New on DVD: Jan. 13

New DVD’s This Week: Jan. 13

Freddy Krueger (Robert Englund) is in hell–literally. It’s been nearly 10 years since Freddy invaded peoples’ dreams to exact his deadly form of revenge and murder. But now, the kids Freddy terrorized in their nightmares have been institutionalized, and with no one left to be afraid of him, Freddy’s rendered powerless. Until, that is, the razor-fingered villain figures out a way to start a new reign of terror by resurrecting Jason Voorhees (Ken Kirzinger) and, via Jason’s dreams, siccing him on the citizens of Springwood. But when Jason starts slashing the teens Freddy wanted to kill himself, Freddy gets pissed–and the kids take matters into their own hands too, pulling Freddy out of his nightmare world into the real world so Jason can kill him once and for all.

What’s
Cool:

Commentary by director Ronny Yu and stars Robert Englund and Ken Kirzinger
Deleted scenes (19 with optional audio commentary)
Alternate opening and ending
Featurettes: “Genesis: Development Hell,” “Art Direction: Jason’s Decorating Tips,” “Stunts: When Push Comes to Shove,” and “Makeup Effects: Freddy’s Beauty Secrets”
Interviews with cast and crew
Music video: “How Can I Live” by Ill Nino
3D animated menus

	From Our Review:
	Freddy vs. Jason is not as fear provoking as Wes Craven’s unconventional horror thriller A Nightmare on Elm Street and its sequels, but it is more clever than all the Friday the 13th installments put together…the outcome of the most-hyped villainous face-off ever proves to be a bit of a letdown. More. . .

Johnny English

An unthinkable plan to filch the country’s beloved Crown Jewels comes to the British Secret Service’s attention, but their best man on the case is quickly dispatched, as is virtually every other able member of the B.S.S. when the agent’s funeral is bombed. Now there’s only one man remaining who can protect his country, avenge the elimination of all of the Secret Service’s spies and uncover those behind this fiendish plot to make off with the prized symbols of the once-supreme British empire–Johnny English (Rowan Atkinson). He knows no fear. He knows no danger. In fact, he knows absolutely nothing.

What’s
Cool:

“The Making of Johnny English” and “Spy Tips” featurettes
Deleted scenes
Interactive features: “Observation Test”
Character profiles

	From Our Review:
	The plot may be ridiculous and contrived, but Johnny English is still a pretty darn funny movie. More…

Still Hot

Underworld

Kate Beckinsale stars in Underworld, a stylish, suspenseful drama that depicts a world populated by a secretive clan of modern, sophisticated Vampires whose mortal enemies are the Lycans (werewolves), a shrewd gang of street toughs. As war between the races begins, the balance of power is further upset when a beautiful young Vampire (Beckinsale) falls in love with a Lycan (Scott Speedman). Len Wiseman directs this fast-paced tale of deadly action, ruthless intrigue and forbidden love.

What’s Cool:

Available widescreen or fullscreen
Director, cast, writer, and technical commentary
Making-of featurettes
Storyboard comparison

	From Our Review:
	Ambitious and with a look to die for, Underworld unfortunately had great potential to be what The Matrix Reloaded should have been but turns into so much humorless gothic hokum. Hopefully the sequel, underway now, will make the most of what’s great (the look) and leave behind what’s not (the rest). More. . .

Out of Time

The tagline reads, “How do you solve a murder when all the evidence points to you?” Well, sit tight–you are about to find out. Time is dwindling for police chief Matt Whitlock (Denzel Washington), as he attempts to prove himself innocent of a crime he did not commit. Touted as an “entertainingly deft sleight-of-hand thriller” (Entertainment Weekly), Out of Time is directed by Carl Franklin (High Crimes) and also stars Dean Cain and Eva Mendes.

What’s Cool:

Director commentary
Making-of featured
Outtakes
Screen tests
Original theatrical trailer

	From Our Review:
	Even though it portends to be full of twists and turns, you’re really not going to be terribly surprised by what goes on in Out of Time. Still, watching the street-savvy Denzel Washington wriggle his way out of a tight jam is kind of fun. More…

Uptown Girls

What happens when a spoiled-but-broke party girl and her charge, an uptight know-it-all are forced to spend their days together? Find out as Brittany Murphy (Just Married) and Dakota Fanning (I Am Sam) star in this heartfelt comedy about a former rich girl who has her hands full with a sharp-witted “eight-year-old going on 40.” Featuring Heather Locklear and Donald Faison.

What’s Cool:

Behind-the-scenes featurette
Music video
Deleted scenes
Interview with costume designer
Original theatrical trailer

	From Our Review:
	Heading uptown to hang out with these girls? Save the cab fare. There’s no joy in spending even a minute in the company of the bickering Brittany Murphy and Dakota Fanning. They deserve each other. We don’t deserve them. More…

Compiled by Kit Bowen

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