Tuesday, June 20, 2006

DVD Releases - June 20

Another mix of movies and TV shows make up the lineup for this week’s wildly divergent releases. The first two on this list clearly demonstrate that observation. Here’s some of the notables for June 20:

“Eight Below” (PG) - It seems sensible that Disney is the movie studio behind this true tale of eight sled dogs stranded in Antarctica during a brutal winter, while their owner struggles to get back to rescue them. It’s one of those heartwarming stories where the animals are undoubtedly more interesting than the humans in it. Paul Walker and Jason Biggs are among the cast, so that theory is likely the case here.
Extras: Several commentaries, as well as a making-of featurette.
Official Web site

“The Hills Have Eyes” (R/Unrated) - Gather the family around for another heartwarming tale – this one about a stranded family on a cross country trip encountering a violent collection of mutants who will definitely not be providing directions out of town. This remake of Wes Craven’s 1977 horror film comes in an unrated version and the theatrical version for you wimps out there.
Extras: Pair of commentaries, including one featuring producers Craven and Peter Locke, a making-of documentary, production diaries and a music video.
Official Web site

“The King of Queens: Season 5” - For years, this show lingered in the shadows of “Everybody Loves Raymond,” but has consistently delivered good ratings and certainly has a solid cast headed by Kevin James, Leah Remini and Jerry Stiller.
Extras: However, this release does not deliver anything beyond the full season of 25 episodes.
Official Web site

“Mary Tyler Moore: Season 4” - The TV classic’s fourth season marks the final season for Rhoda (Valerie Harper) with a spin-off to come for her, but the show remained as popular as ever.
Extras: Nothing? Wow, nice way to treat one of TV’s most respected comedies.
No official Web site

“Newsradio: Season 4” - Another great season of this seriously underrated sitcom that aired on NBC, it would also mark the final one for the great comic actor Phil Hartman, who would be killed by his wife before season five. But DVDs such as this will keep the laughs coming.
Extras: Cast and crew commentary on select episodes, a gag reel, and a short film called “One Man News Radio.”
No official Web site

“NYPD: Season 4” - The award-winning police drama from producer Steven Bochco returns for its fourth season release, with a few cast changes, but still has Det. Andy Sipowicz (Dennis Franz) on board.
Extras: Commentary on select episodes and a pair of featurettes.
No official Web site

“The Omen: Collector’s Edition” (R) - Forget that version in theaters now, this “Omen” is the only one you need to see – that is if you don’t mind spending a couple of hours hanging with a really creepy kid who evidently is the son of Satan. To each his own. Director Richard Donner, who would go on to big success with “Superman” and “Lethal Weapon” is at the helm of the 1976 original.
Extras: The two-disc collection features two commentaries including Donner, multiple featurettes, a deleted scene and an introduction from Donner.
No official Web site

“Syriana” (R) - From writer/director Stephen Gaghan (an Oscar-winner for the screenplay to “Traffic”) comes another similarly movie with intertwining storylines, featuring a very strong cast headed by Matt Damon, Jeffrey Wright, Chris Cooper, Christopher Plummer, Amanda Peet and George Clooney (who won an Oscar for his performance as a troubled CIA operative).
Extras: Deleted scenes, a featurette and a conversation with Clooney.
Official Web site

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