It’s never too early to start planning who gets what for the holidays. Make your list and check it twice…whether you’re buying for someone naughty or someone nice, we’d like to suggest a few new releases for you to put under the tree. Whether you decide on a videotape or an extras-laden DVD, you’ll have all your shopping done before you can say “egg nog.”
Family
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) — Click to buy!
Dr. Seuss’ holiday classic is well represented by this live-action version. The DVD, released just before Thanksgiving, has already racked up an amazing $145 million in sales. That much money just CAN’T be wrong. Jim Carrey’s dead-on as the scene-stealing Grinch who purloins all things Christmas from the town of Whoville. The DVD includes footage that was left out of the theatrical release, plus a behind-the-scenes look at the extensive makeup used to convert Carrey into the big green meanie.
Shrek (2001) — Click to buy!
This breakout hit of the summer has more than a few extras on the DVD to keep adults and children entertained time and time again. The release includes a look at how the computer animation was done, the actors performing their voiceovers and outtakes from the film. Plus, the DVD offers some amazing new interactive features for the young ‘uns, such as Shrek’s Music Hall and Donkey’s Tale Read-Along.
Dumbo: The 60th Anniversary Edition (1941) — Click to buy!
Who doesn’t remember the first time they saw Dumbo? This 1941 animated classic has been digitally remastered and restored for its 60th anniversary. The DVD release is highlighted by an audio commentary and by a TV intro from Walt Disney himself. There’s also a sneak peek of the upcoming Dumbo II.
Comedy
Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975) — Click to buy!
Funny, funny, funny! Monty Python’s hilarious first theatrical release with a complete plot line. This special edition new on video and DVD also includes commentaries by troupe members Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones on the stories behind the scenes. Even the subtitles on this movie are funny! It’s the ultimate gift for a true Python fan.
Action/Adventure
Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace (1999) — Click to buy!
The Phantom Menace introduces us to the boy who would be Darth Vader, as we get our first look at Anakin Skywalker, future Evil Empire strongman. Director George Lucas adds a commentary to the film, which now includes 66 minutes of extra footage from the over 600 hours of total film shot. Lucas also explains the different elements in this film that will set up the next two films. Unfortunately, he still can’t explain Jar-Jar Binks.
Planet of the Apes (2001) — Click to buy!
Tim Burton’s “re-imagining” of the 1960’s classic starring Charlton Heston is worthy to be named among his other visionary films. The film boasts an all-star cast featuring Mark Wahlberg as an astronaut who finds himself on a planet where humanlike apes are in charge and the humans are the enslaved. Watch for a cameo by Heston…as an ape this time. The DVD includes expanded scenes, documentaries on the actors learning the nuances of playing a simian and Rick Baker’s amazing makeup.
Jurassic Park III (2001) — Click to buy!
William H. Macy and Tea Leoni play a couple who convinces Sam Neill to take them on a sightseeing trip to “Site B,” where much of the mayhem in the second movie took place. Of course, the pair keeps their real reason for the visit a secret–their son disappeared there. The DVD comes with a behind-the-scenes montage, commentary from director Joe Johnston and a couple of cool theatrical trailers.
Swordfish (2001) — Click to buy!
John Travolta stars in this underrated film about an anti-terrorist who needs a computer hacker to funnel billions in funds into secret accounts. This DVD includes two documentaries, cast and crew commentaries and three alternative endings for the film.
Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001) — Click to buy!
Angelina Jolie prepped long and hard for her role as the relic huntress from the famed video game, training for months to get in shape for the movie’s difficult stunts. The DVD gives an up-close look at her training regime, along with interviews with director Simon West and other cast members. Several deleted scenes were also added to this disc along with U2’s “Elevation” music video thrown in.
Drama/Romance
The Godfather DVD Collection (2001) — Click to buy!
A trilogy you can’t refuse! From the Sicilian immigrant boy to the patriarch of a mob syndicate to the son that was hoped to be governor, the five-disc collection chronicles all three generations of the Corleones. In addition to the trilogy, there are two extra DVDs solely devoted to the goodies. We get to see the making of the first film and the screen tests by the actors who would become forever linked with their roles. Especially important is the Corleone family tree and a Godfather timeline.
Pearl Harbor (2001) — Click to buy!
Released just in time for the battle’s 50-year anniversary, Pearl Harbor centers around a love triangle between Ben Affleck, Josh Hartnett and Kate Beckinsale who get caught up in the events of World War II. The DVD features an introduction from director Michael Bay, cast interviews, documentaries of the actual attack and the return of the veterans to the U.S.S. Arizona memorial. Patriotic stuff for this holiday season.
TV
The Sopranos: The Complete Second Season (2000) — Click to buy!
HBO’s standout series’ second season about the trials and tribulations of the modern-day mob is a must-have. Head mobster Tony Soprano tries to juggle his legit business, his criminal empire, his family and his sanity without losing control. The DVD features commentaries from four directors of the series.
