible melodrama of the title story.

And what a story: a lowly stable boy, Westley (Cary Elwes), pledges his love to the beautiful Buttercup (Robin Wright), only to be abducted and reportedly killed by pirates while Buttercup is betrothed to the evil Prince Humperdinck. Even as Buttercup herself is kidnapped by a giant, a scheming criminal mastermind, and a master Spanish swordsman, a mysterious masked pirate (could it be Westley?) follows in pursuit. As they sail toward the Cliffs of Insanity...

The wild and woolly arcs of the story, the sudden twists of fate, and, above all, the cartoon-scaled characters all work because of Goldman's very funny script, Reiner's confident direction, and a terrific cast. Elwes and Wright, both sporting their best English accents, juggle romantic fervor and physical slapstick effortlessly, while supporting roles boast Mandy Patinkin (the swordsman Inigo Montoya), Wallace Shawn (the incredulous schemer Vizzini), and Christopher Guest (evil Count Rugen) with brief but funny cameos from Billy Crystal, Carol Kane, and Peter Cook. —Sam Sutherland

Albert Magnoli Prince the electrifying rock dynamo stars as a struggling nightclub singer. Features many of princes mega hits. Story of a young songwriter performer and singer. Studio: Warner Home Video Release Date: 02/17/2004 Starring: Prince Morris Day Run time: 111 minutes Rating: R Director: Albert Magnoli

Frederik Du Chau When a baby zebra is accidentally left behind by a traveling circus a farmer takes it in & gives it to his daughter to raise. The farm borders a prestigious horse racing track & the zebra grows up with an ambition to race at the track & capture the prestigious kentucky crown. Studio: Warner Home Video Release Date: 05/06/2008 Starring: Voices Of Frankie Muniz Jeff Foxworthy Run time: 102 minutes Rating: Pg

Remy is a young rat in the french countryside who arrives in paris only to find out that his cooking idol is dead. When he makes an unusual alliance with a restaurants new garbage boy the culinary and personal adventures begin. Studio: Buena Vista Home Video Release Date: 11/06/2007 Starring: Voices Of Janeanne Garofalo Peter Otoole Run time: 111 minutes Rating: G

Dennis Feldman (Headline): Real men don t hide from danger they create it.James Belushi (K-9: P.I. Joe Somebody) and John Ritter ( Eight Simple Rules for Dating My Teenage Daughter ) push the comic envelope in this genuinely off-the-wall comedy (The Science Fiction Horror and Fantasy Film Review) about an improbable mission between the CIA the KGB and of course visitors from another planet!The fate of the entire world lies in the hands of a brilliant charming cad of a secret agent named Nick Pirandello (Belushi) who has to barter for global salvation with aliens seeking a highly secret glass of water! Dire circumstances force Nick to recruit na ve insecure insurance agent Bob Wilson (Ritter) as his partner making his precarious predicament downright preposterous as their insane mission becomes not only extra dangerous but entirely extraterrestrial!Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: COMEDY UPC: 027616899651 Manufacturer No: 1005704

Chad Callner, Steve Kraftsow, Marty Callner Studio: Sony Music Release Date: 02/24/2004

Graeme Clifford, Jim Sharman Studio: Tcfhe Release Date: 09/09/2008

John Scott, Fred Schepisi In 1987, almost a hundred years after its first production, the romantic story of Cyrano de Bergerac found new life in a winsome film written by Steve Martin. Roxanne updates the tale with a smart '80s spin, yet writer-star Martin stays close to the old-fashioned heart of the matter. He plays a small-town firefighter named C.D. Bales, whose otherwise unremarkable existence is crowned by an amazingly long nose. He falls for the world's most beautiful astronomer (Daryl Hannah), but he is embarrassed by the size of his proboscis and prefers to stay on the sidelines. Like Cyrano, the shy C.D. instead helps a handsome friend (Rick Rossovich) woo the fair lady by providing flowery sentiments and soulful poetry. Not only does the story still work, but Australian director Fred Schepisi captures a dreamy grace in his visual design for the film (some of which will be lost without the widescreen format). Set in Washington State, but filmed in the hilly ski resort of Nelson, British Columbia, the location seems like a fairy-tale town, nearly as unreal as Steve Martin's nose. —Robert Horton

Kizo Nagashima, Larry Roemer This classic 1964 television special featuring Rudolph and his misfit buddies set the standard for stop-motion animation for an entire generation before Tim Burton darkly reinvented it in the early 1990s. Burl Ives narrates as Sam the Snowman, telling and singing the story of a rejected reindeer who overcomes prejudice and saves Christmas one particularly blustery year. Along the way, he meets an abundance of unforgettable characters: his dentally obsessed elf pal Hermey; the affable miner Yukon Cornelius and his motley crew of puppies; the scary/adorable Abominable Snow Monster; a legion of abandoned, but still chatty, toys; and a rather grouchy Santa. In addition to the title song that inspired it, this 53-minute tape is crammed with catchy tunes such as "Silver and Gold" and "Holly Jolly Christmas." Those who grew up looking forward to watching Rudolph every Christmas season will undoubtedly be able to recite the quotable quotes ("I'm cuuuute. She said I'm cuuuute." "Herbie doesn't like to make toys.") as well as any Casablanca cult audience. —Kimberly Heinrichs

Gary Fleder Studio: Tcfhe Release Date: 09/11/2007 Run time: 122 minutes Rating: Pg13

Breck Eisner In the scorching desert dirk pitt uncovers the truth behind his lifelong quest - the fate of a civil war ironclad. Now amidst the blazing shifting sands of the sahara dirk pitt will make a desperate stand - in a battle the world cannot afford to lose! Studio: Paramount Home Video Release Date: 08/21/2007 Starring: Matthew Mcconaughey Steve Zahn Rating: Pg13

Irwin Goldrese, Arthur Rankin Jr., Jules Bass Told and sung by fred astaire with micky rooney keenan wynn and the westminster childrens choir. This holiday classic filled with good cheer tells how kris kringle got his start as the worlds favorite gift giver. Studio: Genius Products Inc Release Date: 09/14/2004 Run time: 55 minutes Rating: Nr

Steven Spielberg The story of oskar schindler a black marketeer during hitlers regime. While he exploited the labor camp workers he also saved more than a thousand jews. He compiled a list and brought as many as he could to work in his factory rather than face certain death in the concentration camps. Studio: Uni Dist Corp. (mca) Release Date: 01/22/2008 Starring: Liam Neeson Ben Kingsley Run time: 196 minutes Rating: R Director: Steven Spielberg

Tom Warburton Studio: Buena Vista Home Video Release Date: 07/05/2005 Run time: 221 minutes

Torres, Gina Serenity offers perfect proof that Firefly deserved a better fate than premature TV cancellation. Joss Whedon's acclaimed sci-fi Western hybrid series was ideally suited (in Browncoats, of course) for a big-screen conversion, and this action-packed adventure allows Whedon to fill in the Firefly backstory, especially the history and mystery of the spaceship Serenity's volatile and traumatized stowaway, River Tam (Summer Glau). Her lethal skills as a programmed "weapon" makes her a coveted prize for the power-hungry planetary Alliance, represented here by an Operative (Chiwetel Ejiofor) who'll stop at nothing to retrieve River from Serenity's protective crew. We still get all the quip-filled dialogue and ass-kicking action that we've come to expect from the creator of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, but Whedon goes a talented step further here, blessing his established ensemble cast with a more fully-developed dynamic of endearing relationships. Serenity's cast is led with well-balanced depth and humor by Nathan Fillion as Captain Mal Reynolds, whose maverick spirit is matched by his devotion to crewmates Wash (Alan Tudyk), Zoe (Gina Torres), fun-loving fighter Jayne (Adam Baldwin), engineer Kaylee (Jewel Staite), doctor Simon (Sean Maher), and Mal's former flame Inara (Morena Baccarin), who plays a pivotal role in Whedon's briskly-paced plot. As many critics agreed, Serenity offered all the fun and breezy excitement that was missing from George Lucas's latter-day Star Wars epics, and Whedon leaves an opening for a continuing franchise that never feels cheap or commercially opportunistic. With the mega-corporate mysteries of Blue Sun yet to be explored, it's a safe bet we haven't seen the last of the good ship Serenity. —Jeff Shannon

Bibo Bergeron, Rob Letterman, Vicky Jenson Oscar a lowly tongue-scrubber at the local whale wash becomes an improbable hero when he tells a great white lie. To keep his secret oscar teams up with an outcast vegetarian shark lenny and the 2 become the most unlikely of friends. When the lie begins to unravel its up to oscars friends to help him. Studio: Paramount Home Video Release Date: 05/01/2007 Starring: Will Smith Renee Zellweger Run time: 90 minutes Rating: Pg

Andrew Adamson, Vicky Jenson Studio: Paramount Home Video Release Date: 05/21/2002 Run time: 93 minutes Rating: Pg

Andrew Adamson The lovably ugly green ogre returns with his green bride and furry, hooved friend in Shrek 2. The newlywed Shrek and Princess Fiona are invited to Fiona's former kingdom, Far Far Away, to have the marriage blessed by Fiona's parents—which Shrek thinks is a bad, bad idea, and he's proved right: The parents are horrified by their daughter's transformation into an ogress, a fairy godmother wants her son Prince Charming to win Fiona, and a feline assassin is hired to get Shrek out of the way. The computer animation is more detailed than ever, but it's the acting that make the comedy work—in addition to the return of Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, and Cameron Diaz, Shrek 2 features the flexible voices of Julie Andrews (Mary Poppins), John Cleese (Monty Python's Flying Circus), Antonio Banderas (Desperado), and Jennifer Saunders (Absolutely Fabulous) as the gleefully wicked fairy godmother. —Bret Fetzer

Shrek the Third DVD comes with a cd brand new, the greatest fairytale never told.

Neil Affleck, Bob Anderson (VIII), Mikel B. Anderson, Wesley Archer, Carlos Baeza Studio: Tcfhe Release Date: 07/31/2007

Nora Ephron A widowed father becomes a reluctant guest on a radio show thanks to the wiles of his worried son. Hes an instant hit with thousands of female listeners. Meanwhile writer annie reed inspired by sams story and by classic hollywood romance becomes convinced that its her destiny to meet sam. Studio: Sony Pictures Home Ent Release Date: 02/20/2007 Starring: Tom Hanks Meg Ryan Run time: 105 minutes Rating: Pg Director: Nora Ephron

Robert Wise Julie Andrews in the heartwarming true story that has become a cinematic treasure. Rodgers and Hammerstein's "The Sound of Music." Julie Andrews is Maria, the spirited, young woman who leaves the convent and becomes a governess to the seven unruly charm and songs soon win the hearts of the children and their father but when Nazi, Germany unites with Austria, Maria is forced to attempt a daring escape with her new family.

Studio: Tcfhe/mgm Release Date: 10/16/2007 Run time: 96 minutes Rating: Pg

Studio: Tcfhe/mgm Release Date: 10/16/2007 Run time: 96 minutes Rating: Pg

Sam Raimi For devoted fans and nonfans alike, Spider-Man offers nothing less—and nothing more—than what you'd expect from a superhero blockbuster. Having proven his comic-book savvy with the original Darkman, director Sam Raimi brings ample energy and enthusiasm to Spidey's origin story, nicely establishing high-school nebbish Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) as a brainy outcast who reacts with appropriate euphoria—and well-tempered maturity—when a "super-spider" bite transforms him into the amazingly agile, web-shooting Spider-Man. That's all well and good, and so is Kirsten Dunst as Parker's girl-next-door sweetheart. Where Spider-Man falls short is in its hyperactive CGI action sequences, which play like a video game instead of the gravity-defying exploits of a flesh-and-blood superhero. Willem Dafoe is perfectly cast as Spidey's schizoid nemesis, the Green Goblin, and the movie's a lot of fun overall. It's no match for Superman and Batman in bringing a beloved character to the screen, but it places a respectable third. —Jeff Shannon

Sam Raimi More than a few critics hailed Spider-Man 2 as "the best superhero movie ever," and there's no compelling reason to argue—thanks to a bigger budget, better special effects, and a dynamic, character-driven plot, it's a notch above Spider-Man in terms of emotional depth and rich comic-book sensibility. Ordinary People Oscar-winner Alvin Sargent received screenplay credit, and celebrated author and comic-book expert Michael Chabon worked on the story, but it's director Sam Raimi's affinity for the material that brings Spidey 2 to vivid life. When a fusion experiment goes terribly wrong, a brilliant physicist (Alfred Molina) is turned into Spidey's newest nemesis, the deranged, mechanically tentacled "Doctor Octopus," obsessed with completing his experiment and killing Spider-Man (Tobey Maguire) in the process. Even more compelling is Peter Parker's urgent dilemma: continue his burdensome, lonely life of crime-fighting as Spider-Man, or pursue love and happiness with Mary Jane Watson (Kirsten Dunst)? Molina's outstanding as a tragic villain controlled by his own invention, and the action sequences are nothing less than breathtaking, but the real success of Spider-Man 2 is its sense of priorities. With all of Hollywood's biggest and best toys at his disposal, Raimi and his writers stay true to the Marvel mythology, honoring Spider-Man creators Stan Lee and Steve Ditko, and setting the bar impressively high for the challenge of Spider-Man 3. —Jeff Shannon

DVD Features:

The first commentary track is by director Sam Raimi and a self-deprecating Tobey Maguire speaking in tandem, and producer (and Marvel CEO) Avi Arad and coproducer Grant Curtis speaking in tandem. They discuss a number of topics, including Raimi's memory of his excitement over Richard Donner's Superman and how the character of Black Cat had to be dropped from the film. The second commentary is by six members of the Oscar-nominated effects team, and one of their primary focuses is how Doc Ock's arms were achieved by a combination of puppetry and CGI.

The centerpiece of the second disc is a massive two-hour documentary that can be viewed all at once or in 12 separate pieces. It covers the development of the story, the visual effects, costumes, stunts, and sound and music. Three shorter featurettes cover Peter Parker's struggle between his personal and hero lives, Doc Ock, and the women in Spider-Man's life, and what's interesting is how they discuss those topics not just in relation to the movies but to the comic books as well. (For example, Betty Brant and Gwen Stacy had a much greater impact in the comics.) There's a scene in which you can toggle among three different camera angles, and a gallery of 17 paintings Alex Ross created for the opening sequence. The sound and picture are spectacular, though only the Superbit edition has DTS. —David Horiuchi

More Spiderman on DVD

The Spiderman Toy Store
The First Film
Spider Man on the small screen
The Soundtrack
Game Boy Advance
The Book

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Stills from Spider-Man 2 (click for larger image)

Ben Burtt, Paul Martin Smith, George Lucas Luke skywalkers father is just a hopeful 9-year-old boy named anakin who knows nothing of his eventual fate as a dark lord in years to come. In this earlier time obi-wan kenobi is a determined young jedi knight. Qui-gon jinn is obi-wans venerable jedi master teaching the jedi way to his apprentice. Studio: Tcfhe Release Date: 09/12/2006 Starring: Liam Neeson Natalie Portman Run time: 133 minutes Rating: Pg Director: George Lucas

Ben Burtt, George Lucas Anakin has grown into an accomplished jedi apprentice yet he must choose between jedi duty & forbidden love. Studio: Tcfhe Release Date: 09/12/2006 Starring: Ewan Mcgregor Samuel L Jackson Run time: 142 minutes Rating: Pg Director: George Lucas

George Lucas Ending the most popular film epic in history, Star Wars: Episode III, Revenge of the Sith is an exciting, uneven, but ultimately satisfying journey. Picking up the action from Episode II, Attack of the Clones as well as the animated Clone Wars series, Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) and his apprentice, Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen), pursue General Grievous into space after the droid kidnapped Supreme Chancellor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid).
The Star Wars Family Tree (click for larger image) It's just the latest maneuver in the ongoing Clone Wars between the Republic and the Separatist forces led by former Jedi turned Sith Lord Count Dooku (Christopher Lee). On another front, Master Yoda (voiced by Frank Oz) leads the Republic's clone troops against a droid attack on the Wookiee homeworld of Kashyyyk. All this is in the first half of Episode III, which feels a lot like Episodes I and II. That means spectacular scenery, dazzling dogfights in space, a new fearsome villain (the CGI-created Grievous can't match up to either Darth Maul or the original Darth Vader, though), lightsaber duels, groan-worthy romantic dialogue, goofy humor (but at least it's left to the droids instead of Jar-Jar Binks), and hordes of faceless clone troopers fighting hordes of faceless battle droids.

But then it all changes.
Star Wars Time Line (click for larger image)

After setting up characters and situations for the first two and a half movies, Episode III finally comes to life. The Sith Lord in hiding unleashes his long-simmering plot to take over the Republic, and an integral part of that plan is to turn Anakin away from the Jedi and toward the Dark Side of the Force. Unless you've been living under a rock the last 10 years, you know that Anakin will transform into the dreaded Darth Vader and face an ultimate showdown with his mentor, but that doesn't matter. In fact, a great part of the fun is knowing where things will wind up but finding out how they'll get there. The end of this prequel trilogy also should inspire fans to want to see the original movies again, but this time not out of frustration at the new ones. Rather, because Episode III is a beginning as well as an end, it will trigger fond memories as it ties up threads to the originals in tidy little ways. But best of all, it seems like for the first time we actually care about what happens and who it happens to.

Episode III is easily the best of the new trilogy—OK, so that's not saying much, but it might even jockey for third place among the six Star Wars films. It's also the first one to be rated PG-13 for the intense battles and darker plot. It was probably impossible to live up to the decades' worth of pent-up hype George Lucas faced for the Star Wars prequel trilogy (and he tried to lower it with the first two movies), but Episode III makes us once again glad to be "a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away." —David Horiuchi

The Complete Star Wars Saga
Episodes 4-6 Trilogy (widescreen)
Episode I: The Phantom Menace
Episde II: Attack of the Clones
Star Wars: Clone Wars Vol. 1
Star Wars: Clone Wars Vol. 2
The Star Wars Store

Stills from Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (click for larger images)

Anakin turning to the dark side
When Wookiees attack
Yoda, Jedi master
Mr. and Mrs. Vader
Saber training with Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen
The cast

Peter Mayhew, George Lucas Studio: Tcfhe Release Date: 11/01/2005 Run time: 387 minutes Rating: Pg

Bryan Singer After a long visit to the lost remains of the planet krypton the man of steel returns to earth & becomes the peoples savior once again & reclaim the love of lois lane. Studio: Warner Home Video Release Date: 11/11/2008 Starring: Brandon Routh Kevin Spacey Run time: 154 minutes Rating: Pg13 Director: Bryan Singer

James Cameron After he pushed the envelope of computer-generated special effects in The Abyss, director James Cameron turned this hotly anticipated sequel to Terminator into a well-written, action-packed showcase for advanced special effects and for one of the most invincible villains ever imagined. Terminator 2: Judgment Day is a legitimate sequel: there's more story to tell about a hulking, leather-clad android (Arnold Schwarzenegger) who arrives from the future to protect a rebellious teenager and future leader (Edward Furlong) from being killed by the tenacious T-1000 robot (Robert Patrick), whose liquid-metal construction makes him seemingly unstoppable. The fate of the future lies in the balance, with Linda Hamilton (who would later marry her director) reprising her role as the rugged woman whose son will change the course of history. —Jeff Shannon

Jonathan Mostow A decade has passed since John Connor (NICK STAHL) helped prevent Judgment Day and save mankind from mass destruction. Now 25 Connor lives "off the grid" - no home no credit cards no cell phone and no job. No record of his existence. No way he can be traced by Skynet - the highly developed network of machines that once tried to kill him and wage war on humanity. Until out of the shadows of the future steps the T-X (KRISTANNA LOKEN) Skynet's most sophisticated cyborg killing machine yet. Sent back through time to complete the job left unfinished by her predecessor the T-1000 this machine is as relentless as her human guise is beautiful. Now Connor's only hope for survival is the Terminator (ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER) his mysterious former assassin. Together they must triumph over the technologically superior T-X and forestall the looming threat of Judgment Day - or face the apocalypse and the fall of civilization as we know it.Running Time: 110 min.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: ACTION/ADVENTURE UPC: 085392772322

Tim McGraw Tim McGraw's Louisiana contains the music videos for The Cowboy In Me, Real Good Man, Angel Boy, When The Stars Go Blue, and Down On The Farm. Plus a live performance of Louisiana. DVD comes unsealed from the manufacturer.

Kate winslet and leonardo dicaprio play ill-fated lovers in this epic romance set against the backdrop of an unforgettable disaster. Their budding romance is scuttled when the luxury liner on which they are traveling strikes an iceberg and plummets to the ocean floor on april 15 1912. Studio: Paramount Home Video Release Date: 05/23/2006 Starring: Leonardo Dicaprio Kate Winslet Run time: 194 minutes Rating: Pg13 Director: James Cameron

Kevin Munroe From a visual standpoint, this CG feature starring the venerable '80s and '90s superheroes the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is nothing short of slam-bang; the computer animation has a scope and look that transcends both the original comics and animated series and the three live-action features that preceded it. Writer/director Kevin Munroe creates a striking animated world for the four heroes in a half-shell to live, play, and fight in, and the action sequences are occasionally breathtaking in their speed and complexity. But where TMNT stumbles is its bland plot, which picks up after the last of the live-action features with all four teen turtles in disarray, and abandons longtime villain Shredder in favor of an industrialist (well voiced by Patrick Stewart) who recruits the Foot Clan (including Karai, played by Zhang Ziyi) to revive thirteen ancient monsters to aid in his world domination scheme. It's a simple and fun story for kids, but longtime Turtles fans will miss the wry humor and smart sense of irony of the original comics (created by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird, who gets an executive producer credit here) in this storyline. Still, for most adolescent audience members, such concerns won't matter a whit in the face of the abundant action. —Paul Gaita

John Lasseter This is the engaging tale of woody a pull-string cowboy and buzz lightyear an outer space action figure who compete for the affection of their owner six-year-old andy. When woody plots to get rid of buzz things backfire and he finds himself lost in the world with buzz as his only companion. Studio: Buena Vista Home Video Release Date: 05/16/2008 Run time: 81 minutes Rating: G

Michael Bay Studio: Paramount Home Video Release Date: 09/16/2008 Run time: 143 minutes Rating: Pg13

Jan de Bont In the heart of tornado alley an unfunded ragtag group of scientists make themselves right at home in the middle of some of natures most violent storms. In order to launch experimental equipment designed to help them develop an early tornado warning system these researchers risk it all in the name of science. Studio: Warner Home Video Release Date: 05/23/2006 Starring: Helen Hunt Cary Elwes Run time: 113 minutes Rating: Pg13 Director: Jan De Bont

Susan E. Morse, Marc Lawrence You'd expect a cavalcade of cuteness from any pairing of Sandra Bullock and Hugh Grant, but Two Weeks Notice admirably avoids the obvious. You get plenty of Bullock's pratfalls and feisty sex appeal, and Grant's snappy comebacks are never in short supply, but first-time writer-director Marc Lawrence (who wrote Bullock's previous hit, Miss Congeniality) adds just enough antagonism to keep this romantic comedy from being a completely foregone conclusion. Neurotic lawyer, environmentalist, and landmark-preservation activist Lucy Kelson (Bullock) is determined to thwart the efforts of billionaire developer and jet-setting playboy George Wade (Grant); of course, fate brings them together and then rips them apart, just as they're beginning to feel the panicky pangs of love. A replacement attorney (Alicia Witt) defies formula by being genuinely sweet, and Lawrence steers clear of the most familiar clichés. It's formulaic anyway, but in Two Weeks Notice it's a comforting formula, delivered by stars who thrive within their limitations. —Jeff Shannon

Len Wiseman The saga continues as the battle rages on between the death dealers (vampires) & the lycans (werewolves) in this fast-paced modern-day tale of deadly action ruthless intrigue & forbidden love all leading to the battle to end all wars as the immortals finally face their retribution. Studio: Sony Pictures Home Ent Release Date: 08/28/2007 Starring: Kate Beckinsale Tony Curran Run time: 106 minutes Rating: R

Brian De Palma A glorious fierce larger-than-life depiction of the mob warlord who ruled prohibition-era chicago..& the law enforcer who vowed to bring him down. Studio: Paramount Home Video Release Date: 05/23/2006 Starring: Kevin Costner Robert De Niro Run time: 119 minutes Rating: R Director: Brian De Palma

Victor Borge

Andrew Stanton As the last robot left on earth wall-e is one small robot wh holds the future of earth and mankind squarely in the palm of hismetal hand. Studio: Buena Vista Home Video Release Date: 11/18/2008 Starring: Ben Burtt Run time: 98 minutes Rating: G Director: Andrew Stanton

Steven Spielberg Based on the h.G. Wells story. At first the martians seem laughable hardly able to move in earths comparatively heavy gravity. But soon the martians reveal their true nature as death machines. As the martians proceed with their deadly invasion one family fights for survival. Studio: Paramount Home Video Release Date: 08/21/2007 Starring: Tom Cruise Morgan Freeman Run time: 117 minutes Rating: Pg13 Director: Steven Spielberg

Frank Oz A successful psychiatrist loses his mind after one of his most dependent patients tracks him down during his family vacation. Studio: Buena Vista Home Video Release Date: 07/01/2003 Starring: Bill Murray Julie Hagerty Run time: 99 minutes Rating: Pg Director: Frank Oz

Nancy Meyers After an accident a chauvenistic executive gains the ability to hear what women are really thinking. Studio: Paramount Home Video Release Date: 01/25/2005 Starring: Mel Gibson Marisa Tomei Run time: 126 minutes Rating: Pg13 Director: Nancy Meyers

Jon Turteltaub A chicago subway worker named lucy is in love with a handsome stranger until the day he is mugged and falls into a coma. After his family mistakes lucy for his fiancee she fabricates a life between herself and a man she has never met. Then she falls in love with his brother and is forced to choose. Studio: Buena Vista Home Video Release Date: 01/10/2006 Starring: Bill Pullman Sandra Bullock Run time: 103 minutes Rating: Pg Director: Jon Turteltaub

Blanche Sewell, Victor Fleming, Mervyn LeRoy, Richard Thorpe, King Vidor When it was released during Hollywood's golden year of 1939, The Wizard of Oz didn't start out as the perennial classic it has since become. The film did respectable business, but it wasn't until its debut on television that this family favorite saw its popularity soar. And while Oz's TV broadcasts are now controlled by media mogul Ted Turner (who owns the rights), the advent of home video has made this lively musical a mainstay in the staple diet of great American films. Young Dorothy Gale (Judy Garland), her dog, Toto, and her three companions on the Yellow Brick Road to Oz—the Tin Man (Jack Haley), the Cowardly Lion (Bert Lahr), and the Scarecrow (Ray Bolger)—have become pop-culture icons and central figures in the legacy of fantasy for children. As the Wicked Witch who covets Dorothy's enchanted ruby slippers, Margaret Hamilton has had the singular honor of scaring the wits out of children for more than six decades. The film's still as fresh, frightening, and funny as it was when first released. It may take some liberal detours from the original story by L. Frank Baum, but it's loyal to the Baum legacy while charting its own course as a spectacular film. Shot in glorious Technicolor, befitting its dynamic production design (Munchkinland alone is a psychedelic explosion of color and décor), The Wizard of Oz may not appeal to every taste as the years go by, but it's required viewing for kids of all ages. —Jeff Shannon

Arthur Rankin Jr., Jules Bass Santa is feeling forgotten by the children of the world as christmas preparation begins. In order to save christmas mrs. Claus and two spirited elves set out to prove him wrong until the infamous heat-miser and cold-miser try to sidetrack them with their plans. Studio: Warner Home Video Release Date: 10/03/2006 Starring: Voice Of Shirley Booth Voice Of Dick Shawn Run time: 53 minutes Rating: Nr