Tuesday, June 06, 2006

DVD Releases - June 6

It’s another busy week in DVD-land, as some spring box office disappointments mix together with some lower profile, yet critically acclaimed films. Here’s a look at some of the variety coming out June 6:

“Dazed and Confused: Criterion Collection” (R) - Fans of writer-director Richard Linklater’s depiction of high school life in 1976 were subjected to two crappy DVD releases of this movie in the past. But leave it to the cinema lovers at Criterion to give the comedy-drama a DVD version worth owning. The movie was never a big box office hit, yet ask around – I bet you or someone you know has seen it.
Extras: Commentary from Linklater, a making-of documentary, a 72-page book featuring essays and character profiles, lots of on-set interviews, deleted scenes and footage from the 10-year anniversary celebration.
No official Web site

“Entourage: Season 2” - The HBO series that follows the life of film star Vince Chase, his friends and agent is back for its second hit season. This season features a story arc that has Vince involved in making the potential blockbuster movie, “Aquaman.” Well, every other comic book hero is getting a movie made, so why not him?
Extras: Behind-the-scenes interviews with the cast and crew by executive producer Mark Wahlberg.
Official Web site

“Firewall” (PG-13) - Harrison Ford struck out at the box office with this thriller about a bank security expert (Ford) being forced to use his knowledge against the very bank he’s supposed to be protecting. So why would he do such a devious thing? His family’s been taken hostage, of course. Paul Bettany and Virginia Madsen co-star.
Extras: A pair of featurettes, including an interview with Ford and director Richard Loncraine.
Official Web site

“Glory Road” (PG) - The gang that brought you “Remember the Titans” presents another true inspirational sports story – this one focusing on the 1966 season of Texas Western University, who would form the first all-black lineup in college basketball history. Josh Lucas plays future Hall of Fame coach Don Haskins.
Extras: Several featurettes focusing on Coach Haskins, numerous interviews with his players and colleagues, two audio commentaries, deleted scenes and an Alicia Keys music video.
Official Web site

“Home Improvement: Season 4” - While the cast headed by Tim Allen and Patricia Richardson was likable enough, it’s hard to understand how this show was so popular during its run on ABC. And did anyone else get sick of the decision to hide the next door neighbor behind a fence in every episode? Sorry, just ranting a bit there.
Extras: Bloopers, bloopers and more bloopers! They loved to screw up on this show!
No official Web site

“NCIS: The Complete First Season” - The hit CBS series about the Naval Criminal Investigative Service makes its DVD debut with Mark Harmon at the helm. Does it seem like Harmon has been in the cast of about 20 series over his career? Its yet another crime drama procedural, this one from the same guy who brought you JAG – also on CBS.
Extras: Multiple featurettes on the show’s creation, as well as a commentary on one of the episodes from series creator Donald P. Bellasario.
Official Web site

“The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada” (R) - Marking the directorial debut from Oscar-winning actor Tommy Lee Jones, the veteran actor also stars as a Texas ranch foreman who forces a U.S. border patrolman (Barry Pepper) to take the body of a man he accidentally killed back to Mexico for a proper burial. The journey is a personal one for the foreman, who was good friends with the deceased.
Extras: Commentary with Jones and co-stars Dwight Yoakam and January Jones.
Official Web site

“Underworld: Evolution” (R) - A relatively quick arriving sequel to the hit 2003 film, “Underworld: Evolution” continues the bloody and stylish war between vampires and werewolves as they fight, swap recipes, and go clubbing together. Or something like that. Heck, it’s got Kate Beckinsale dressed up in tight leather for a couple of hours, OK? Isn’t that the main attraction for the guys?
Extras: Commentary from director Len Wiseman and other crew members, several featurettes on various aspects of the production, including its journey from script to screen.
Official Web site

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