Big Stan (2007)

This type of film is not for everybody. If you want a few bawdy and awful laughs, they can be found in Big Stan. Superior to a lot of films of its ilk, Rob Scheider and a great cast make a good effort to amuse you.

Release Date: March 24, 2009
HBO

L'Innocente (1976)

If L'Innocente were a musical, you'd come out singing the costumes—it's a fantastically lush production, and you can feel Visconti reveling in the visual glories of every frame. The story isn't nearly as compelling, but it's a handsome coda to a magnificent career.

Release Date: March 10, 2009
Koch Lorber

Travels with Hiroshi Shimizu (Eclipse Series 15) (1933-1941)

If you consider yourself a movie buff, yet have never seen a film by Hiroshi Shimizu, take comfort in knowing that you’re not alone. The Criterion Collection aims to change that with their four-DVD box set of some of his most important films. Travels with Hiroshi Shimizu is, like the rest of their Eclipse Series, is devoid of extra features, but the audio and video presentations are quite good, albeit not up to the company’s lofty standards.

Release Date: March 17, 2009
The Criterion Collection

Wonders Are Many: The Making Of Doctor Atomic (2007)

Wonders Are Many is as unusual as it is fascinating, being part history lesson, part making-of an unconventional opera. Director Jon Else is no stranger to the subject of the atomic bomb, and he neatly juggles three separate narratives into a compelling package that combines together developing weapons for civilian slaughter and offbeat arias about faulty detonators.

Curious, disturbing and cool, this is an easy recommendation for documentary fans.

Release Date: February 24, 2009
Docurama

My Name is Bruce (2008)

What can I say? I love the guy. If you don't, there's probably no reason to even consider checking this out. It's got more groaners than guffaws, but it can be a really stupid way to kill some time if you're of the initiated.

Release Date: February 10, 2009
Image Entertainment

Il Generale Della Rovere (1959)

We're still holding tight for Roberto Rossellini's very best movie finally to appear on DVD, but in the meantime, this is a heartfelt character piece that's evocative of time and place, and features a wonderfully nuanced central performance from one of Rossellini's crucial comrades, Vittorio de Sica. It's probably relatively minor in Rossellini's body of work, but it is a great pleasure to watch.

Release Date: March 31, 2009
The Criterion Collection

Danton (1983)

Andrzej Wajda is back in the cinematic spotlight thanks to domestic critical acclaim for his recent film Katyn, but one of the movies he’s most regarded for is 1983’s Danton. Featuring a pair of powerhouse performances by Gérard Depardieu and Wojciech Pszoniak, Wajda’s masterpiece is getting the two-disc DVD treatment it deserves thanks to The Criterion Collection.

Release Date: March 31, 2009
The Criterion Collection

The Restless Conscience (1992)

Hava Kohav Beller's Academy Award-nominated documentary about a fiercely dedicated and courageous group of Nazi resisters uses interviews and archival footage to reveal that not everyone in Germany was a blind supporter of Adolph Hitler, and shows what they attempted to do to try and stop him. It's extremely difficult to try and put yourself in the place of these individuals; they did what they did knowing it would very likely cost them—and their families—their lives.

Powerful, tense and commanding, The Restless Conscience delivers a reminder that even in the worst of times—against staggering odds—some glimmer of hope can still exist.

Highly recommended.

Release Date: March 31, 2009
Docurama

Happy Together (1997)

Wong Kar-Wai's visually affecting look at the highs and lows of a gay couple's romance tends to meander, but remains a worthy addition to the accomplished director's resumé. This double-dip from Kino has such a strong transfer, it's a shame it isn't being released on Blu-ray. If you're a fan who can't wait for the inevitable HD release, this one is definitely worth an upgrade, right down to the cover art.

Release Date: March 31, 2009
Kino on Video

The 400 Blows (Blu-ray) (1959)

A "revered classic" that has lost none of its vibrancy, The 400 Blows demands to be seen in the best presentation possible. This is it. The film has been very well treated on DVD, but the Blu-ray is an essential upgrade.

Release Date: March 24, 2009
The Criterion Collection

The Last Metro (Blu-Ray) (1980)

Truffaut. Deneuve. Blu-Ray. Criterion. That's a darn nice quadrilogy of qualifiers right there, and with the release of the celebrated director's Nazi-occupied France WWII romance, The Last Metro is finally delivered with a beautifully robust image transfer. The film is charmingly dangerous and the unstoppable radiance of Deneuve steps up a level or two in HD.

Recommended.

Release Date: March 24, 2009
The Criterion Collection

The Kite Runner (Blu-Ray) (2007)

Something gets lost in translation from book to screen. The film proudly features all manner of languages in an attempt to keep it real, but when compared to the beauty of Hosseini's novel, it fails to carry the same dramatic punch, and instead seems trite and ham-handed at times.

Despite an assortment of fine performances—little Ahmad Khan Mahmoodzada as Hassan in particular—this film adaptation remains a grand disappointment that seems to have had the best intentions. As a BD re-release, it offers no new supplements and image/audio transfers (nice as they are) that do not necessarily warrant a double dip.

Release Date: March 24, 2009
Paramount Studios

Dana Gould: Let Me Put My Thoughts In You (2008)

A former member of the hipster comedy troupe The Comedians of Comedy, Dana Gould is back on the stand-up comedy circuit after years of TV writing. His first TV special in many years comes to DVD from Shout! Factory, and Dana Gould: Let Me Put My Thoughts In You proves to be well worth the wait, as it offers nearly an hour of hilarious, reflective, and original life stories.

Release Date: March 24, 2009
Shout Factory

Dodes'ka-den (1970)

A necessary transitional picture for Kurosawa, but that doesn't make it a great one. Still, it's got some deeply moving sequences, and the opportunity to watch a filmmaker of this caliber learn on the job holds all sorts of fascinations.

Release Date: March 17, 2009
The Criterion Collection

A Mighty Heart (Blu-ray) (2007)

A "feel bad" movie of the first degree, A Mighty Heart wallows in tension and, ultimately, tragedy, but doesn't offer much in the way of transcendence. The performances are good and the direction has a sense of verisimilitude, but the movie isn't very insightful, or even all that interesting. It has some weight, but only because we know it's based on a true story—it's never as devastating or illuminating as it should be. Sometimes "just the facts" aren't enough. The Blu-ray transfer is virtually identical to the HD-DVD release, in that it makes the source material look as good as it reasonably can. It just isn't something you’ll want use to show off your home theater.

Release Date: March 24, 2009
Paramount Home Video

The Haunted Castle (1921)

The title notwithstanding, this is a fairly pedestrian offering that's mostly of interest for historical purposes. But it looks terrific, and the extras, while thin, are of significant interest.

Release Date: March 17, 2009
Kino on Video

Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa (Blu-Ray) (2008)

The fact that I can't get the song Move It, Move It out of my head notwithstanding, Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa overcomes the typical curse of animated sequel-itis by being just as funny—if not more so—than the original. With an immaculate set of audio and video transfers, this one actually looks and sounds better than the first film, and on BD is a veritable explosion of color and detail.

An eye-popper visually, but it also succeeds in being immensely entertaining.

Highly recommended.

Release Date: February 06, 2009
DreamWorks

The Exterminating Angel (1962)

The Criterion Collection has done a wonderful job adding classic Luis Buñuel films to their library, with their editions of The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie and Simon of the Desert among them. Add The Exterminating Angel to that list, as their 2-disc set for the film is up to par and then some with the rest of the studio’s phenomenal releases. The restored audio and video are great by themselves, but the additional 2nd disc of extras takes things to another level.

Release Date: February 10, 2009
The Criterion Collection

A Guide To Recognizing Your Saints (2006)

If I can borrow from the lyrics of Kiss' Ace Frehley, then Dito Montiel is indeed "back in the New York groove" with A Guide To Recognizing Your Saints. Coarse, violent and oddly sweet, this one benefits from a strong cast that accentuates Montiel's life story.

This 2009 re-release comes packaged in neat-looking steelcase, though all of the extras are the same as the previous 2007 edition.

Recommended.

Release Date: February 03, 2009
First Look

Inheritance (2006)

2006’s Inheritance is an under-the-radar documentary that practically fell into the lap of filmmaker James Moll. What he does with a first meeting between a concentration camp survivor and the daughter of her captor is an amazing feat, resulting in one of the best documentaries of the last few years. Docurama’s DVD is a nice effort, complete with solid audio and video presentations.

Release Date: January 06, 2009
Docurama

The Last Emperor (1987)

Bertolucci's intimate epic The Last Emperor remains one of the best films of the 1980s, and this lavish four-disc set is likewise among the best ever produced by the venerable Criterion Collection. Questions about the presentation of the film aside, the sheer volume of supplements—from the extended television cut to half a dozen lengthy documentaries—are enough to justify the hefty price tag.

Release Date: February 26, 2008
The Criterion Collection

South Park: The Complete Twelfth Season (Blu-ray) (2008)

Kyle, Stan, Cartman, and Kenny are at it again in South Park: The Complete Twelfth Season. The boys Blu-ray debut is more of the same that we’ve come to expect from the show’s previous DVD box sets, but the bonuses are the great HD transfers, wonderful Dolby TrueHD audio, and impressive extras that take the show to another level on home video.

Release Date: March 10, 2009
Comedy Central Home Video

Primal Fear: Hard Evidence Edition (Blu-Ray) (1996)

Primal Fear does run a little too long, yet without Gere or Norton this would have really been a chore to watch. One can forgive some of the cornball plot conveniences for the sake of watching a couple of talented actors work it, and work it well.

The BD transfer is decent without being exemplary in any way, so I wouldn't classify it as a must-own on this format. But if you haven't seen this one, it's well worth a rental, especially if you find courtroom thrillers fun.

Release Date: March 10, 2009
Paramount Studios

Body Of Lies (Blu-Ray) (2008)

It features a pair of generally engaging actors, and it comes from one of my favorite directors, yet Body Of Lies fails to effectively come together as a whole. Yes, there are some terrific sequences—some action-related, some more personal—but the entire experience is somewhat underwhelming.

Release Date: February 17, 2009
Warner Home Video

Palo Alto (2008)

Writer/director Brad Leong’s first movie, Palo Alto is a nice, breezy effort that is well worth a look after being stuck in release limbo for a while. It’s now available from Image Entertainment, so it can finally garner the audience that it deserves.

Release Date: February 17, 2009
Image Entertainment

Hurricane On The Bayou (Blu-Ray) (2006)

These MacGillivray Freeman Imax travelogue/destination discs do look terrific on BD, and at well under $20 provide a pretty affordable way to add a visually impressive reference quality disc to your collection. This entry focuses on the history of New Orleans—from the vanishing wetlands through Katrina—and uses all sorts of the region's local music as its narrative foundation.

Highly recommended.

Release Date: February 24, 2009
Image Entertainment

Grand Canyon Adventure: River At Risk (Blu-Ray) (2008)

If you're looking for a neat way to show off your new Blu-Ray player for less than $20, pick up this MacGillivray Freeman release. The audio and video transfers are about as good as it gets for the format, and though the film seems to repeat itself a bit, the overall BD experience is a winner.

Release Date: February 24, 2009
Image Entertainment

Real Time (2007)

2008’s Real Time is a great little Canadian movie that takes the gimmick of its title and uses it to great effect. A tight, short film, this festival favorite is powered by excellent performances from Randy Quaid and Jay Baruchel. Image Entertainment brings it to DVD with nice audio and video presentations.

Release Date: March 03, 2009
Image Entertainment

Back to Normandy (Retour en Normandie) (2007)

Irretrievably boring, ponderous, and lacking in substance, this picture is a serious disappointment. At least the transfer is quite good, so if you have a liking for the feature, you're in luck. Don't expect much for bonus materials, though.

Release Date: March 03, 2009
Kino on Video

Cat Dancers (2007)

Love comes in all shapes and sizes, and in Cat Dancers it is a story of a most unconventional relationship involving two men, one woman, and a few big cats. And while it may seem strange on the surface, there's the eventual realization that no matter how unorthodox, they were indeed happy and living their dream. At least for a while.

Consider this worthwhile documentary fans with a taste for the unusual.

Release Date: February 24, 2009
Docurama

Faces (1968)

If you’re looking for an escape from the junk that Hollywood is pumping out these days, take a step back in time and check out John Cassavetes’ Faces. One of the best films from a legendary director, this masterpiece gets the royal treatment from The Criterion Collection, complete with beautifully restored audio and video and a separate disc of extra features.

Release Date: February 17, 2009
The Criterion Collection

Hell On Wheels (2008)

It may help if you like the resurgence of roller derby going into this, and if you appreciated the television series Rollergirls then this is easily required viewing. Because this is where the rebirth began. There's all sorts of drama and infighting throughout the evolution of the Austin roller derby scene, and amidst all of the broken bones and bruised friendships, it remains not just wildly entertaining, but downright impressive.

The image transfer is a bit coarse, but that seems somehow appropriate.

Highly recommended.

Release Date: February 24, 2009
Indiepix

Miracle at St. Anna (2008)

Miracle at St. Anna is the second straight disappointment from the great Spike Lee. It really doesn’t work on any level, unless you’re looking for a couple of graphically-depicted massacres, and it appears that Buena Vista doesn’t think much of the film either, as they bring it to DVD without a single extra feature.

Release Date: February 10, 2009
Buena Vista Home Video

Iowa (2005)

This isn't the first film to attempt to display the familiar tragedy of drug addiction, and I'm certain it won't be the last. There are bits and pieces of Iowa that are wonderfully bleak, but they are sandwiched between hammy histrionics (Rosanna Arquette, I'm talking to you) and sometimes godawful dialogue.

I would, however, buy the twangy and downbeat alt-country soundtrack in a heartbeat.

Release Date: February 10, 2009
Koch Vision

Shadows (1959)

If you’ve never seen a film by John Cassavetes,one of the founding fathers of independent film, what better way to acclimate yourself with this master than with his first effort, Shadows? The Criterion Collection’s new single-disc release of the film offers wonderfully restored audio and video and some great extras.

Release Date: February 17, 2009
The Criterion Collection

Hobson's Choice (1954)

Mention esteemed director David Lean and the name brings to mind The Bridge On The River Kwai or Lawrence Of Arabia, but Criterion has resurrected this overlooked 1954 Victorian-era comedy featuring Charles Laughton as boozy, arrogant patriarch boot shop owner Henry Hobson.

The black-and-white transfer is beautiful, and the film is absolutely charming.

Highly recommended.

Release Date: February 17, 2009
The Criterion Collection

Simon of the Desert (1965)

Luis Buñuel’s Simon of the Desert is a great way to introduce yourself to the master’s surreal works. This thoroughly engaging film is helped by powerhouse performances by stars Claudio Brook and Silvia Pinal, who help create a series of lasting images that will stay with the audience for years to come. The Criterion Collection does another fine job, giving us a single-disc effort that features excellent audio and video, and a pair of great extras.

Release Date: February 10, 2009
The Criterion Collection

What Makes Sammy Run? (1959)

A discovery from the archives that really is a treasure—it's a reminder of how powerful a writer Budd Schulberg can be, and it's a chance to revisit the glories of Hollywood studio life in the 1930s and live television in the 1950s. You'll want tables both at Chasen's and Lindy's after watching this one, though be sure to overtip your waiters—Sammy Glick has become a role model, and you'll never know just how far up the ladder they'll climb.

Release Date: February 10, 2009
Koch Vision

Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired (2008)

A taut, gripping account of a nauseous case, the result of tremendous cinematic detective work and undoubtedly a remarkable capacity for persuasion.

Release Date: January 27, 2009
TH!INKFilm

Blackout (2007)

Here's a title that tries hard to be more than it is, though on the plus side director Rigoberto Castaneda at least makes a film that is visually attractive. The story? That's the weak link, and the whole trapped-in-an-elevator shtick wears thin quick, with a trio of characters that are not especially endearing.

I'll look for Castaneda's name in the future when he hopefully gets a better script to work with.

Release Date: January 13, 2009
Image Entertainment

Chris Rock: Kill The Messenger 3-Disc Collector's Edition (2008)

This is a whopper of a release in the standup comedy genre, a 3-disc set showcasing Chris Rock at what seems like the top of his game. Crude, profane, insightful and very, very funny, Kill The Messenger delivers.

Recommended.

Release Date: January 20, 2009
HBO

The Taking of Power by Louis XIV (1966)

The Criterion Collection deserves major credit for continuing to spotlight movies that have slipped through the cracks. However, I would urge caution if you're planning to check out The Taking of Power by Louis XIV. European History buffs and Rossellini completists might find value, but others will probably lose interest in this slow-moving picture.

Release Date: January 13, 2009
The Criterion Collection

Autism: The Musical (2007)

Autism: The Musical really packs a punch, and is both immensely inspiring and uncontrollably heartbreaking. I really defy anyone to holdback the waterworks while viewing this, though for as emotionally powerful as this film is, there is an underlying wave of purely unfettered joy, beauty and courage.

Highly recommended.

Release Date: May 13, 2008
Docurama

Moonlight: The Complete Series (2007-2008)

I can't say I'm nearly as disappointed by Moonlight's cancellation as the show's passionate fans, but I did generally enjoy myself. While those fans should be happy to have the full run available on DVD, they'll doubtless be disappointed by the lack of extras. The series is mostly forgettable, but consistently fulfills its modest ambitions and manages a certain level of fun with a game, likeable cast and one-off stories that move along briskly. Don't expect too much, and it's not a bad way to spend an hour.

Release Date: January 20, 2009
Warner Home Video

Night Court: The Complete Second Season (1984-1985)

It’s beyond great to see Warner Home Video finally get back on track with one of the most underrated TV shows of the '80s. With their release of Night Court: The Complete Second Season, there’s hope that sets for the other seven seasons of the show will show up on store shelves very soon. While the audio and video quality are as good as we can expect from such an old show, it’s a shame that we don’t get any extra features at all.

Release Date: February 03, 2009
Warner Home Video

Friday the 13th Uncut (Blu-ray) (1980)

The classic horror is finally here uncut, in a gorgeously filmlike transfer, and with a ton of extras to boot. It looks and sounds terrific, and fans should be very pleased indeed.

Release Date: February 03, 2009
Paramount Home Video

Diary (2006)

Despite a so-so track record at this point in their filmography, my ears still perk up when I hear of a new Pang Brothers film. Diary is their latest, and while it’s a hit-or-miss affair, the ending is reason enough to give it a spin. Image Entertainment is responsible for this release, and while the audio and video are quite good, the lack of extras is a disappointment.

Release Date: February 03, 2009
Image Entertainment

Keith (2008)

If you’re looking for some mature teen melodrama, then give 2008’s Keith a chance. Sure, it’s as predictable as can be and features one of the worst musical scores in recent memory, but it is surprisingly edgy and daring at times, and not a bad movie to watch with your significant other.

Release Date: February 03, 2009
Image Entertainment

Crashing (2007)

Despite the presence of the great Campbell Scott and David Cross, Gary Walkow’s Crashing is a film that never really finds its way. The story is interesting and the acting solid, but the big picture never really comes together. Image Entertainment’s DVD is a decent effort as well, with solid audio and video, yet no extra features at all.

Release Date: December 16, 2008
Image Entertainment

Battle For Haditha (2007)

I, for one, am hoping that we haven’t seen the last of Nick Broomfield as a documentary filmmaker, but if he’s going to focus on actor-driven films, Battle for Haditha is a sign of great things yet to come. This is the most moving, realistic, and shocking account of the Iraq War we’ve yet to see on film, and Image Entertainment brings it to DVD with a trifecta of great audio, video, and extra features.

Release Date: December 30, 2008
Image Entertainment