Sunday, December 10, 2006

DVD Releases - Dec. 12

“The Andy Griffith Show: The Complete Final Season” - If you’re a completist in purchasing the whole package of “Andy Griffith” seasons, then this will finish it off. Otherwise, most TV historians consider this the least of the show’s seasons, as Don Knotts only makes one appearance and the final episodes set up the spin-off, “Mayberry RFD.”
Extras: Nothing at all. Enjoy.
No official Web site.

“Barnyard” (PG) - From some of the same people that brought you “Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius” comes another family-oriented, CGI filmed movie. This one focuses on farm animals and the wild life they lead when the humans aren’t watching them. OK, it’s rated PG, so it’s not that wild. Features the voices of Kevin James, Danny Glover, Sam Elliott and Courteney Cox.
Extras: Deleted scenes and interactive games.
Official Web site

“Bugsy: Extended Cut” (R) - A great film finally gets a more deserving DVD release than the previously crappy version out on the market, as director Barry Levinson’s film gets a new extended cut of 15 more minutes. The film looks into the life of Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel (Warren Beatty) and his visionary, if not reckless desire to bring casinos into the Nevada desert. I wonder whatever happened to that casino idea. The movie also stars Annette Bening, Ben Kingsley, Harvey Keitel and Elliott Gould.
Extras: Aside from the extra footage, deleted scenes and a documentary on Siegel.
No official Web site.

“The Devil Wears Prada” (PG-13) - The ever-versatile Meryl Streep takes on a comedic role in this adaptation of the best-selling novel of the same name, playing a horribly demanding magazine editor, who puts her new assistant (Anne Hathaway) to the test. This was a solid box-office success during the summer.
Extras: Audio commentary from some of the crew, deleted scenes and multiple featurettes.
Official Web site

“Idlewild” (R) - Despite their popularity on the music charts, Outkast’s first (and possibly only) foray together in a movie failed to click with audiences when released earlier this year. As one would expect, there’s plenty of music featured in the film, directed by Bryan Barker, who also has helmed many of the duo’s music videos. Aside from Andre Benjamin and Antwan “Big Boi” Patton, the cast features Paula Patton, Terrence Howard and Ving Rhames.
Extras: A deleted scene and song, and a pair of music videos.
Official Web site

“St. Elsewhere: Season 1” - The 1980s critically-acclaimed medical drama makes its debut on DVD, having laid the foundation for latter day medical TV shows such as “E.R.” and “Chicago Hope,” among others. It also had a pretty eclectic cast, including Denzel Washington, Mark Harmon, Ed Begley Jr. and Howie Mandel.
Extras: Commentary on one episode from cast and crew and multiple featurettes.
No official Web site.

“Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby” (PG-13/Unrated) - Another box office smash from star Will Ferrell and director Adam McKay (“Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgandy”), as they take on the world of NASCAR and the need for speed. With a very good cast on hand, including John C. Reilly, Amy Adams, Gary Cole and the ever versatile Sacha Baron Cohen (“Borat”), there are quite a few laughs to go around.
Extras: With a rated and unrated version on the market, there are a ton of DVD features, including commentary from cast and crew, deleted and extended scenes, interviews with the cast in character, a gag reel and much more.
Official Web site

“World Trade Center” (PG-13) - Although many cringed (myself included) when hearing that director Oliver Stone was going to be taking on a 9/11 film, the end result was largely considered a respectful tribute to the tragedy that took place on that day. “World Trade Center” focuses on the true-life rescue of John McLoughlin (Nicolas Cage) and William Jimeno (Michael Pena) from the rubble of the Twin Towers. Maria Bello and Maggie Gyllenhaal also star.
Extras: Commentary from Stone and others, deleted/extended scenes and multiple featurettes.
Official Web site

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