New DVD's This Week: Oct. 7

New DVD’s This Week: Oct. 7

Having just pulled off the gold bullion heist of their careers, Charlie Croker (Mark Wahlberg) and his colorful gang of top-notch thieves prepare to reap the benefits of their huge payoff. One of the members (Edward Norton) has other ideas, however, and proceeds to take the loot for himself. The name of the game then changes from payoff to payback as Croker and his crew, including veteran safecracker John Bridger (Donald Sutherland), computer hacker Lyle (Seth Green), driver Handsome Rob (Jason Statham), demolition man Left-Ear (Dante Smith), and Stella (Charlize Theron), set out to take back what they rightfully stole and even the score with their double-crossing former associate.

What’s
Cool:

Deleted scenes
Commentary by producer Michael Deeley and author Matthew Field
Featurettes: “The Great Idea: Origins Of The Italian Job”; “The Self-Preservation Society”; “Getta Bloomin’ Move On”

	From Our Review:
	With its boats, cars, subways, and even a chopper chases, the The Italian Job is in all respects an entertaining joyride. More. . .

The Lion King

Young lion cub Simba (voiced by Jonathan Taylor Thomas) anxiously looks forward to the day when he will take over as ruler of the land from his father King Mufasa (voiced by James Earl Jones). Yet, Scar (voiced by Jeremy Irons), the sinister brother of Mufasa, has other plans, plotting the death of father and son so that he might assume the role of king. When Mufasa is indeed killed, Simba retreats into exile, where he befriends Pumbaa (voiced by Ernie Sabella), wild boar and Timon (voiced by Nathan Lane), the meerkat, a wacky but caring duo that reminds him to enjoy what life offers. But fate intervenes. As a young adult, Simba (Mathew Broderick) finds out about Scar’s tyrannical rule and with the help of his friends, Simba returns to Pride Rock to claim his rightful position as ruler.

What’s
Cool:

Two versions of the film: Original release and special edition with an all-new song
Deleted scenes
Music videos: “Circle of Life” and “Can You Feel the Love Tonight”
Games: virtual safari, personality profile, more
Interview with composers Elton John and Tim Rice
Featurettes: “Story Journey: Storymaking Magic” and “Stage Journey: Behind the Scenes on Broadway”
Documentary: “Animal Journey: Disney Animals”

	Review of DVD:
	Disney fanatics and DVD buffs alike are sure to be more than pleased with this feature-rich special edition release. The pristine digital presentation of the film itself, along with the hours worth of in-depth features and entertainment, make The Lion King Platinum Edition DVD an essential addition to any video library. More. . .

Willard

With a boss from hell, a dead-end job, an overbearing, ill mother and no friends, life has become one big trap for Willard Stiles (Crispin Glover). Things start looking up when Mother orders him to rid the house of rats and instead discovers that he shares a powerful bond with them. Co-worker Cathryn (Laura Elena Harring) sympathizes with lonely Willard, but even she
takes a back seat to the legion of rats that begin to infest the basement of
the Stiles home. When Willard’s world is turned upside-down by tragedy,
those responsible must answer to his rapidly growing pack of ravenous,
fearsome friends.

What’s
Cool:

Two original documentaries: The Year of the Rat, a film student’s feature following the making of Willard, and Rat People: Friends or Foes, a look at rats and their place in society
Commentary by director Glen Morgan, producer James Wong, stars Crispin Glover and R. Lee Ermey
Crispin Hellion Glover music video, “Ben,” and commentary
Widescreen version of the film
Trailer, TV spots and other New Line film trailers
DVD-ROM: “Script-to-Screen” screenplay feature, rat gallery, trivia challenge and original website

	From Our Review:
	Glover delivers a riveting performance in what is undoubtedly one of the most shockingly funny dark horror comedies ever to hit the screen. More. . .

The In-Laws

Worlds collide when soon-to-be fathers-in-law Steve Tobias (Michael Douglas) and Dr. Jerry Peyser (Albert Brooks) meet for the first time in preparation for their children’s marriage. Even-keeled podiatrist Jerry is, to say the least, rattled by the eccentric and sometimes downright dangerous actions of gung-ho CIA operative Steve. Before Jerry can step in to call off the wedding and stop the two families from merging, he finds himself wrapped up with Steve in a serious of misadventures that will take this odd couple halfway around the world.

What’s
Cool:

Audio commentary by director Andre Fleming
Gag reel
Extended takes (multiple takes with Albert Brooks)
Additional scenes

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	From Our Review:
	With its hackneyed, spotty storyline and tired slapstick comedy, Andrew Fleming’s The In-Laws is neither funny nor inspiring. You’d be better off renting the 1978 original instead. More. . .

Down With Love

New York City gets its first taste of the feminist movement in 1962 when Barbara Novak (Renee Zellweger) releases her new book Down With Love, which rockets to the top of the bestseller charts. This draws the attention of crack journalist and ladies’ man Catcher Block (Ewan McGregor), who is determined to bring her down. Meanwhile, Peter McMannus (David Hyde Pierce), Catch’s best friend and boss, eyes a target of his own: Vicki Hiller (Sarah Paulson)-Barbara’s brilliant, tough editor who makes her own way in a man’s world.

What’s
Cool:

Audio commentary by director Peyton Reed
Five deleted scenes with optional director commentary
Music video: “Here’s to Love” by Ewan McGregor and Renee Zellweger
Lead actors’ screen tests
Bloopers
Featurettes including: HBO special “Guess My Name” segment

	From Our Review:
	Down With Love tries desperately to recapture that witty, sexual innuendo repartee made famous in 1960s romantic comedies. Suffice to say, it may have been better to leave well enough alone. More. . .

Hollywood Homicide

Veteran LAPD homicide detective Joe Gavilian (Harrison Ford) and his young partner K.C. Calden (Josh Hartnett) look into the on-stage murder of a rap group possibly masterminded by notorious rap label boss Antoine Sartain (Isaiah Washington). While Gavilian is at the top of his game as a cop, his social life is a shambles. Meanwhile, Calden is consumed by his alternate career as a yoga instructor, and has misplaced aspirations of becoming an actor.

What’s
Cool:

Widescreen and Pan & Scan versions
Dolby Digital 5.1 audio
Audio commentary by director Ron Shelton

	From Our Review:
	Ron Shelton’s Hollywood Homicide is such a mixed bag of genres that not even the high-profile stars, star-studded cameos or vivid dialogue can inject momentum into this lazy comedy. More. . .

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