A DVD can be a double-edged sword, and trust me, you’re not the only ones with some not-so-choice choices collecting mildew in your closets. But we offer help by way of an answer to the decade-old conundrum, “How many times are you really gonna watch that?”
This week’s releases:
Batman Begins (Two-Disc Deluxe Edition)
At long last, a glimpse into what drives Batman (Christian Bale)–besides the Batmobile, of course. He finally seeks revenge for his parents’ murder, but he is betrayed by his supposed mentor and returns to his inherited mansion and fledgling business. While home, he discovers a cave underneath his house, complete with the alter-ego staples, and takes Gotham’s scum under his, er, batwings.
Total box office: $205.2 million
Extras! Oh, boy! There’s something in this deluxe two-disc set for everyone. Goodies for the tech-savvy (a featurette on the reinvented Batmobile), Batman purists (a look at the Dark Knight’s genesis; 72-page comic book featuring stories that inspired Begins ), stuff for the kiddies (MTV’s Batman spoof, Tankman) and every age/interest group in between.
When it was relevant: Begins’ deep, dark storytelling was so engrossing that we were at times surprised whenever Bruce Wayne took off the Armani suit and put on the Batsuit–but it was always a pleasant surprise. For that we can thank director Christopher Nolan (Memento). His noir sensibilities were met with slight apprehension when Begins hit theaters–the fear was that his style would turn away youngsters looking more for eye candy–but it was quickly put to rest after its huge earnings. Plus, its got one of the best, most eclectic casts to come around in a long time.
Worthy DVD purchase? Oh heck yeah. If Nolan’s invigorating update to an iconic franchise isn’t enough, then the extras should be–every single one of them is worth watching. This is, quite possibly, the must-own DVD of the year.
All things considered: A
Land of the Dead
Zombie mutiny! The living dead have taken over the world, and those still fortunate–or unfortunate–enough to be alive do so in a remote walled-in city. While the hordes of zombies outside the walls are strengthening and threatening, there is unrest on the inside. Something has to give.
Total box office: $20.4 million
Extras! There’s gore aplenty here. Perhaps the most interesting extras, though, pertain to the zombies. There’s a featurette on the peculiar nature surrounding the zombie casting call and another on using a green screen behind the zombies. Both are intriguing and obviously not touched upon in your everyday DVD.
When it was relevant: Dead revived director George A. Romero’s legion of fans. The film capitalized on a suddenly white-hot demand for both cult horror classics and everything “retro.” In turn, Romero didn’t compromise his (sick) vision and returned back to the peripheral limelight. His 1978 favorite Dawn of the Dead was remade last year, as well, though he was only credited as its original writer. In reality, 20 million bucks is a lotta dough for a film with no big stars and a mass appeal.
Worthy DVD purchase? Yes. Cases could be made, but there’s really nothing else out there right now like Dead. Romero has a style all his own, even after all his years in Hollywood. Those with the stomach for gore galore will eat it up (get it?).
All things considered: B
Mad Hot Ballroom
Set in the mean public schools of New York City, this documentary follows students as they engage in…ballroom dancing? That’s right. Eleven-year-olds from around NYC compete against other such schools for a chance to get to the citywide competition’s finals.
Total box office: $8 million
Extras! No extras on this one. Surely, you weren’t expecting a bunch of unflappable, real 11-year-olds to sit down for a chat, were you? They’ve got social studies and foxtrot homework to do, for goodness sakes.
When it was relevant: While other docs did much better than Ballroom at the box office this summer (see March of the Penguins), this might’ve just been the little indie that could. No one was expecting a peep out of it. There was no star celebrity photog-cum-director behind it (like Rize’s David LaChapelle) and there was no bloodshed to satiate the masses. But it was a nice break from all that higher profile stuff and renowned hot-button documentarian Michael Moore’s politicking. Bear in mind, too, that little docs about little people don’t cost much to make, so ch-ching!
Worthy DVD purchase? And another yes! This will open up to those who see it up a whole new side of kids that most people would never care to know–and we’re not only talking about how they can dance. It’s about how complex they are.
All things considered: B+
