DVD Releases - April 4

The top winners at this year’s Oscars highlight a fairly light release week, as one makes its debut, while the other predictably capitalizes on its best picture win with a rerelease. After all, when an extra buck can be made, why not? Oh yeah, I know why not. Because some people just shelled out money for the original DVD release just a few months ago and aren’t happy that there’s a new version coming already. Setting aside that bitterness, here’s some of the releases for April 4:

“9 to 5: Sexist, Egotistical, Lying, Hypocritical Bigot Edition” (PG) - Possibly qualifying as the longest special edition title in DVD history, the 1980 workplace comedy is quite outdated in many aspects. But with a cast of Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Dolly Parton and Dabney Coleman, the humor still holds up quite well.
Extras: Commentary from Fonda, Parton, Coleman and producer Bruce Gilbert, a featurette, gag reel, deleted scenes and “9 to 5” karaoke (now you can sing just like Dolly!).

“Brokeback Mountain” (R) - Winner of three Academy Awards (but not best picture, as picked by many), the drama depicting the friendship and concealed romance between two cowboys (played by Oscar nominees Heath Ledger and Jake Gyllenhaal) makes its DVD debut. The movie was critically acclaimed, won lots of awards and did remarkably well at the box office, yet has had more cornball gay jokes lobbed its direction than one could count.
Extras: Multiple featurettes, including ones focusing on Oscar-winning director Ang Lee and the adaptation of the script to the screen.

“The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” (PG) - The first big screen adaptation of the popular C.S. Lewis novel, “Chronicles” was a huge hit over the holiday season. And with several other books in Lewis’ series available for adaptation, count on Disney studios to fast track a new franchise, much in the vein of the “Harry Potter” series.
Extras: The two-disc special edition features lots of goodies, including a pair of commentaries, bloopers, numerous featurettes, such as a director’s diary and the secrets behind the creation of many of the film’s creatures.

“Crash: Director’s Cut” (R) - Coincidentally (or not), the recently crowned best picture at this year’s Oscars is back in its second incarnation on DVD. The two-disc set gives consumers more bang for their buck over the suckers who went and spent money on the first release several months ago. Those poor, poor fools.
Extras: Director Paul Haggis includes deleted scenes with commentary, as well as a commentary track with himself, co-screenwriter Bobby Moresco and star Don Cheadle. Also included are several featurettes and a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film.

“Magnum P.I.: Season 4” - Tom Selleck fans rejoice! The actor and his mustache are back for the fourth season of the private detective’s exploits in Hawaii. All 21 episodes of the season are featured, as are many shots of a shirtless Magnum and bikini-clad women. Heck, he’ll even occasionally solve cases.
Extras: Not much, save for “The Great ‘80s TV Flashback,” whatever that is. Although I imagine that would beat a drug-induced flashback. Also included is a bonus episode of season 5 of “Magnum,” which will hardly be a bonus once fans go and buy season 5. Thanks a lot, MCA Home Video!