Wednesday, June 28, 2006

DVD Releases - June 27

It’s a decidedly mixed bag of releases this week, as there are a couple of moderate hit movies mixed in, but little to rush out and see – unless you happen to be a Chuck Berry fan. Read on for more on some of the June 27 releases:

“Annapolis” (PG-13) - Probably with hopes of capturing a bit of that box office magic that propelled “Top Gun” to smash hit status 20 years ago (20 years?!), “Annapolis” failed to click with audiences in theaters. The U.S. Navy gets another showcase movie as James Franco plays a young cadet hoping to become an officer in the elite military academy. Naturally, obstacles stand in his way.
Extras: Commentary from crew, deleted scenes with commentary, making-of featurette, and an in-depth look at the boxing sequences.
Official Web site

“Chuck Berry: Hail! Hail! Rock n’ Roll: Limited Edition” (NR) - Just about 20 years after its filming, the huge musical talent brought out to celebrate Chuck Berry’s 60th birthday finally gets released on DVD. Keith Richards, Eric Clapton, Linda Ronstadt, Etta James and more helped mark the occasion.
Extras: Released in two versions, the limited edition version is loaded with bonus material including a new introduction from director Taylor Hackford, never-before-seen rehearsal footage, making-of documentary, two huge documentaries on the birth and golden age of rock and roll, and more.
No official Web site

“Failure to Launch” (PG-13) - Critics could have cared less about this romantic comedy, but when you’ve got a cast headed by Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew McConaughey, then I guess it doesn’t matter. This far-fetched movie featuring McConaughey as a lazy guy still living with his parents (Kathy Bates and Terry Bradshaw), who hire a woman (Parker) to motivate him out of the house.
Extras: Multiple featurettes and a “Failure to Launch” contest (whatever that may be), and more.
Official Web site

“Madea’s Family Reunion” (PG-13) - Following up on his surprise box office hit “Diary of a Mad Black Woman,” Tyler Perry is back in drag as granny Madea in another mix of comedy and drama that also met with success in theaters. Whether his sense of humor works for widespread audiences is still a bit unclear, but there doesn’t seem to be much like it getting released into theaters.
Extras: Commentary with Perry, deleted scenes, making-of featurette and more.
Official Web site

“Monk: Season 4” - The dependably good comedic mystery show releases all 16 episodes of its fourth season, starring Emmy and Golden Globe winner Tony Shalhoub. New episodes are still airing on USA Network and it’s one worth seeking out.
Extras: A pair of featurettes involving writing for “Monk.”
Official Web site

“Roseanne: Season 4” - Another fourth season comes out this week with the former hit ABC sitcom about the Conner household. Like her or hate her, Roseanne had a good thing going with this show.
Extras: Video commentaries by Roseanne, new interviews with Roseanne, as well as with two of her kids on the show, D.J. and Becky.
No official Web site

“Ultraviolet” (PG-13) - Milla Jovovich stars in this action-oriented sci-fi flick that was the second one in a few months time to star an attractive female that tanked at the box office (“Aeon Flux” being the other). Although also offered in an unrated, extended cut, seeing it would probably only mean wasting an extra seven minutes of your life that you can’t get back.
Extras: Commentary by Jovovich, and a making-of featurette.
Official Web site

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