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
Crash
In the hustle and bustle of L.A., sometimes the only way to bring people together is to get in a car accident. Such is the case in Crash, as we set out sights on several interweaving stories about a handful of disparate people.
Total box office: $53.1million
Extras! A DVD introduction by director Paul Haggis plus his commentary (along with star Don Cheadle) are all that really distinguishes the weak selection here from its standard-issue stuff. And given its status, you might expect more. They’ll probably save more for the almost-certain “collector’s edition.”
When it was relevant: Crash was the surprise hit of the (very early) summer. It was filmed on an extremely modest budget, which was surprising given the array of big names playing against type (Sandra Bullock, Matt Dillon, et al). But two more obscure names–until now, that is–were the breakout stars: director Haggis and actor Terrence Howard. Haggis, who also co-wrote the film, was still ablaze from his Oscar glory emanating from writing Million Dollar Baby, and Howard was already receiving Oscar-type praise for his forthcoming–and current smash hit–Hustle & Flow. Howard should also garner consideration from the Academy for his stirring Crash performance, as well.
Worthy DVD purchase? Tough call here. On the one hand, the performances are stellar all-around, and the subject matter is as relevant as ever. On the other hand, it’s a little exploitative and forced, and, really, how many times are you going to watch such a heavy drama?
All things considered: B-
TV on DVD
Lost: The Complete First Season
Extras!: TV shows rarely skimp on the extras, with the exception of Curb Your Enthusiasm (as I detailed last week). Lost is no different. With far too many extras to name here–and we are talkin’ gratuitous here–some highlights include personal stories and audition tapes of cast members. Remember, most of them were unknowns before the show. There’s also bloopers (hard to go wrong there) and “Lost: On Location,” which should provide at least a glimpse into the secrecy of the Oahu “set.” Cool.
Comments: The show’s a little bit hit-or-miss, to be sure, but for God’s sake, if you’re going to catch up, do us all a favor and do it soon before its second season kicks off (Sept. 21, ABC), so we don’t have to hear you defend yourself against charges of bandwagon-hopping. And so you don’t have to hear us say we told you so–we did, for the record. The extra extras and the no-commercials factor make the DVD the perfect opportunity to hitch a ride. Now.
All things considered B+
MacGyver: The Complete Third Season
Extras!: Okay, what we said about TV shows on DVD rarely skimping on extras, I didn’t mean this one. Apparently star Richard Dean Anderson couldn’t sneak away from Stargate SG-1 for a few hours to record a few commentary-voiceovers for the DVD release. Or maybe it was simply too bittersweet.
Comments: Arguably the best season (but who really remembers that far back?), the show’s O.G.s (original geeks) can rejoice again for their favorite do-it-yourselfer everywhere. Yet, the lack of extras makes the 20-episode, five-disc set tough to sit through. Plus, there are, like, a dozen channels nowadays that’ll teach you nifty tricks using homemade gadgets.
All things considered: B
Re-releases
Toy Story: 10th Anniversary Edition
Extras!: Lots of goodies here! Disney has created a bevy of “all-new” special features. Among them: All-new “Legacy of Toy Story,” all-new “Filmmakers Reflect,” featuring Academy Award-winning creator John Lasseter and an all-new making of Toy Story. They sure outdid themselves-and we like it!
Comments: The Pixar pic that begat so many others, Toy Story proved that realistic-yet-cutesy computer animation was an extremely lucrative venture for Disney, as well as an enjoyable one for audiences. The wry, quick-witted script from this seminal CGI grandaddy should not be underrated, either. Always enjoyable, with a great replay value, even today, and even you bought the original almost a decade ago.
All things considered: A-
The Sting
Extras!: Nothing exorbitant here, especially for a two-disc set, but, really, it’s The Sting— too much periphery would cramp its style and detract from it. There is a retrospective on the making of the film, and, even more eye-catching, a featurette on the film’s amazing script, written master scribe David S. Ward.
Comments: One of the first true box-office smashes, The Sting might be right up there today with Spielberg’s whole filmography. The film also marked one of the best duos in cinema history: Paul Newman and Robert Redford. The two are often considered almost one-in-the-same, in a class of their own. You can’t go wrong here, and you probably still see its themes and pieces “borrowed” in today’s films works.
All things considered: A-
