Donald Halliday, Roy M. Brewer Jr., Clyde Geronimi, Hamilton Luske, Wolfgang Reitherman Back in 1961, Walt Disney got a little hip with 101 Dalmatians, making use of that flat Saturday morning cartoon style that had become so popular. The result is a kitschy change in animation and story. Pongo and Perdita are two lonely dalmatians who meet cute in a London park and arrange for their pet humans to marry so they can live together and raise a family. They become proud parents of 15 pups, who are stolen by the dastardly Cruella De Vil, who wants to make a fur coat out of them. Cruella has become the most popular villain in all of Disney; she's flamboyantly nasty and lots of fun. But it's the dalmatians who shine in this endearing classic, particularly those precocious pups. Telling the story from the dogs' point of view is a clever conceit, a fundamental flaw of the live-action remake. —Bill Desowitz

Indiana Jones, an archaeologist and adventurer, battles Nazis and travels the globe searching for rare and mystical artifacts.
Genre: Feature Film-Action/Adventure
Rating: PG13
Release Date: 2-MAY-2006
Media Type: DVD

Jackie isnt fighting for glory. Shes fighting for respect. Inspired by a true story jackie is a sassy brassy boxing manager-in-the-making determined to change lethal luther shaw from a mere street punk into a world class prizefighter. Studio: Paramount Home Video Release Date: 02/13/2007 Starring: Meg Ryan Omar Epps Run time: 110 minutes Rating: Pg13

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

James Cameron, David Fincher, Ridley Scott An interesting feature of Alien, Aliens, Alien 3, and Alien Resurrection, worth watching together if only for the chance to see how different directors handle essentially the same idea. The results are decidedly mixed. Ridley Scott's Alien is the most traditional of the bunch, essentially a haunted-house picture set on a space freighter, where a monster is picking off crew members one by one. James Cameron's Aliens is the all-out adrenaline bath, a pulse-pounding action thriller from start to finish. It plays a little like a Western in outer space, where the settlers are waiting for a cavalry that never comes—and the Indians are acid-veined aliens. And David Fincher's Alien 3 is the rock-video version, in which substance and storytelling are sacrificed to editing and imagery, as the aliens attempt to take over a space penal colony. —Marshall Fine

Passepartout a chinese thief steals a valuable jade buddha and then seeks refuge in the traveling companionship of a london inventor phileas fogg who has a bet with members of his gentlemens club that he can make it around the world in a mere 80 days. Studio: Buena Vista Home Video Release Date: 01/12/2007 Starring: Jackie Chan Run time: 120 minutes Rating: Pg Director: Frank Coraci

Anthony Russo, Greg Mottola, Jay Chandrasekhar, Joe Russo, John Fortenberry Studio: Tcfhe Release Date: 08/05/2008

Jeff Consiglio, Nina Gilden Seavey The Ballad of Bering Strait is a sharp and sensitive documentary about the emotionally perilous journey of several classically trained Moscow musicians who dream of breaking into Nashville's seemingly impenetrable country scene. Superb in technique and soulful in performance, these gifted veterans of Russia's famously rigorous musical training comprise Bering Strait, a hard-charging, rootsy band with solid bluegrass credentials and country-pop flavoring. Their blend is perfect for the era of the Dixie Chicks, but the film captures a near-debilitating flow of problems for Bering Strait, including industry perception (a Russian novelty act?), elusive record deals, homesickness, low morale, deficit spending.... Director Nina Gilden Seavey spends years patiently capturing the ups and downs of this ever-hopeful band of outsiders, in the process clarifying anew the face of the American Dream as most non-superstars—whether resident or immigrant—realistically understand it. —Tom Keogh

David Hand It always comes up when people are comparing their most traumatic movie experiences: "the death of Bambi's mother," a recollection that can bring a shudder to even the most jaded filmgoer. That primal separation (which is no less stunning for happening off-screen) is the centerpiece of Bambi, Walt Disney's 1942 animated classic, but it is by no means the only bold stroke in the film. In its swift but somehow leisurely 69 minutes, Bambi covers a year in the life of a young deer. But in a bigger way, it measures the life cycle itself, from birth to adulthood, from childhood's freedom to grown-up responsibility. All of this is rendered in cheeky, fleet-footed style—the movie doesn't lecture, or make you feel you're being fed something that's good for you. The animation is miraculous, a lush forest in which nature is a constantly unfolding miracle (even in a spectacular fire, or those dark moments when "man was in the forest"). There are probably easier animals to draw than a young deer, and the Disney animators set themselves a challenge with Bambi's wobbly glide across an ice-covered lake, his spindly legs akimbo; but the sequence is effortless and charming. If Bambi himself is just a bit dull—such is the fate of an Everydeer—his rabbit sidekick Thumper and a skunk named Flower more than make up for it. Many of the early Disney features have their share of lyrical moments and universal truths, but Bambi is so simple, so pure, it's almost transparent. You might borrow a phrase from Thumper and say it's downright twitterpated. —Robert Horton

Kirk Wise, 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.

Sidney Lumet Master filmmaker Sidney Lumet (The Verdict Dog Day Afternoon Serpico) scores big with this absorbing suspense thriller. Oscar®-winner* Philip Seymour Hoffman is Andy an overextended payroll executive who lures his younger brother Hank (Ethan Hawke) into a larcenous scheme: the pair will rob a suburban mom-and-pop jewelry store that appears to be the quintessential easy target. The problem is the store owners are Andy and Hank's real mom and pop and when the seemingly perfect crime goes awry the damage sends them hurtling toward a shattering climax. System Requirements:LENGTH: 117 minutesFormat: BLU-RAY DISC Genre: DRAMA/PSYCHOLOGICAL DRAMA Rating: R UPC: 014381491258 Manufacturer No: CAP4912BD

Collected from one of the most popular segments of the acclaimed HBO Original Series Real Time with Bill Maher New Rules takes steady aim at well just about everything in sight bringing in the hosts incisive wit and hilarious asides. Bill Maher: New Rules brings these cleverly conceived barbs to DVD for the first time along with some brilliant bonus feature editorials that you're unlikely to find in the pages of your local newspaper.Running Time: 45 min.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: COMEDY UPC: 026359331527 Manufacturer No: 93315

Larry Charles Kazakh tv talking head borat is dispatched to the united states to report on the greatest country in the world. With a documentary crew in tow borat becomes more interested in locating & marrying pamela anderson. Studio: Tcfhe Release Date: 10/14/2008 Starring: Sacha Baron Cohen Pamela Anderson Run time: 86 minutes Rating: R

Doug Liman Freely adapted from Robert Ludlum's 1980 bestseller, The Bourne Identity starts fast and never slows down. The twisting plot revs up in Zurich, where amnesiac CIA assassin Jason Bourne (Matt Damon), with no memory of his name, profession, or recent activities, recruits a penniless German traveler (Run Lola Run's Franka Potente) to assist in solving the puzzle of his missing identity. While his CIA superior (Chris Cooper) dispatches assassins to kill Bourne and thus cover up his failed mission, Bourne exercises his lethal training to leave a trail of bodies from Switzerland to Paris. Director Doug Liman (Go) infuses Ludlum's intricate plotting with a maverick's eye for character detail, matching breathtaking action with the humorous, thrill-seeking chemistry of Damon and Potente. Previously made as a 1988 TV movie starring Richard Chamberlain, The Bourne Identity benefits from the sharp talent of rising stars, offering intelligent, crowd-pleasing excitement from start to finish. —Jeff Shannon

Paul Greengrass Re-enter the shadowy world of expert assassin jason bourne who continues to find himself plagued by the splintering nightmares from his former life. The stakes are now higher for the agent as he maneuvers through the dangerous waters of international espionage. Studio: Uni Dist Corp. (mca) Release Date: 08/22/2006 Starring: Matt Damon Brian Cox Run time: 109 minutes Rating: Pg13

Paul Greengrass The often breathtaking, final installment in the Bourne trilogy finds the titular assassin with no memory closing in on his past, finally answering his own questions about his real identity and how he came to be a seemingly unstoppable killing machine. Matt Damon returns for another intensely physical performance as Jason Bourne, the rogue operative at war with the CIA, which made him who and what he is and managed to kill his girlfriend in the series' second film, The Bourne Supremacy. Now looking for payback, Bourne goes in search for the renegade chief of CIA operations in Europe and North Africa, partnering for a time with a mysterious woman from his past (Julia Stiles) and constantly—constantly—on the run from assassins, intelligence foot soldiers, and cops. Directed by Paul Greengrass (United 93) with the director's thrilling, trademark textures and shaky, documentary style, The Bourne Ultimatum is largely a succession of action scenes that reveal a lot about the story's characters while they're under duress. Joan Allen, Albert Finney, David Strathairn, Scott Glenn, and Paddy Considine comprise the film's terrific supporting cast, and the well-traveled movie leads viewers through Turin, Madrid, Tangiers, Paris, London, and New York. Overall, this is a satisfying conclusion to Bourne's exciting and protracted mystery. —Tom Keogh

Beyond The Bourne Ultimatum on DVD

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Stills from The Bourne Ultimatum (Click for larger image)

LEGENDARY SINGER/SONGWRITER KRIS KRISTOFFERSON,THE SON OF AN AIR FORCE GENERAL, LEADS US ON A HEARTFELT JOURNEY INTO THE STRANGE & INTERESTING MILITARY LIFE OF AN AMERICAN MILITARY "BRAT".

Peyton Reed The combined star power of Vince Vaughn (Wedding Crashers, Swingers) and Jennifer Aniston (Bruce Almighty, The Good Girl) makes The Break-Up a high-profile romantic comedy. Gary (Vaughn) and Brooke (Aniston) find that their brittle relationship may have reached the breaking point—but neither is willing to give up the condo they co-own. As their fighting grows increasingly bitter, neither is sure if they're fighting to get out of the relationship or to save it. The Break-Up is an odd combination of realistic scenes that capture the harsh yet human ways that lovers can hurt each other, and broad comic scenes with a more farcical edge. Both types of scenes are entertaining on their own terms—the movie is never boring—but they don't fully mesh, and as a result it's hard to engage emotionally with either Gary or Brooke. But the sterling supporting cast—including Jon Favreau (Wimbledon), Cole Hauser (The Cave), Joey Lauren Adams (Chasing Amy), John Michael Higgins (A Mighty Wind), Justin Long (Dodgeball), Jason Bateman (Arrested Development), Vincent D'Onofrio (Happy Accidents), and the ever-delirious Judy Davis (Husbands and Wives)—give every scene they're in a boost of comic energy. An uneven but enjoyable movie that may suffer from viewers having overly high expectations due to Vaughn and Aniston's celebrity. —Bret Fetzer

Gabor Csupo Based on Katherine Paterson's young-adult novel and filmed in picturesque New Zealand, Bridge to Terabithia has lessons to impart about empathy and self-expression, but the tone is never heavy-handed. Jesse (sleepy-eyed Josh Hutcherson, Zathura), a fifth-grade loner, lives in the country with his parents and four sisters, including pesky May Belle (Bailee Madison), who adores him. His strict father (Robert Patrick, The Terminator 2) works in a hardware store. Money is tight and classmates make fun of his hand-me-downs, so Jesse finds refuge in running and drawing. Everything changes when two writers and their daughter Leslie (wide-eyed AnnaSophia Robb, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) move in next door. Leslie is faster than all the boys, which initially puts Jesse off, but the two soon bond over their love of make-believe. In the forest, they find a creek that can only be crossed by rope. Leslie names the land on the other side Terabithia, where they imagine themselves rulers of the kingdom. Jesse and Leslie also connect with their unconventional music teacher, Ms. Edmonds (Zooey Deschanel, Elf), who encourages their creativity. Despite the tension at home, Jesse's personal life is finally coming together when the unthinkable happens. Will he revert to his anti-social ways or will he grow from the experience? Though aimed at all ages, pre-school students may find Terebithia's creatures frightening. For grade-school kids and up, however, there's much to savor in this smartly written, sensitively acted film. —Kathleen C. Fennessy

Andrew Stanton There was such a magic on the screen in 1995 when the people at Pixar came up with the first fully computer-animated film, Toy Story. Their second feature film, A Bug's Life, may miss the bull's-eye but Pixar's target is so lofty, it's hard to find the film anything less than irresistible.

Brighter and more colorful than the other animated insect movie of 1998 (Antz), A Bug's Life is the sweetly told story of Flik (voiced by David Foley), an ant searching for better ways to be a bug. His colony unfortunately revolves around feeding and fearing the local grasshoppers (lead by Hopper, voiced with gleeful menace by Kevin Spacey). When Flik accidentally destroys the seasonal food supply for the grasshoppers he decides to look for help ("We need bigger bugs!"). The ants, led by Princess Atta (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), are eager to dispose of the troublesome Flik. Yet he finds help—a hearty bunch of bug warriors—and brings them back to the colony. Unfortunately they are just traveling performers afraid of conflict.

As with Toy Story, the ensemble of creatures and voices is remarkable and often inspired. Highlights include wiseacre comedian Denis Leary as an un-ladylike ladybug, Joe Ranft as the German-accented caterpillar, David Hyde Pierce as a stick bug, and Michael McShane as a pair of unintelligible pillbugs. The scene-stealer is Atta's squeaky-voiced sister, baby Dot (Hayden Panettiere), who has a big sweet spot for Flik.

More gentle and kid-friendly than Antz, A Bug Life's still has some good suspense and a wonderful demise of the villain. However, the film—a giant worldwide hit—will be remembered for its most creative touch: "outtakes" over the end credits à la many live-action comedy films. These dozen or so scenes (both "editions" of outtakes are contained here) are brilliant and deserve a special place in film history right along with 1998's other most talked-about sequence: the opening Normandy invasion in Saving Private Ryan.

The video also contains Pixar's delightful Oscar-winning short, Geri's Game. Box art varies. —Doug Thomas

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

Tim Burton Studio: Warner Home Video Release Date: 08/29/2006 Run time: 115 minutes Rating: Pg13

Ken Hughes This remastered, pan-and-scan 30th-anniversary edition of that 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

Andrew Adamson Four young siblings discover a magical wardrobe and are transported to narnia an enchanted world ruled by the glacial powers of an evil white witch. With courage and heart-felt desire to save narnia the children must band together to fight the witch in a spectacular climatic battle. Studio: Buena Vista Home Video Release Date: 03/28/2008 Starring: Tilda Swinton Jim Broadbent Run time: 134 minutes Rating: Pg

. Studio: Buena Vista Home Video Release Date: 12/02/2008 Rating: Pg

Clyde Geronimi, Hamilton Luske, Wilfred Jackson Disney's adaptation of the beloved fairy tale became a classic in its own right, thanks to some memorable tunes (including "A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes," "Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo," and the title song) and some endearingly cute comic relief. We all know the story—the wicked stepmother and stepsisters simply won't have it, this uppity Cinderella thinking she's going to a ball designed to find the handsome prince an appropriate sweetheart, but perseverance, animal buddies, and a well-timed entrance by a fairy godmother make sure things turn out all right. There are a few striking sequences of pure animation—for example, Cinderella is reflected in bubbles drifting through the air—and the design is rich and evocative throughout. It's a simple story padded here agreeably with comic business, particularly Cinderella's rodent pals (dressed up conspicuously like the dwarf sidekicks of another famous Disney heroine) and their misadventures with a wretched cat named Lucifer. There's also much harrumphing and exposition spouting by the King and the Grand Duke. It's a much simpler and more graceful work than the more frenetically paced animated films of today, which makes it simultaneously quaint and highly gratifying. —David Kronke

Jonathan Lynn Col.Mustard miss scarlet mrs. Peacock and company solve a mansion murder based on the board game. Studio: Paramount Home Video Release Date: 03/22/2005 Starring: Bill Henderson Howard Hesseman Run time: 94 minutes Rating: Pg Director: Jonathan Lynn

Ron Howard A murder inside the louvre and clues in da vinci paintings lead to the discovery of a religious mystery protected by a secret society for two thousand years — which could shake the foundations of christianity. Studio: Sony Pictures Home Ent Release Date: 09/23/2008 Starring: Tom Hanks Ian Mckellan Run time: 149 minutes Rating: Pg13 Director: Ron Howard

Mark Steven Johnson Story of matthew murdock who is struck blind by a radioactive isotope. He gains a super radar ability & uses his powers to fight crime in new york. Studio: Tcfhe Release Date: 05/13/2008 Starring: Jennifer Garner Colin Farrell Run time: 103 minutes Rating: R Director: Mark Steven Johnson

Roland Emmerich Studio: Tcfhe Release Date: 09/30/2008 Run time: 124 minutes Rating: Pg13

David Frankel This clever, funny big-screen adaptation of Lauren Weisberger's best-seller takes some of the snarky bite out of the chick lit book, but smoothes out the characters' boxy edges to make a more satisfying movie. There's no doubt The Devil Wears Prada belongs to Meryl Streep, who turns in an Oscar-worthy (seriously!) strut as the monster editor-in-chief of Runway,

an elite fashion magazine full of size-0, impossibly well-dressed plebes. This makes new second-assistant Andrea (Anne Hathaway), who's smart but an unacceptable size 6, stick out like a sore thumb. Streep has a ball sending her new slave on any whimsical errand, whether it's finding the seventh (unpublished) Harry Potter book or knowing what type she means when she wants "skirts." Though Andrea thumbs her nose at the shallow world of fashion (she's only doing the job to open doors to a position at The New Yorker someday), she finds herself dually disgusted yet seduced by the perks of the fast life. The film sends a basic message: Make work your priority, and you'll be rich and powerful... and lonely. Any other actress would have turned Miranda into a scenery-chewing Cruella, but Streep's underplayed, brilliant comic timing make her a fascinating, unapologetic character. Adding frills to the movie's fun are Stanley Tucci as Streep's second-in-command, Emily Blunt (My Summer of Love) as the overworked first assistant, Simon Baker as a sexy writer, and breathtaking couture designs any reader of Vogue would salivate over. — Ellen A. Kim

Beyond The Devil Wears Prada

The Devil Wears Prada: A Novel

The Devil Wears Prada Soundtrack

Prada Handbags

Stills from The Devil Wears Prada (click for larger image)

John McTiernan This seminal 1988 thriller made Bruce Willis a star and established a new template for action stories: "Terrorists take over a (blank), and a lone hero, unknown to the villains, is trapped with them." In Die Hard, those bad guys, led by the velvet-voiced Alan Rickman, assume control of a Los Angeles high-rise with Willis's visiting New York cop inside. The attraction of the film has as much to do with the sight of a barefoot mortal running around the guts of a modern office tower as it has to do with the plentiful fight sequences and the bond the hero establishes with an LA beat cop. Bonnie Bedelia plays Willis's wife, Hart Bochner is good as a brash hostage who tries negotiating his way to freedom, Alexander Godunov makes for a believable killer with lethal feet, and William Atherton is slimy as a busybody reporter. Exceptionally well directed by John McTiernan. —Tom Keogh

This box set includes all three "Die Hard" movies, issued in the "Letterbox" format. Issued in a 9" X 13" X 1 1/2" black box, with the 4 3/4" X 8" plaque on the cover as shown in the photo provided. RARE, out of print, extremely limited set.

Betty Thomas There's something intrinsically funny about tactlessly truth-telling talking animals. And there are plenty of those—and laughs to go with them—in this 1998 reimagining of Hugh Lofting's children's story. Murphy plays the doctor in question, a modern-day San Francisco physician who discovers that he can understand what animals have to say. Director Betty Thomas makes the most of an amazing voice cast for the animals, led by Norm McDonald and including everyone from Garry Shandling to Julie Kavner to Albert Brooks. The story itself is pretty slim—will the conscientious doctor sign his soul away to a greedy HMO?—but Murphy makes the most of it, often providing priceless reactions to animal voices only he can hear. —Marshall Fine

Bill Condon Studio: Paramount Home Video Release Date: 03/06/2007 Rating: Pg13

Studio: Image Entertainment Release Date: 04/05/2005 Run time: 109 minutes

Luc Besson From director Luc Besson (The Fifth Element) comes this "wild and irresistible" (New York Post) thriller about a vicious street punk turned sexy, sophisticated and lethally dangerous assassin. Starring Anne Parillaud, Jeanne Moreau and Jean Reno, La Femme Nikita is "slick, stylish and tremendously entertaining" (The New York Times)! Rescued from death row by a top-secret agency, Nikita (Anne Parillaud) is slowly transformed from a cop-killing junkie into a cold-blooded bombshell with a license to kill. But when she begins the deadliest mission of her careeronly to fall for a man who knows nothing of her true identityNikita discovers that in the dark and ruthless world of espionage, the greatest casualty of all...is true love.

Stanton, Andrew Studio: Buena Vista Home Video Release Date: 05/16/2008 Run time: 100 minutes Rating: G

Robert Schwentke Like a lot of stylishly persuasive thrillers, Flightplan is more fun to watch than it is to think about. There's much to admire in this hermetically sealed mystery, in which a propulsion engineer and grieving widow (Jodie Foster) takes her 6-year-old daughter (and a coffin containing her husband's body) on a transatlantic flight aboard a brand-new jumbo jet she helped design, and faces a mother's worst nightmare when her daughter (Marlene Lawston) goes missing. But how can that be? Is she delusional? Are the flight crew, the captain (Sean Bean) and a seemingly sympathetic sky marshal (Peter Sarsgaard) playing out some kind of conspiratorial abduction? In making his first English-language feature, German director Robert Schwentke milks the mother's dilemma for all it's worth, and Foster's intense yet subtly nuanced performance (which builds on a fair amount of post-9/11 paranoia) encompasses all the shifting emotions required to grab and hold your attention. Alas, this upgraded riff on Hitchcock's The Lady Vanishes (not to mention Otto Preminger's Bunny Lake is Missing) is ultimately too preposterous to hold itself together. Flightplan gives us a dazzling tour of the jumbo jet's high-tech innards, and its suspense is intelligently maintained all the way through to a cathartic conclusion, but the plot-heavy mechanics break down under scrutiny. Your best bet is to fasten your seatbelt and enjoy the thrills on a purely emotional level—a strategy that worked equally well with Panic Room, Foster's previous thriller about a mother and daughter in peril. —Jeff Shannon

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

Stanley Kubrick The story of an 18-year-old marine recruit named Private Joker - from his carnage-and-machismo boot camp to his climactic involvement in the heavy fighting in Hue during the 1968 Tet Offensive.

Peter Segal Studio: Warner Home Video Release Date: 11/04/2008 Run time: 151 minutes Rating: Pg13

Michael Cristofer It's late 70's New York. Studio 54, designer jeans, drugs and disco. This is the outrageous, breathtaking story of the first fashion super-model - her rise to the top, and her fall caught up in a whirlwind of drugs, sex and celebrity.
Running Time: 126 min.

Format: DVD MOVIE
Genre: DRAMA
Rating: NR
Age: 026359154027
UPC: 026359154027
Manufacturer No: 91540

Chris Weitz Studio: New Line Home Video Release Date: 11/11/2008 Rating: Pg13

George Miller (II) For anyone who thought the Oscar-winning documentary March of the Penguins was the most marvelous cinematic moment for these nomads of the south, you haven't seen nothing yet. Happy Feet is an animated wonder about a penguin named Mumble who can't sing, but can dance up a storm. George Miller, the driving force behind the Babe (and Mad Max) movies, takes another creative step in family entertainment with this big, beautiful, music-fueled film that will have kids and their parents dancing in the streets. From his first moment alive, Mumble (voiced Elijah Woods) feels the beat and can't stop dancing. Unfortunately, emperor penguins are all about finding their own heart song, and the dancing youngster—as cute as he is—is a misfit. Luckily, he bumps into little blue penguins and a Spanish-infused group (led by Robin Williams) and begins a series of adventures. Miller has an exceptional variety of entertainment: Busby Berkley musical numbers, amusement-park thrills, exciting chase sequences (seals and orca lovers might like think otherwise), and even an environmental message that doesn't weigh you down. Best of all, you don't know where the movie is going in the last act, a rare occurrence these days in family entertainment. A fusion of rock songs, mashed-up and otherwise, are featured; this movie is as much a musical as a comedy. Mumble's solo dance to a new version of Stevie Wonder's "I Wish" by Fantasia, Patti, and Yolanda may be the most joyful moment on camera in 2006. —Doug Thomas

On the DVD
There are two new animated sequences, which aren't incorporated into the film. One's a half-minute hackysack-themed bit, but the other is a good-looking, two-minute scene featuring the late Steve Irwin as an albatross, who, with Mumble, encounters a blue whale. "Dance Like a Penguin: Stomp to the Beat" is hosted by Savion Glover, whose dancing was motion-captured for the film, but other than a couple basic tips, it's pretty much a demonstration rather than a lesson. In addition to the two music videos (Gia's "Hit Me Up" and Prince's "The Song of the Heart"), "I Love to Singa" is an appropriately matched 1936 Merrie Melodies cartoon in which a young owl ruffles feathers by wanting to sing jazz for his classical-music-loving family. —David Horiuchi

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Chris Columbus Harry ignores warnings not to return to hogwarts only to find the school plagued by a series of mysterious attacks and a strange voice haunting him. Studio: Warner Home Video Release Date: 11/14/2006 Starring: Daniel Radcliffe Emma Watson Run time: 161 minutes Rating: Pg Director: Chris Columbus

Mike Newell The fourth entry in the Harry Potter saga could be retitled Fast Times at Hogwarts, where finding a date to the winter ball is nearly as terrifying as worrying about Lord Voldemort's return. Thus, the young wizards' entry into puberty (and discovery of the opposite sex) opens up a rich mining field to balance out the dark content in the fourth movie (and the stories are only going to get darker). Mike Newell (Four Weddings and a Funeral) handily takes the directing reins and eases his young cast through awkward growth spurts into true young actors. Harry (Daniel Radcliffe, more sure of himself) has his first girl crush on fellow student Cho Chang (Katie Leung), and has his first big fight with best bud Ron (Rupert Grint). Meanwhile, Ron's underlying romantic tension with Hermione (Emma Watson) comes to a head over the winter ball, and when she makes one of those girl-into-woman Cinderella entrances, the boys' reactions indicate they've all crossed a threshold.

But don't worry, there's plenty of wizardry and action in Goblet of Fire. When the deadly Triwizard Tournament is hosted by Hogwarts, Harry finds his name mysteriously submitted (and chosen) to compete against wizards from two neighboring academies, as well as another Hogwarts student. The competition scenes are magnificently shot, with much-improved CGI effects (particularly the underwater challenge). And the climactic confrontation with Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes, in a brilliant bit of casting) is the most thrilling yet. Goblet, the first installment to get a PG-13 rating, contains some violence as well as disturbing images for kids and some barely shrouded references at sexual awakening (Harry's bath scene in particular). The 2 1/2-hour film, lean considering it came from a 734-page book, trims out subplots about house-elves (they're not missed) and gives little screen time to the standard crew of the other Potter films, but adds in more of Britain's finest actors to the cast, such as Brendan Gleeson as Mad-Eye Moody and Miranda Richardson as Rita Skeeter. Michael Gambon, in his second round as Professor Dumbledore, still hasn't brought audiences around to his interpretation of the role he took over after Richard Harris died, but it's a small smudge in an otherwise spotless adaptation. —Ellen A. Kim

On the DVD
The highlight of the two-disc set is a half-hour conversation with actors Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint. They discuss their reactions to the film and other topics with British writer Richard Curtis . Then they answer questions from contest-winning fans, such as what are their favorite kids' books (Watson bypasses the obvious answer in favor of Roald Dahl and Philip Pullman) and what scenes are they looking forward to in upcoming films. More routine extras include the "Reflections on the Fourth Film" featurette (14 min.), though it has comments from some of the other young cast members, and "Preparing for the Yule Ball" (9 min.). The 10 minutes of additional scenes are mostly skulking and skullduggery, plus a long musical number from the ball. The remaining material is grouped along the lines of the Triwizard Tournament, with behind-the-scenes looks at each of the competitions (about 22 min. total), two longer featurettes on He Who Must Not Be Named (11 min.) and the workday of the other contestants (Robert Pattinson, Stanislav Ianevski, and Clémence Poésy, 13 min.), and four games, playable with the directional arrows on the remote control, that can be frustrating to figure out. —David Horiuchi

David Yates (II) Studio: Warner Home Video Release Date: 12/11/2007 Run time: 157 minutes Rating: Pg13

Alfonso Cuarón Harry & his friends are forced to face escaped prisoner sirius black who poses a great threat to harry. Harry must overcome the soul-sucking dementors outsmart a dangerous werewolf & finally deal with the truth about sirius black & his relationship to harry & his parents. Studio: Warner Home Video Release Date: 11/14/2006 Starring: Daniel Radcliffe Rupert Grint Run time: 142 minutes Rating: Pg

Chris Columbus Here's an event movie that holds up to being an event. This filmed version of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, adapted from the wildly popular book by J.K. Rowling, stunningly brings to life Harry Potter's world of Hogwarts, the school for young witches and wizards. The greatest strength of the film comes from its faithfulness to the novel, and this new cinematic world is filled with all the details of Rowling's imagination, thanks to exuberant sets, elaborate costumes, clever makeup and visual effects, and a crème de la crème cast, including Maggie Smith, Richard Harris, Alan Rickman, and more. Especially fine is the interplay between Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) and his schoolmates Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson), as well as his protector, the looming Hagrid (Robbie Coltrane). The second-half adventure—involving the titular sorcerer's stone—doesn—doesn't translate perfectly from page to screen, ultimately because of the film's fidelity to the novel; this is a case of making a movie for the book's fans, as opposed to a transcending film. Writer Steve Kloves and director Chris Columbus keep the spooks in check, making this a true family film, and with its resourceful hero wide-eyed and ready, one can't wait for Harry's return. Ages 8 and up. —Doug Thomas

Cotton Warburton, Robert Stevenson The first sequel to The Love Bug is similar enough to the first film's charm and raucous comedy that it works on its own. Neither Dean Jones nor Michelle Lee are back, but a nice cast of familiar pros keeps things moving along slickly. The story finds Herbie helping Helen Hayes—yes, the First Lady of the American Theater—keep out of the clutches of Keenan Wynn's villain. —Tom Keogh

Andrew Davis Fans of author Louis Sachar's book Holes will be delighted with this scrupulously faithful adaptation. After being wrongly found guilty of stealing a pair of sneakers, Stanley Yelnats (Shia LaBeouf) gets sent to Camp Green Lake, a juvenile correctional facility in the bed of a long-gone dry Texas lake. There—under the watchful eye of overseer Mr. Sir (a zesty Jon Voight), sneakily mean therapist Dr. Pendanski (Tim Blake Nelson, O Brother Where Art Thou?), and the cool and cruel Warden (Sigourney Weaver)—Stanley and dozens of other delinquents are forced to dig an endless series of holes that the Warden hopes will lead her to a precious secret left behind by a long-dead female outlaw (Patricia Arquette). Sachar's book is beloved for its vivid characters and suspenseful plot; by sticking close to its source, Holes has become a dynamic, exciting, and surprisingly touching movie. —Bret Fetzer

Studio: Warner Home Video Release Date: 11/28/2006 Run time: 60 minutes Rating: Nr

With enough track and speed to fuel any young car-lover's imagination, Hot Wheels: World Race zestfully celebrates the 35th anniversary of Mattel's popular racecar collectibles. Fresh from acing his driving test, teenage surfer Vert Wheeler gets recruited—along with a handful of world-famous racers—to drive a parallel dimension known as Highway 35. Their sponsor is a mysterious scientist, creator of uncommonly powerful and cool-looking vehicles. Their mission: to capture the Wheel of Power, "the greatest source of energy the world has ever known!" (Cue echo machine.) It's a dangerous, heart-thumping journey through surreal desert, volcano, jungle, ocean, and urban courses. To its credit, World Race provides clean entertainment: no one swears, no one dies, and stiff competition turns out to be a healthy exercise in team building. This 110-minute show is crafted in dizzying CGI format and amplified by hard rock music throughout (Smash Mouth provides the end theme). (Ages 5 and older) —Liane Thomas

William Gordon (III) Studio: Warner Home Video Release Date: 11/28/2006 Run time: 61 minutes Rating: Nr

Terry George Solidly built around a subtle yet commanding performance by Don Cheadle, Hotel Rwanda emerged as one of the most highly-praised dramas of 2004. In a role that demands his quietly riveting presence in nearly every scene, Cheadle plays real-life hero Paul Rusesabagina, a hotel manager in the Rwandan capital of Kigali who in 1994 saved 1,200 Rwandan "guests" from certain death during the genocidal clash between tribal Hutus, who slaughtered a million victims, and the horrified Tutsis, who found safe haven or died. Giving his best performance since his breakthrough role in Devil in a Blue Dress, Cheadle plays Rusesabagina as he really was during the ensuing chaos: "an expert in situational ethics" (as described by critic Roger Ebert), doing what he morally had to do, at great risk and potential sacrifice, with an understanding that wartime negotiations are largely a game of subterfuge, cooperation, and clever bribery. Aided by a United Nations official (Nick Nolte), he worked a saintly miracle, and director Terry George (Some Mother's Son) brings formidable social conscience to bear on a true story you won't soon forget. —Jeff Shannon

Jean Negulesco Three beautiful young woen are determined to marry for money - but things dont go quite the way they planned them. Studio: Tcfhe Release Date: 04/20/2004 Starring: Marilyn Monroe Betty Grable Run time: 95 minutes Rating: Nr

Craig Brewer A hard-living memphis hustler has dreams of becoming the next rap superstar in this gritty & inspirational story of struggle & redempation on lifes mean streets. Studio: Paramount Home Video Release Date: 05/01/2007 Starring: Terrence Howard Anthony Anderson Run time: 115 minutes Rating: R

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

Todd Field When a film with such emotional resonance and visual poise as In the Bedroom makes it to the screen, it seems an unexpected gift meant to remind us of the medium's possibility for sensitivity and epiphany. First-time director Todd Field, who adapted the film from a story by Andre Dubus with screenwriter Rob Festinger, quietly observes the loss, rage, and inexorable desire for revenge that follows the murder of a 21-year-old son. The film opens with Frank (Nick Stahl), back from college for the summer, taking up with Natalie (Marisa Tomei), a slightly older, sexually alluring woman with two boys and an estranged husband prone to violence. It is the tender portrayal of love between Frank and his parents, even as Frank and Natalie's relationship reveals the prejudices of all involved, that makes the subsequent anguish of the film so acute. Matt and Ruth Fowler (Tom Wilkinson and Sissy Spacek), middle-class denizens of a Maine lobster town where everyone knows each other, toil through weeks of devastation and blame following Frank's murder before their outrage obliterates all else. Field's exact handling of jealousy, class division, and grief is abetted by career-highlight performances from Wilkinson and Spacek. In the Bedroom is, along with You Can Count On Me, one of the best American dramas to grace the new millennium so far. —Fionn Meade

Davis Guggenheim With the fate of our planet arguably hanging in the balance, An Inconvenient Truth may prove to be one of the most important and prescient documentaries of all time. As he jokingly refers to himself, "former President-elect" Al Gore felt an urgent personal calling to draw attention—as he had been doing throughout his political career—to the increasingly desperate crisis of global warming, and this riveting documentary is basically a filmed version (by respected TV director Davis Guggenheim) of the PowerPoint lecture that Gore has presented (by his own estimate, well over 1,000 times) to attentive audiences all over the world. Considering Gore's amiable, low-key approach to charts, graphs, statistics, and photographs that leave no room for doubt regarding the reality (not "theory") of global warming as Earth's ultimate environmental crisis, many viewers will be surprised by just how fascinating and convincing this no-frills film really is.

As we learn about the milestone events that shaped his character (including his sister's death and young son's near-fatal injuries after being struck by a car), Gore sheds the stiff demeanor of his 2000 presidential campaign and impresses us as a man with a mission, transcending partisan politics with an impassioned plea for common sense, ethical forthrightness, and passionate purpose in reversing the harmful effects of global warming through personal and political responsibility. Some may accuse Gore of exploiting global warming as a Democratic platform, but his honest conviction regarding this "inconvenient truth" (i.e. overwhelming evidence of global warming that's troublesome to those whose interests are threatened by Gore's irrefutable message) is likely to silence all but the most obtusely stubborn detractors. By taking the high road and discreetly avoiding a full-on assault against the George W. Bush administration (which has steadfastly avoided "the inconvenient truth" with obfuscating spin control and policies favoring the oil industry), Gore effectively rises above political differences with a stern but hopeful eye toward a better future for our children.—Jeff Shannon

Bob parr and his wife used to be among the worlds greatest crime fighters. 15 years later they are living normal suburban lives with civilian identities. Bob gets his chance to get back into action with a top-secret assignment. He soon discovers it will take a super family effort to save the world. Studio: Buena Vista Home Video Release Date: 05/16/2008 Starring: Voices Of Craig T Nelson Samuel L Jackson Run time: 115 minutes Rating: Pg

Roland Emmerich When massive spaceships begin to destroy major cities across the globe a band of survivors must try to defeat the invaders & save mankind. Studio: Tcfhe Release Date: 06/12/2007 Starring: Will Smith Bill Pullman Run time: 153 minutes Rating: Pg13

India Arie

The late 1970s and early 1980s saw the rise of butt-kicking female rockers who followed the punk wave of the late 1970s: Chrissie Hynde of the Pretenders, the Go-Gos, and the Runaways, the seminal American punk band that gave us Joan Jett. Jett was a chart-topping feminist icon of the early 1980s, a tough rock & roller in leather and eye makeup, sexy and defiant and tough. Though pop-music styles may have passed her by, Jett remains a satisfying live performer, as this set reveals. Taped in 2001, the rather amateurishly shot show offers Jett blazing through a list of both her own hits and the hits of others. The songs that thrilled today's 35- to 40-year-olds when they were in high school include "I Love Rock 'n' Roll," "I Hate Myself for Loving You," and "Do You Wanna Touch Me." Jett also displays her exceptional taste in covering everything from Bruce Springsteen's "Light of Day" to the Runaways' "Cherry Bomb" to "Love Is All Around," the Mary Tyler Moore Show theme song. DVD features include a pair of videos, biography, discography, and photo album. —Marshall Fine

David Mallet Follows the rags-to-riches story of joseph his eleven brothers and the coat of many colors. Bonus features: both dolby digital and dts audio tracks trailer production notes cast and filmmakers universal web link and go go go joseph the making of joseph and the amazing technicolor dreamcoat. Studio: Uni Dist Corp. (mca) Release Date: 03/04/2003 Starring: Donny Osmond Richard Attenborough Run time: 78 minutes Rating: Nr

Various Mind, Body & Soul Sessions features R&B phenom Joss Stone live in concert in 2004. Recorded at New York's Irving Plaza, the show begins with an introduction by the legendary Betty Wright, who co-produced the Brit's stunning debut, The Soul Sessions, and co-wrote several songs on the second, Mind, Body & Soul. The barefoot singer then gets down to business, performing a solid selection of material from both albums, including "Super Duper Love" from the first and "You Had Me" from the follow-up. Stone receives strong support from a tight band, distinguished by powerful drummer Caesar Griffin. As a performer, she's vivacious and her soulful voice is in fine form, but she may want to tone down the giggles in the years to come. That said, Stone is still just a teenager—as hard as that may be to believe while listening to the sophisticated recordings of this old soul. —Kathleen C. Fennessy

Steven Spielberg Experts and others are invited to a theme-park site featuring dinosaurs man-made from dna. From the michael crichton novel. Studio: Uni Dist Corp. (mca) Release Date: 08/24/2004 Starring: Sam Neill Samuel L. Jackson Run time: 127 minutes Rating: Pg13 Director: Steven Spielberg

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

Clyde Geronimi, Hamilton Luske, Wilfred Jackson Disney's first animated feature in CinemaScope is now available in widescreen presentations on video, and it is definitely good to get the whole picture. One of the studio's most original and charming movies, the 1955 film tells the story of a rakish, street-smart dog named Tramp, who helps an aristocratic pooch named Lady out of some trouble and then commences a romance with her. Sweet, funny scenes abound, and the combination of innocence and sophistication would have done well in a live-action picture. Peggy Lee cowrote the songs and provides the voice of the Siamese cats in one of the film's best-known musical sequences. This newly restored version spruces up both sonics and visuals, and a letterbox version is available. —Tom Keogh

Martin Campbell Having spent the last 10 years fighting injustice & cruelty alejandro de la vega is now facing his greatest challenge: his loving wife elena has filed for divorce & taken up with count armand who is behind a terrorist plot to destroy the u.S. Zorro has to try & save 2 unions before its too late! Studio: Sony Pictures Home Ent Release Date: 06/26/2007 Starring: Antonio Banderas Rufus Sewell Run time: 129 minutes Rating: Pg

Anthony Leondis, Michael LaBash Familial love proves all-powerful when Stitch gets a glitch that encourages bad behavior and threatens his relationship with Lilo in Lilo and Stitch 2. Like the first Lilo and Stitch, this straight-to-DVD sequel focuses primarily on Stitch, Lilo, and Lilo's sister Nani. Stitch's nightmares about misbehaving prove prophetic when he begins experiencing moments of uncontrollable badness. Unfortunately, Stitch's unruly actions always seem to interfere with Lilo's important preparations for the May Day hula competition—a competition that Lilo desperately wants to win in her mother's memory. Jumba goes to work creating a fusion chamber that will re-charge Stitch's molecules and purge his badness, but he can't seem to build one that works. In the end, it's Lilo's faith in herself and the power of Ohana that offer the only chance to cure Stitch and fill his goodness level to the top. (Ages 3-12) —Tami Horiuchi

Bradley Raymond The Lion King 1½ is an ingenious sequel that retells the original film's story from the perspective of best pals Timon the meerkat (voiced by Nathan Lane) and Pumbaa the warthog (Ernie Sabella). Anyone who has wondered how this odd couple met will find out here, beginning with Timon's flight from home following disgrace and his chance encounter with the sweet but lonely Pumbaa. With the arrival of young Simba (Shaun Flemming), The Lion King's familiar tale is reborn via a fresh angle, fleshed out by returning characters Rafiki the wise monkey (Robert Guillaume), Shenzi (Whoopi Goldberg), and Simba's love interest, Nala (Moira Kelly). While the retooled narrative proves a novel experience, The Lion King 1½ is really a vehicle for voice actors Lane and Sabella, whose comic performances are shamelessly, broadly funny. Matthew Broderick, Julie Kavner, and Jerry Stiller are also in the vocal cast. —Tom Keogh

Rob Minkoff, Roger Allers 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

John Musker, Ron Clements From the moment that Prince Eric's ship emerged from the fog in the opening credits it was apparent that Disney had somehow, suddenly recaptured that "magic" that had been dormant for thirty years. In the tale of a headstrong young mermaid who yearns to "spend a day, warm on the sand," Ariel trades her voice to Ursula, the Sea Witch (classically voiced by Pat Carroll), for a pair of legs. Ariel can only succeed if she receives true love's kiss in a few day's time and she needs all the help she can from a singing crab named Sebastian, a loudmouth seagull, and a flounder. The lyrics and music by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken are top form: witty and relevant, and they advance the story (go on, hum a few bars of "Under the Sea"). Mermaid put animation back on the studio's "to do" list and was responsible for ushering Beauty and the Beast to theaters. A modern Disney classic. —Keith Simanton

Len Wiseman Twelve years after Die Hard with a Vengeance, the third and previous film in the Die Hard franchise, Live Free or Die Hard finds John McClane (Bruce Willis) a few years older, not any happier, and just as kick-ass as ever. Right after he has a fight with his college-age daughter (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), a call comes in to pick up a hacker (Justin Long, a.k.a. the "Apple guy") who might help the FBI learn something about a brief security blip in their systems. Now any Die Hard fan knows that this is when the assassins with foreign accents and high-powered weaponry show up, telling McClane that once again he's stumbled into an assignment that's anything but routine. Once that wreckage has cleared, it is revealed that the hacker is only one of many hackers who are being targeted for extermination after they helped set up a "fire sale," a three-pronged cyberattack designed to bring down the entire country by crippling its transportation, finances, and utilities. That plan is now being put into action by a mysterious team (Timothy Olyphant, Deadwood, and Maggie Q, Mission: Impossible 3) that seems to be operating under the government's noses.

Live Free or Die Hard uses some of the cat-and-mouse elements of Die Hard with a Vengeance along with some of the pick-'em-off-one-by-one elements of the now-classic original movie. And it's the most consistently enjoyable installment of the franchise since the original, with eye-popping stunts (directed by Len Wiseman of the Underworld franchise), good humor, and Willis's ability to toss off a quip while barely alive. There was some controversy over the film's PG-13 rating—there might be less blood than usual, and McClane's famous tag line is somewhat obscured—but there's still has plenty of action and a high body count. Yippee-ki-ay! —David Horiuchi

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In a small village in the shire a young hobbit named frodo has been entrusted with an ancient ring. Now he must embark on an epic quest to the cracks of doom in order to destroy it. Studio: New Line Home Video Release Date: 01/16/2007 Starring: Sean Astin Orlando Bloom Run time: 178 minutes Rating: Pg13 Director: Peter Jackson

The extended edition of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring was perhaps the most comprehensive DVD release to date, and its follow-up proves a similarly colossal achievement, with significant extra footage and a multitude of worthwhile bonus features. The extended version of The Two Towers adds 43 minutes to the theatrical version's 179-minute running time, and there are valuable additions to the film. Two new scenes might appease those who feel that the characterization of Faramir was the film's most egregious departure from the book, and fans will appreciate an appearance of the Huorns at Helm's Deep plus a nod to the absence of Tom Bombadil. Seeing a little more interplay between the gorgeous Eowyn and Aragorn is welcome, as is a grim introduction to Eomer and Theoden's son. And among the many other additions, there's an extended epilogue that might not have worked in the theater, but is more effective here in setting up The Return of the King. While the 30 minutes added to The Fellowship of the Ring felt just right in enriching the film, the extra footage in The Two Towers at times seems a bit extraneous—we see moments that in the theatrical version we had been told about, and some fleshed-out conversations and incidents are rather minor. But director Peter Jackson's vision of J.R.R. Tolkien's world is so marvelous that it's hard to complain about any extra time we can spend there.

While it may seem that there would be nothing left to say after the bevy of features on the extended Fellowship, the four commentary tracks and two discs of supplements on The Two Towers remain informative, fascinating, and funny, far surpassing the recycled materials on the two-disc theatrical version. Highlights of the 6.5 hours' worth of documentaries offer insight on the stunts, the design work, the locations, and the creation of Gollum, and—most intriguing for rabid fans—the film's writers (including Jackson) discuss why they created events that weren't in the book. Providing variety are animatics, rough footage, countless sketches, and a sound-mixing demonstration. Again, the most interesting commentary tracks are by Jackson and writers Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens and by 16 members of the cast (eight of whom didn't appear in the first film, and even including John Noble, whose Denethor character only appears in this extended cut). The first two installments of Peter Jackson's trilogy have established themselves as the best fantasy films of all time, and among the best film trilogies of all time, and their extended-edition DVD sets have set a new standard for expanding on the already-epic films and providing comprehensive bonus features. —David Horiuchi

Experience the first chapter in abcs critically acclaimed new action-packed mystery-thriller hit lost from j.J. Abrams creator of alias. Join an ensemble cast of 48 crash survivors who must fight for survival on an island laden with secrets as they discover they may be their own worst enemies. Studio: Buena Vista Home Video Release Date: 12/26/2007

Sofia Coppola 5000 miles from home bob harris is facing a mid-life crisis when these two lonely americans cross paths in a tokyo bar their chance encounter sparks a series of hilarious adventures creating an unexpected connection that might not last but will stay with them forever Studio: Uni Dist Corp. (mca) Release Date: 05/22/2007 Starring: Bill Murray Run time: 102 minutes Rating: R

This disc includes the following episodes: "A Tale of Two Cities," "A Glass Ballerina," "Further Instructions" and "Every Man for Himself."

George Miller (II) Studio: Tcfhe/mgm Release Date: 05/22/2007 Run time: 94 minutes Rating: R

Tom McGrath (VII) At new yorks central park zoo a lion a zebra a giraffe & a hippo are best friends & stars of the show. But when one of the animals goes missing from their cage the other 3 break free to look for him only to find themselves reunited .. On a ship en route to africa. They will learn what life in the wild is like. Studio: Paramount Home Video Release Date: 08/22/2006 Starring: Ben Stiller Jada Pinkett Smith Run time: 86 minutes Rating: Pg

Universal Pictures Mamma Mia! The Movie (Blu-ray) The delirious sight of Meryl Streep leading a river of multigenerational women singing "Dancing Queen" is one of thehigh points of Mamma Mia!, the musical built around the songs of the hugely popular pop group ABBA.The plot sets in motion when Sophie (Amanda Seyfried, Mean Girls), daughter of Donna (Streep), sends a letter to three men, inviting them to her wedding—because after reading her mother's diary, shesuspects that one of them is her father. When allthree arrive at the Greek island where Donna runsa hotel, Donna flips out and finds that passions she thought she'd laid aside are coming back to life. But let's face it, the plot is not the point—it—it's a ridiculous contrivance that provides an excuse for the characters to sing the massive hits ofABBA.

Luc Jacquet Studio: Warner Home Video Release Date: 11/11/2008 Run time: 80 minutes Rating: G

Martin Campbell Studio: Sony Pictures Home Ent Release Date: 06/27/2006 Run time: 137 minutes Rating: Pg13

Mark Waters Raised in the african bush country by her zoologist parents cady thinks she knows all about survival of the fittest. But the law of the jungle takes on a whole new meaning when the home-schooled 15-year-old enters high school & falls for the ex-boyfriend of the schools most popular girl. Studio: Paramount Home Video Release Date: 08/23/2005 Starring: Lindsay Lohan Rachel Mcadams Run time: 96 minutes Rating: Pg13

Swank, Hilary "I DON'T TRAIN GIRLS" trainer Frankie Dunn growls. But something's different about the spirited boxing hopeful who shows up daily at Dunn's gym. All she wants is a fighting chance. Clint Eastwood plays Dunn and directs produces and composes music for this acclaimed multi-award-winning tale of heart hope and family. Hilary Swank plays resilient Maggie determined not to abandon her one dream. And Morgan Freeman is Scrap gym caretaker and counterpoint to Dunn's crustiness. Grab your dreams and come out swinging.Running Time: 132 min.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: DRAMA UPC: 012569593237

J.J. Abrams Special agent ethan hunt faces the mission of his life. Studio: Paramount Home Video Release Date: 10/30/2006 Starring: Tom Cruise Kerri Russell Run time: 125 minutes Rating: Pg13 Director: J.j. Abrams

Patty Jenkins A shockingly moving film that burrows deep beneath the tabloid-sized headline stories of aileen wuornos the man-hating serial killer executed last year in florida. Studio: Sony Pictures Home Ent Release Date: 02/28/2006 Starring: Charlize Theron Bruce Dern Run time: 108 minutes Rating: R

Gil Kenan The spooky shadows and eerie creaking of a rickety old house are brought to life via lush CGI in Monster House. A young boy named DJ has suspicions about the house across the street and the cranky old man (voiced by Steve Buscemi, Fargo) who lives there. When the old man has a heart attack and is carried away by an ambulance, DJ thinks the danger is over. Unfortunately, as he, his friend Chowder, and a candy-selling prep-school girl named Jenny discover, the house itself has plans—plans that include eating all the kids who'll be trick-or-treating that Halloween night. Monster House begins with some deliciously creepy scenes that will send chills down children's spines (and may be too intense for younger viewers); animated movies rarely make such effective use of what isn't being shown. The animation is vivid and detailed (though CGI still has a ways to go in capturing the full range of human facial expressions). But like most horror movies, the anticipation of horror is much more exciting than the horror itself; as the secrets of Monster House are revealed, the movie's thrills unravel. The noisy explosions at the end aren't half as much fun as the slow twitches of a few blades of grass in the movie's elegant beginning. —Bret Fetzer

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Marc Forster Studio: Lions Gate Home Ent. Release Date: 06/26/2007 Run time: 112 minutes Rating: R

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

Jones, Terry The entire python gang star in this hilarious retelling of the knights of king arthur and their quest for the holy grail. Studio: Sony Pictures Home Ent Release Date: 02/22/2005 Run time: 89 minutes Rating: Pg

Lou Lombardo, Norman Jewison A young Brooklyn widow goes to meet her fiance's brother to invite him to her wedding, but falls in love with him instead.
Genre: Feature Film-Comedy
Rating: PG
Release Date: 13-NOV-2001
Media Type: DVD

Studio: Tcfhe Release Date: 10/14/2008 Run time: 94 minutes Rating: G

Steven Spielberg At its core, Munich is a straightforward thriller. Based on the book Vengeance: The True Story of an Israeli Counter-Terrorist Team by George Jonas, it's built on a relatively stock movie premise, the revenge plot: innocent people are killed, the bad guys got away with it, and someone has to make them pay. But director Steven Spielberg uses that as a starting point to delve into complex ethical questions about the cyclic nature of revenge and the moral price of violence. The movie starts with a rush. The opening portrays the kidnapping and murder of Israeli athletes by PLO terrorists at the 1972 Olympics with scenes as heart-stopping and terrifying as the best of any horror movie. After the tragic incident is over and several of the terrorists have gone free, the Israeli government of Golda Meir recruits Avner (Eric Bana) to lead a team of paid-off-the-book agents to hunt down those responsible throughout Europe, and eliminate them one-by-one (in reality, there were several teams). It's physically and emotionally messy work, and conflicts between Avner and his team's handler, Ephraim (Geoffrey Rush), over information Avner doesn't want to provide only make things harder. Soon the work starts to take its toll on Avner, and the deeper moral questions of right and wrong come into play, especially as it becomes clear that Avner is being hunted in return, and that his family's safety may be in jeopardy.

By all rights, Munich should be an unqualified success—it has gripping subject matter relevant to current events; it was co-written by one of America's greatest living playwrights (Tony Kushner, Angels in America) and an accomplished screenwriter (Eric Roth); it stars an appealing and likeable actor in Eric Bana; and it was helmed by Steven Spielberg, of all people. While it certainly is a great movie, it falls just short of the immense heights such talent should propel it to. This is due more to some questionable plot devices than anything else (such as the contrived use of a family of French informants to locate the terrorists). But while certain aspects ring hollow, the movie as a whole is a profound accomplishment, despite being only "inspired by true events," and not factually based on them. From the ferocious beginning to the unforgettable closing shot, Munich works on a visceral level while making a poignant plea for peace, and issuing an unmistakable warning about the destructive cycle of terror and revenge. As one of the characters intones, "There is no peace at the end of this." —Daniel Vancini

Joel Zwick When toul portokalos decides to change her life for the better she starts by getting a new wardrobe and ends up getting married! but can the quiet daughter in a loud greek family meet and marry the all-american man of her ddream without breaking a few plates. Studio: Hbo Home Video Release Date: 09/11/2007 Starring: Nia Vardols Michael Constantine Run time: 96 minutes Rating: Pg

Kirk Jones (III) Mr cedric brown has just lost his wife & is now left with his seven children who misbehave so much that all the nannies have run away. Now he is told by a mysterious voice that he should get nanny mcphee who is a magical woman with special powers. Studio: Uni Dist Corp. (mca) Release Date: 05/06/2008 Starring: Emma Thompson Kelly Macdonald Run time: 99 minutes Rating: Pg

Three convicts escape the chain gang to find a stolen treasure, but end up having a series of strange adventures.
Genre: Feature Film-Drama
Rating: PG13
Release Date: 2-SEP-2003
Media Type: DVD

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

Shawn Levy When a star soccer coach is murdered & his pink panther diamond foes missing only one man can solve the case: inspector jacques clouseau. Studio: Sony Pictures Home Ent Release Date: 09/25/2007 Starring: Steve Martin Beyonce Knowles Run time: 92 minutes Rating: Pg

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: 08/15/2008 Starring: Johnny Depp Kiera Knightley Run time: 150 minutes Rating: Pg13 Director: Gore Verbinski

Gore Verbinski You won't need a bottle of rum to enjoy Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, especially if you've experienced the Disneyland theme-park ride that inspired it. There's a galleon's worth of fun in watching Johnny Depp's androgynous performance as Captain Jack Sparrow, a roguish pirate who could pass for the illegitimate spawn of rockers Keith Richards and Chrissie Hynde. Depp gets all the good lines and steals the show, recruiting Orlando Bloom (a blacksmith and expert swordsman) and Keira Knightley (a lovely governor's daughter) on an adventurous quest to recapture the notorious Black Pearl, a ghost ship commandeered by Jack's nemesis Capt. Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush), a mutineer desperate to reverse the curse that left him and his (literally) skeleton crew in a state of eternal, undead damnation. Director Gore Verbinski (The Ring) repeats the redundant mayhem that marred his debut film Mouse Hunt, but with the writers of Shrek he's made Pirates into a special-effects thrill-ride that plays like a Halloween party on the open seas. Aye, matey, we've come a long way since Jason and the Argonauts! —Jeff Shannon

Gore Verbinski Studio: Buena Vista Home Video Release Date: 12/04/2007 Run time: 99 minutes Rating: R

Studio: Asylum Home Entertainment Release Date: 06/06/2006 Run time: 88 minutes Rating: R

Rob Reiner From celebrated director Rob Reiner (When Harry Met Sally) and Oscar(r)-winning* screenwriter William Goldman (Chaplin) comes "an enchanting fantasy" (Time) filled with adventure, romance and plenty of "good-hearted fun" (Roger Ebert)! Featuring a spectacular cast thatincludes Robin Wright (Forrest Gump), Cary Elwes (Liar, Liar), Mandy Patinkin (Dick Tracy) and Billy Crystal (City Slickers), this wonderful fairy tale about a Princess named Buttercup and her beloved is "a real dream of a movie" (People)! *1969: OriginalScreenplay, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid 1976: Adapted Screenplay, All the President's Men

Rob Reiner A wondrous tale of wit and whimsey the princess bride will transport you to a magical land where fantasy reigns supreme and kings and queens of all ages will want to return again and again. Studio: Tcfhe/mgm Release Date: 04/10/2007 Starring: Robin Wright Mandy Patinkin Run time: 98 minutes Rating: Pg

Susan Stroman New york 1959. Max & leo come up with a scheme to make only flops for broadway: raise more money than you need & make sure the show is despised. No one will be interested & you can pocket the surplus. They produce a musical called springtime for hitler. What can go wrong? theres no accounting for taste. Studio: Uni Dist Corp. (mca) Release Date: 09/09/2008 Starring: Natan Lane Uma Thurman Run time: 135 minutes Rating: Pg13

John McColgan Riverdance, the Irish hard-shoe sensation that took PBS viewers by storm, underwent its second incarnation with Live from New York City, a 1996 performance filmed at Radio City Music Hall. While most of the attributes from 1995's Riverdance: The Show remain—the dazzling ensemble choreography, Bill Whelan's energetic score, and the New Age-y view of Celtic mythology—the most significant difference is at the top, where Colin Dunne replaced bombastic lead dancer Michael Flatley. Though lacking Flatley's bravura, Dunne is a superb technician who works well with Flatley's former co-lead, Jean Butler. Flamenco dancer Maria Pagis returns, as do the Riverdance Singers (formerly known as Anuna) with soloist Katie McMahon and the orchestra with fiery fiddler Eileen Ivers.

About a half-hour longer than the 1995 original, Live from New York City expands upon the second act's theme of the Irish leaving their homeland for other parts of the world. "Lift the Wings" becomes a set piece for the people who are saying goodbye (it's hard not to miss the original's solo voice of Aine Um Cheallaigh), and a new song, "Heal Their Hearts," is a showcase anthem for bass Morgan Crowley. In the most engaging new number, "Trading Taps," a trio of Irish dancers faces off against two urban American tappers. While much of this follow-up show will be familiar to those who know the original, it's different enough to be enjoyed on its own terms. It's also more stylishly shot, but that's also its biggest drawback—frenetic editing that allows only brief glimpses of the dancers and leaves the viewer dizzy. —David Horiuchi

George Miller Studio: Warner Home Video Release Date: 05/15/2007 Run time: 219 minutes Rating: Pg13

Steven Spielberg When Steven Spielberg was an adolescent, his first home movie was a backyard war film. When he toured Europe with Duel in his 20s, he saw old men crumble in front of headstones at Omaha Beach. That image became the opening scene of Saving Private Ryan, his film of a mission following the D-day invasion that many have called the most realistic—and maybe the best—war film ever. With 1998 production standards, Spielberg has been able to create a stunning, unparalleled view of war as hell. We are at Omaha Beach as troops are slaughtered by Germans yet overcome the almost insurmountable odds.

A stalwart Tom Hanks plays Captain Miller, a soldier's soldier, who takes a small band of troops behind enemy lines to retrieve a private whose three brothers have recently been killed in action. It's a public relations move for the Army, but it has historical precedent dating back to the Civil War. Some critics of the film have labeled the central characters stereotypes. If that is so, this movie gives stereotypes a good name: Tom Sizemore as the deft sergeant, Edward Burns as the hotheaded Private Reiben, Barry Pepper as the religious sniper, Adam Goldberg as the lone Jew, Vin Diesel as the oversize Private Caparzo, Giovanni Ribisi as the soulful medic, and Jeremy Davies, who as a meek corporal gives the film its most memorable performance.

The movie is as heavy and realistic as Spielberg's Oscar-winning Schindler's List, but it's more kinetic. Spielberg and his ace technicians (the film won five Oscars: editing (Michael Kahn), cinematography (Janusz Kaminski), sound, sound effects, and directing) deliver battle sequences that wash over the eyes and hit the gut. The violence is extreme but never gratuitous. The final battle, a dizzying display of gusto, empathy, and chaos, leads to a profound repose. Saving Private Ryan touches us deeper than Schindler because it succinctly links the past with how we should feel today. It's the film Spielberg was destined to make. —Doug Thomas

Art Wolff, Tom Cherones Studio: Sony Pictures Home Ent Release Date: 01/27/2009 Run time: 437 minutes Rating: Nr

Studio: Hbo Home Video Release Date: 09/21/2004 Starring: Sarah Jessica Parker Kristen Davis Run time: 360 minutes Rating: R

Studio: Hbo Home Video Release Date: 02/13/2007 Run time: 540 minutes Rating: R

Allen Coulter, Allison Anders, Charles McDougall, Daniel Algrant, Dennis Erdman The third season was the charm for one of HBO's gold standard series, which earned its first Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series to go along with its Golden Globes for Best Comedy Series and Best Actress (Sarah Jessica Parker). The writing is as sharp as ever, with more trendy product placement than a Bret Easton Ellis novel and ribald banter that's a cross between the Algonquin Round Table and the Friars Club. One of this season's two principal story arcs concerned hapless-in-love Charlotte (Kristin Davis) and her pursuit of a husband; enter (if only...) Kyle McLachlan as the unfortunately impotent Trey. Meanwhile, sex columnist Carrie has a brief but memorable fling with a politician who's golden, but not in the way she anticipated. She then sabotages her too-good-to-be-true relationship with furniture designer Aidan (John Corbett) by having an affair with Mr. Big (Chris Noth), who himself has gotten married.

"Do we need drama to make a relationship work?" Carrie muses at one point. Sex and the City needs drama to make it work, and Parker and Cynthia Nixon (as career woman Miranda), this ensemble's better half, give the show its pulsating heart as they wrestle with commitment and, in the episode "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," sadder-but-wiser breakups. On the lighter side, the sexual dalliances of "rude and politically incorrect" Samantha (Kim Cattrall) provide great fodder for comedy. Like I Love Lucy, the series benefited from a brief change of scenery with a three-episode jaunt to Los Angeles, where Carrie and company encountered, among others, Matthew McConaughey, Vince Vaughn, Hugh Hefner, and Sarah Michelle Gellar. At its best, to quote one character, Sex and the City is "sharp, edgy, brutal at times, always a little juicy." It may be "very New York," but the sex and relationship issues it tackles are universal. For its devoted fans, the release of this 18-episode, three-disc set is, to quote Gellar's clueless Hollywood junior development exec, "chick flick big."—Donald Liebenson

Andrew Adamson, Vicky Jenson

Andrew Adamson HAPPILY EVER AFTER NEVER SEEMED SO FAR AWAY WHEN A TRIP TO MEET THE IN-LAWS TURNS INTO ANOTHER HILARIOUSLY TWISTED ADVENTURE FOR SHREK & FIONA. WITH THE HELP OF HIS FAITHFUL DONKEY, SHREK TAKES ON A POTION-BREWING FAIRY GODMOTHER, THE POMPOUS PRINCE CHARMING & THE FAMED OGRE-KILLER, PUSS IN BOOTS.

When Shrek married Fiona the last thing he had in mind was becoming the next King of Far Far Away. But when Shrek’s father-in-law, King Harold, suddenly croaks, that is exactly what he faces. Recruiting Donkey and Puss In Boots for a new quest, Shrek sets out to bring back the rightful heir to the throne. Meanwhile back in the kingdom, Fiona's jilted Prince Charming storms the city with an army of fairy tale villains to seize the throne. Fiona and a band of princesses must stop him to ensure there will be a kingdom left to rule!

Kevin Tent, Alexander Payne A wine-tasting road trip through californias famed central coast takes an unexpected detour as miles & jack hit the gas en route to their mid-life crisis. The comically mismatched pair soon finds themselves drowning in wine women & laughter. Studio: Tcfhe Release Date: 04/15/2008 Starring: Paul Giamatti Virginia Madsen Run time: 123 minutes Rating: R

David Silverman Studio: Tcfhe Release Date: 10/14/2008 Run time: 87 minutes Rating: Pg13

Studio: Buena Vista Home Video Release Date: 01/15/2002 Run time: 107 minutes Rating: Pg13

Clyde Geronimi Disney's 1959 animated effort was the studio's most ambitious to date, a widescreen spectacle boasting a gorgeous waltz-filled score adapting Tchaikovsky. In the 14th century, the malevolent Maleficent (not dissimilar to the wicked Queen in Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs taunts a king that his infant Aurora will fatally prick her finger on a spinning wheel before sundown on her 16th birthday. This, of course, would deny her a happily-ever-after with her true love. Things almost but not quite turn out that way, thanks to the assistance of some bubbly, bumbling fairies named Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather. It's not really all that much about the title character—how interesting can someone in the middle of a long nap be, anyway? Instead, those fairies carry the day, as well as, of course, good Prince Phillip, whose battle with the malevolent Maleficent in the guise of a dragon has been co-opted by any number of animated films since. See it in its original glory here. And Malificent's castle, filled with warthogs and demonic imps in a macabre dance celebrating their evil ways, manages a certain creepy grandeur. —David Kronke

On the DVD
Sleeping Beauty was the last and most lavish of Walt Disney's animated fairy tales. He told the artists not to hurry and to give him "a moving illustration": The film required almost four and one-half years and one million finished drawings. Instead of the 19th century storybook illustrations that had influenced the look of Snow White and Pinocchio, the artists adapted the flattened perspective and jewel-like colors of 15th century French illuminated manuscripts. The results remain unmatched for sheer visual opulence. However, Sleeping Beauty suffers from a weak story: the vision of an ageless princess slumbering in a vine-shrouded tower was replaced with elements of Snow White and a boy-meets-girl musical. The evil Maleficent and the three Good Fairies (Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather) dominate the film, rather than Princess Aurora and Prince Philip. Sleeping Beauty was originally released in 70mm, and the Blu-ray edition restores the film to its original splendor. (Many earlier releases trimmed the wide-screen images and/or muted the glowing palatte.) The Bonus DVD looks good on a flat screen monitor, but it pales in comparison to the richness of the Blu-ray. In addition to the commentaries and a making-of documentary, the set includes myriad extras that vary widely in quality. Nostalgia buffs will enjoy the recreation of the old Sleeping Beauty's Castle attraction in Disneyland, and the TV program "Four Artists Paint One Tree" provides a welcome showcase for key talents from the film. But the CG animation of the dragon and the voice imitations of the Good Fairies fail to capture the magic of the originals in the "Dragon Encounter"; the "Maleficent's Challenge Game"—a hi-tech Twenty Questions—sounds only vaguely like the redoubtable sorceress. (Rated G: violence) —Charles Solomon

Stills from Sleeping Beauty (Click for larger image)

David Hand One of the brightest nuggets from Disney's golden age, this 1937 film is almost dizzying in its meticulous construction of an enchanted world, with scores of major and minor characters (including fauna and fowl), each with a distinct identity. When you watch Snow White's intricate, graceful movements of fingers, arms, and head all in one shot, it is not the technical brilliance of Disney's artists that leaps out at you, but the very spirit of her engaging, girl-woman character. When the wicked queen's poisoned apple turns from killer green to rose red, the effect of knowing something so beautiful can be so terrible is absolutely elemental, so pure it forces one to surrender to the horror of it. Based on the Grimm fairy tale, Snow White is probably the best family film ever to deal, in mythic terms, with the psychological foundation for growing up. It's a crowning achievement and should not be missed. —Tom Keogh

Robert Wise Some people may sneer at this 1965 musical, but the truth is the film has earned its status as a perennially watchable romantic-drama, largely on the strength of a fun story and chemistry between stars Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer. Veteran filmmaker Robert Wise (The Day the Earth Stood Still) mostly stays out of the way of the film's appealing elements, which include a based-on-fact tale of Austria's von Trapp family, who fled their Nazi-occupied country in 1938. Andrews is delightful and even fascinating as Maria, who sheds her tomboyish ways as a novice nun to accept the mantle of adulthood, becoming matron of the motherless von Trapp clan. Plummer is matinee-idol handsome and gives a smart performance to boot, and the cast of young people and kids who make up the singing von Trapp children make a strong impression. Based on the Rodgers and Hammerstein stage musical, the score includes such winners as "Maria" and the future John Coltrane hit "My Favorite Things." —Tom Keogh

Sam Raimi A shy intelligent outcast teenager is accidentally bitten by a genetically engineered spider. Suddenly he is empowered with the speed strength and agility of a spider transforming him into an extaordinary hero. Studio: Sony Pictures Home Ent Release Date: 09/27/2005 Starring: Tobey Maguire Kirsten Dunst Run time: 121 minutes Rating: Pg13 Director: Sam Raimi

Studio: Paramount Home Video Release Date: 06/24/2008 Run time: 101 minutes Rating: Pg

Sherm Cohen, Walt Dohrn, Jay Lender, Dan Povenmire, Sam Henderson Studio: Paramount Home Video Release Date: 08/22/2006

Spongebob squarepants takes leave from the town of bikini bottom in order to track down king neptunes stolen crown. Studio: Paramount Home Video Release Date: 01/16/2007 Starring: Tom Kenny Clancy Brown Run time: 90 minutes Rating: Pg

Robert Rodriguez Studio: Buena Vista Home Video Release Date: 01/10/2006 Run time: 100 minutes Rating: Pg

Sylvain White After the death of his younger brother a troubled 19-year-old street dancer from l.A. Tries to start a new life by enrolling in an historically black college in atlanta. His efforts are sidelined when he is courted by campus fraternities who need his innovative dance moves to win a national competition. Studio: Sony Pictures Home Ent Release Date: 05/15/2007 Run time: 85 minutes Rating: Pg

Surf's Up is a computer-animated sports mockumentary about penguin surfing contests, which makes it stand out from the crowd of penguin movies. The story unfolds as it would on ESPN, with interviews (with penguins) overlapping footage of (penguin) surfing action, gradually unveiling the tale of Cody Maverick (voiced by Shia LaBeouf, Holes), a young penguin from Antarctica with dreams of winning a surfing competition—a competition named after his idol, the missing Big Z (Jeff Bridges, The Big Lebowski). But when he joins the competition, Cody finds his zeal for winning may not be enough to defeat the cruel reigning champ, Tank Evans (Diedrich Bader, Grim & Evil). The story of Surf's Up is typical stuff: Youngster learns to value friendship over material success. But the documentary style gives the movie a different rhythm from the usual feature-length cartoon; it stutters and skips around, dithers on side topics, and backtracks to catch up with supporting characters. Some viewers may be annoyed, but others—perhaps the more media-savvy—will find it a refreshing change of pace. (Kids who don't watch much sports, however, may just find it confusing.) Surf's Up also features the voices of James Woods (Hercules), Zooey Deschanel (Elf), and Jon Heder (Napoleon Dynamite). —Bret Fetzer

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Stills from Surf's Up (click for larger image)

John Lasseter There is greatness in film that can be discussed, dissected, and talked about late into the night. Then there is genius that is right in front of our faces—we smile at the spell it puts us into and are refreshed, and nary a word needs to be spoken. This kind of entertainment is what they used to call "movie magic," and there is loads of it in this irresistible computer animation feature. Just a picture of these bright toys reawaken the kid in us. Filmmaker John Lasseter thinks of himself as a storyteller first and an animator second, much like another film innovator, Walt Disney.

The 10th anniversary edition of the landmark film repackages most of the extras found in the original Ultimate Toy Box set plus a few more. Two keen retrospectives are new, one with an assortment of talents including Roy Disney and Peter Jackson chiming in on the film's impact. The other is a roundtable with Lasseter and three of the creators simply talking about the experiences without—thankfully—any cutaways to noisy film clips. There's a load of other extras since the Ultimate Toy Box was one of the first and best DVD sets. Missing (besides the second film, which will be released separately) is the effects- and music-only tracks. Added is a whopping DTS soundtrack along with a remixed Dolby 5.1 track. The DVD has a higher transfer bit rate for a better picture, but only high-end enthusiasts will notice it. Since the film is a digital-to-digital transfer, both versions are eye-popping. A must-have set unless you have the Ultimate Toy Box.

Lasseter's story is universal and magical: what do toys do when they're not played with? Cowboy Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks), Andy's favorite bedroom toy, tries to calm the other toys (some original, some classic) during a wrenching time of year—the birthday party, when newer toys may replace them. Sure enough, Space Ranger Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) is the new toy that takes over the throne. Buzz has a crucial flaw, though—he believes he's the real Buzz Lightyear, not a toy. Lasseter further scores with perfect voice casting, including Don Rickles as Mr. Potato Head and Wallace Shawn as a meek dinosaur. The director-animator won a special Oscar for "the development and inspired application of techniques that have made possible the first feature-length computer-animated film." In other words, the movie is great. —Doug Thomas

The Pixar Feature Films

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

Pete Travis As the president arrives in salamanca gunshots ring out. An american tourist has captured footage of te would-be assassin on videotape & now as the stories of the other four witnesses unfold each piece of the puzzle falls into place. Only when all the stories are told will the shocking truth finally emerge. Studio: Sony Pictures Home Ent Release Date: 12/23/2008 Starring: Forest Whitaker William Hurt Run time: 90 minutes Rating: Pg13

Barry Levinson When the president is caught in a sex scandal less than two weeks before the election white house spinmaster conrad brean creates a phony war with the help of hollywood producer stanley motss. Its a wickedly funny political satire that couldnt be more timely. Studio: Warner Home Video Release Date: 11/14/2006 Starring: Dustin Hoffman Anne Heche Run time: 96 minutes Rating: R Director: Barry Levinson

Andrew Stanton Disney WALL-E (Blu-ray) Even for Pixar, this might be a first: an animated film that contains not only afully realized world as photorealistic as it is full of wonder, but also the Gargantuan themes and visuals of 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY, the stripped-down sad-clown pathos found in classic Buster Keaton comedies, and one of the most moving and simply unique love stories in a long time. Director Andrew Stanton kicked up the visual acuity of an already-stellar Pixar Animation Studios in 2003 with a reflective, refractive, color-shimmery realization ofthe oceanic world of FINDING NEMO, which genuinely felt as though it spanned the entire earth. WithWALL-E, Stanton replaces an apprehensively fishy estranged journeyer with a love-struck and curiousrobotic one, allowing the quest for eternal love to expand from a desolate, dust-covered, palpably polluted future Earth and into an even more mysterious abyss: the far reaches of outer space.

Steve Box, Nick Park A decade after their last hilarious short, the Oscar-winning A Close Shave, Claymation wonders Wallace and Gromit return for a full-length adventure. Daffy scientist Wallace (voiced by Peter Sallis) and his heroic dog Gromit are doing well with their business, Anti-Pesto, a varmint-hunting outfit designed to keep their English town safe from rabbits chomping on prized vegetables. Wallace meets Lady Tottington (Helena Bonham Carter), who appreciates Wallace's humane way of dealing with rabbits (courtesy of the Bun-Vac 6000), and sets up a rivalry with the gun-toting Victor Quartermaine (Ralph Fiennes, enjoying himself more than ever). Creator Nick Park, with co-director/writer Steve Box, delivers a story worthy of the 85-minute running time, although it stretches the act a bit; the formula plays better shorter, but the literally hand-crafted film is a joy to watch. Taking a chapter from classic horror films, a giant were-rabbit is soon on the prowl, and the town is up in arms, what with the annual vegetable contest close at hand. (Anyone who's seen the previous three shorts knows who saves the day.) Never content to do something simply when the extravagant will do, W&G's lives are filled with whimsical Rude Goldberg-style devices, and the opening number showcasing their alarm system is pure Aardman Animation at its finest. Even though there's a new twist here—a few mild sight gags aimed at adults—this G-rated film will delight young and old alike as Park, like team Pixar, seems incapable of making anything but an outstanding film. —Doug Thomas

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Wallace & Gromit Stuff Galore

Nick Park The first three Wallace & Gromit shorts are grouped together in a single volume.

A Grand Day Out
Nominated for an Academy Award in 1990, this was the first short-film adventure starring Wallace & Gromit. This 24-minute comedy was created by clay animator Nick Park over a six-year period at the National Film and Television School in London and at the Aardman Animation studios, which Park boosted to international acclaim. In their debut adventure, Wallace and his furry pal Gromit are planning a vacation, but first they've got a crisis to solve: they've got plenty of crackers but no cheese! Undeterred, Wallace comes up with an extreme solution to the cheese shortage: since the moon is made of cheese (we all know that's true, right?), he decides to build a rocket and blast off for a cheesy lunar picnic! Gromit's only too happy to help, and before long the inventive duo is on the moon, where they encounter a clever appliance that's part oven, part robot, part lunar skiing enthusiast... Well, you just have to see the movie to understand how any of this whimsical lunar-cy can make any sense! It's a grand tale of wonderful discoveries, fantastic inventions—and really great cheese! 

The Wrong Trousers
Clay-animation master Nick Park deservedly won the 1993 Academy Award for Best Animated Short for this 30-minute masterpiece, in which the good-natured inventor Wallace and his trusty dog, Gromit, return for another grand adventure. It all begins on the morning of Gromit's birthday, when Wallace gives his beloved pooch a rather selfish gift that (to Gromit's chagrin) is more useful to Wallace—a pair of mechanical "techno-trousers" ("ex-NASA," says Wallace, duly impressed) that can be programmed to take Gromit out for "walkies" while Wallace sits comfortably at home. Gromit's not exactly thrilled with the new gadget, and things go from bad to worse when Wallace rents a room to a new boarder—a rather suspicious-looking penguin—to offset his rising expenses. As it turns out, the penguin's a notorious thief, and the amazing techno-trousers provide a foolproof method of pulling off a diamond heist! It's Gromit's big opportunity for canine heroics, and The Wrong Trousers turns into one of the funniest, most inventive caper-comedies ever made, with an action-packed climax on a speeding miniature train. Will the notorious "Feathers" wind up in jail, where he belongs? Will Gromit finally get his due recognition? Watch this amazing marvel of clay animation to see why Wallace & Gromit have become global celebrities—this is comedic ingenuity at its finest. 

A Close Shave
Hot from the international triumph of The Wrong Trousers, clay animator Nick Park knew that his third Wallace & Gromit film was going to have to be the biggest and best adventure yet for the mild-mannered inventor Wallace and his perceptive pooch, Gromit. With the ambitiously zany plot of A Close Shave, Park and his fellow animators rose to the occasion, and their film won the 1995 Academy Award (Park's second Oscar) for Best Animated Short. This time out, Wallace & Gromit have teamed up to provide a window-washing service, and that's how Wallace meets the lovely Wendolene Ramsbottom, a wool-shop owner whose malevolent dog, Preston, turns out to be the mastermind of a sheep-napping scheme! Of course, no Wallace & Gromit adventure can be without a grandiose gadget, so Wallace's latest invention is the Knit-O-Matic, a yarn-making machine capable of shearing a whole flock of sheep just a bit too efficiently! When the villainous Preston gains control of the mechanical knitting marvel, Gromit must race to the rescue, and A Close Shave reaches new heights of clay-animation mastery. Every shot is a testament to Nick Park's patience, his clever ingenuity, and his filmmaking flair. The movie's so technically impressive, in fact, that the whole world wondered where Park could go next. It was clear that Wallace & Gromit would eventually star in an animated feature-length movie, since this marvelous 30-minute film represents its own kind of short-form perfection. —Jeff Shannon

Michael Winterbottom Tells the story of brave tv journalists who go to sarajevo to cover the war in bosnia and take us on a guided tour of life under fire. American reporter jimmy drives the competition to get the juiciest story while british journalist michael is there to help raise the consciousness of the viewers at home. Studio: Buena Vista Home Video Release Date: 04/05/2005 Starring: Stephan Dillane Marisa Tomei Run time: 102 minutes Rating: R

Nora Ephron wrote the brisk screenplay for this 1989 romantic comedy, director Rob Reiner made a nicely glossy New York story (very much in a Woody Allen vein) out of it, and Billy Crystal's unstoppable charm made it something really special. Crystal and Meg Ryan play longtime platonic friends who keep dancing around their deeper feelings for one another, and Bruno Kirby and Carrie Fisher are their respective pals who fall in love and get married. Ryan doesn't get a lot of funny material, but her performance is typically alive and intuitive, and she more than holds her own with Crystal's comic motor mouth and sweet sentimentality. Reiner is on comfortable ground, liberated from the burden of making serious statements in the lead-footed manner of subsequent features. —Tom Keogh

On the DVD
The Collector's Edition offers seven new featurettes (the previous Special Edition only had one documentary), beginning with a sit-down between director Rob Reiner and writer Nora Ephron waxing nostalgic on how the movie originated: He, recently divorced from Penny Marshall, was a miserable single man, while she was the screenwriter who rejected his initial pitch over lunch ("It was a shame," she remembers, "because we hadn't even eaten yet."). It's easy to see that Reiner is clearly Harry, and Ephron is clearly Sally: He's the squawking chatterbox and she's constantly corrects his memory (Sally's meticulous method of ordering food is also a direct rip-off of Ephron herself). Other featurettes show Billy Crystal's attempts to play Harry (or Reiner, as it were); location filming in New York; the love stories that served as interludes between scenes (again, the counselors-at-camp story is from Ephron's parents); the significance of the film over time; and more discussion on the film's famous question: "Can men and women really be friends?" Most of the stories from the featurettes are recycled in the new film commentary by Reiner, Ephron, and Crystal (Reiner mentions that the "I'll have what she's having" line, spoken by his mother, is in the top 10 of AFI's top 100 movie lines no less than five times overall), but the inclusion of Crystal, who contributed many improvised lines in the movie, makes for a nice easygoing repartee. Fans may be interested to know that Reiner originally thought Harry and Sally shouldn't get together, until he himself fell in love with his future wife on the set, but the most hilarious tidbit involves Reiner storming the production offices and polling all the women on whether or not they "fake it" because didn't believe that really happened. Seven deleted scenes—which were also included in the previous version—and original theatrical trailer round out the set, but Harry Connick Jr.'s "It Had to Be You" music video is missing. Still, the special features are a great look into a romantic comedy that clearly remains a meaningful experience for cast, crew, and audience alike. —Ellen A. Kim

Jon Favreau Zathura, a smart and stylish kid's adventure, launches into action when Danny (Jonah Bobo) twists the key of a dusty science fiction game—a game that unleashes a localized meteor shower and wrenches Danny's house into orbit around a distant ringed planet, bringing Danny's brother Walter (Josh Hutcherson, Kicking and Screaming) and sister Lisa (Kristen Stewart, Panic Room) along. Soon a defective robot, a rangy astronaut (Dax Shepard, Without a Paddle), and an alien spaceship enter the picture. Only by completing the game can the kids return their house to its proper space-time coordinates, but the game board falls into the hands of some nasty, carnivorous lizards. Zathura has some obligatory emotional conflict and resolution between the two brothers, but that's pretty much beside the point; what makes Zathura a delight is the wonderful design, the skillful escalation of disasters, and the adroit direction of Jon Favreau (Elf), who is quickly becoming the go-to guy for mass-market movies with wit and timing. Some situations may be too intense for younger kids; Favreau ratchets up the suspense at a few points. Based on the book by Chris Van Allsburg (Jumanji). Also featuring Tim Robbins (The Shawshank Redemption). —Bret Fetzer