Robson Arms: Season 2 (2006)

Robson Arms has quickly become one of my favorite Canadian TV series, and about the only thing wrong with it is that the seasons are too short. Another great collection of episodes, VSC's release is nicely supplemented. Recommended.

Release Date: November 08, 2007
VSC

I'm Not There (2007)

Occasionally a little too hipper-than-thou, but, as inspired by its muse, the film is frequently brilliant and riveting, if not always illuminating. Bob Dylan may remain the great sphinx of our popular culture, and no mere feature film can solve him. Still, no shortage of fascinations here, and voluminous extras to back it all up.

Release Date: May 06, 2008
The Weinstein Company

La Roue (1923)

Kudos to Flicker Alley for finally bringing this hugely influential film to American viewers, in a lovely restoration that will please nearly everyone.

Release Date: May 06, 2008
Flicker Alley

Delirious (2006)

Steve Buscemi does what he does so well here—all wiry, edgy, and foul-mouthed—but it's the charismatic performances of Michael Pitt and Alison Lohman that easily tip the scales on this one. All of the oddball characters (flawed or otherwise) are entertaining, and Tom DiCillo's dialogue is satirical, caustic, and funny.

I hated to see this one end. Where the hell is the soundtrack album?

An under-the-radar title to be sure (and one of my favorites of 2008), but consider it highly recommended.

Release Date: May 06, 2008
Genius Products

August Rush Combo DVD and HD-DVD (2007)

An often poignant and heartfelt fantasy about music and the longing for family, August Rush features an outstanding performance by young Freddie Highmore. Other than a few annoying glitches, the transfer is excellent.

Release Date: April 01, 2008
Warner Home Video

South Park: Imaginationland (2007)

The transfer has some shortcomings, but there's plenty of disgusting humor in this ambitious set of programs that fans will want to have. The inclusion of two bonus episodes is particularly welcome.

Release Date: March 11, 2008
Paramount Home Video

How the Earth Was Made (2007)

It might be a bit dry for some, and it's probably a bit general for science-types, but I found How the Earth Was Made just right. The extra piece on volcanoes is somethat less enjoyable, but still interesting, and I applaud the earth-friendly packaging (if only they'd do it more often). The History Channel has put together a documentary of high quality that moves briskly and with clarity.

Release Date: April 15, 2008
A&E Home Video

Before the Devil Knows You're Dead (Blu-ray) (2007)

Though it didn't generate much box office during its theatrical release, Before the Devil Knows You're Dead remains one of the finest movies of 2007. Its mesmerizing story, masterful performances, and assured direction will keep you gripped from start to shattering finish, and the top-notch Blu-ray audio and video make the action unnervingly immediate. Highly recommended.

Release Date: April 15, 2008
Image Entertainment

Cheers: The Ninth Season (1990-1991)

The bar “where everybody knows your name” continues going strong in Cheers: The Ninth Season. This great batch of 26 episodes is more of the same character-driven comedy that we grew to love in the first eight seasons. Paramount Home Video brings all episodes to us in this nice 5-disc set, which contains solid audio and video, yet, sadly, no extras at all.

Release Date: April 29, 2008
Paramount Home Video

The Red Balloon (1956)

Albert Lamorisse's 1956 classic short gets an impressive video transfer from Criterion, and priced at under $10, there is absolutely no reason this should not be a part of any self-respecting DVD library.

It may be labeled a children's film, but don't let that sway you. If you have never had the pleasure of seeing The Red Balloon, now's your chance.

Highly recommended.

Release Date: April 29, 2008
The Criterion Collection

The Red Kimona (1925)

A thoroughly entertaining melodrama, The Red Kimona fulfills its didactic purpose yet steers clear of preachiness. The DVD from Kino is fine if unexceptional.

Release Date: April 22, 2008
Kino on Video

Tom and Jerry Spotlight Collection: Volume 3 (1951)

Everyone’s favorite cat and mouse games resume in Warner’s Tom and Jerry Spotlight Collection: Volume 3 2-disc DVD collection. Their constant battles also involve some of their friends, and Warner’s continued commitment to excellence when it comes to this series is evident in this new release as well.

Release Date: September 11, 2007
Warner Home Video

The Films of Kenneth Anger: Volume II (1964-1981)

This second volume of Anger shorts—anchored by the infamous presence of Lucifer Rising—is pure, unadulterated art. Highly subjective to be sure, but as brilliant and thought-provoking as all interpretative expression should truly be.

So far from mainstream it's not even funny. Yet still highly recommended.

Release Date: October 02, 2007
Fantoma Films

Shrooms (2007)

Creepy and bizarre right on through to the end, Shrooms stays the course and melds premonitions, backwoods weirdos, legends, and a talking cow into one bloody good time.

Highly recommended.

Release Date: March 25, 2008
Magnolia

Cloverfield (2008)

I'm glad to say Cloverfield delivers what it promised in that infamous trailer, uncorking a chaotic and fun monster movie that goes with a shaky Blair Witch approach to covering all the action. At not even 85 minutes long, no one can accuse director Matt Reeves of overstaying his welcome, and in that time he keeps explanations to a minimum and focuses on a small group of friends trying to make their way through New York City as a big nasty creature destroys it.

Highly recommended.

Release Date: April 22, 2008
Paramount Home Video