DVD Roundup: 5.22.07

True Grit: Special Collector’s Edition

Buy this DVD at Amazon.com

Rating: G

Starring:

John Wayne as Marshall Reuben J. ‘Rooster’ Cogburn

Glen Campbell as La Boeuf

Kim Darby as Mattie Ross

Jeremy Slate as Emmett Quincy

Robert Duvall as Ned Pepper

Dennis Hopper as Moon

Alfred Ryder as Mr. Goudy (Defense attorney)

Strother Martin as Colonel G. Stonehill

Jeff Corey as Tom Chaney

Ron Soble as Capt. Boots Finch

John Fiedler as Lawyer Daggett

James Westerfield as Judge Parker

John Doucette as Sheriff

Donald Woods as Barlow

Edith Atwater as Mrs. Floyd

Special Features:

Commentary by Jeb Rosebrook, Bob Baze Bell and J. Stuart Rosebrook

True Writing

Working with the Duke

Aspen Gold: Locations of True Grit

The Law and The Lawless

Theatrical Trailer

Other Info:

Widescreen

Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound

French Language

Running Time: 127 Minutes

Synopsis:

The following is from the official DVD description:

“John Wayne earned the 1969 ‘Best Actor’ Academy Award® for this larger-than-life performance as the drunken, uncouth and totally fearless one-eyes U.S. Marshall, Rooster Cogburn.

The cantankerous Rooster is hired by a headstrong young girl (Kim Darby) to find the man who murdered her father and fled with the family savings. When Cogburn’s employer insists on accompanying the old gunfighter, sparks fly. And the situation goes from troubled to disastrous when an inexperienced Texas Ranger (Glen Campbell) joins the party. Laughter and tears punctuate the wild action in this extraordinary Western which also features performances by Robert Duvall, Jeremy Slate and Strother Martin.”

CS Comment:

The Old West! Where the men were men and the women were men, too! This is the perfect DVD for John Wayne fans. And believe it or not, it also features Wilford Brimley, Dennis Hopper, and Robert Duvall. You’re ready for movie trivia now!

Available Tuesday, May 22


Flags of Our Fathers (2-Disc Special Edition)

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Rating: R

Starring:

Ryan Phillippe as John “Doc” Bradley

Jesse Bradford as Rene Gagnon

Adam Beach as Ira Hayes

John Benjamin Hickey as Keyes Beech

John Slattery as Bud Gerber

Barry Pepper as Mike Strank

Jamie Bell as Ralph “Iggy” Ignatowski

Paul Walker as Hank Hansen

Robert Patrick as Colonel Chandler Johnson

Neal McDonough as Captain Severance

Melanie Lynskey as Pauline Harnois

Tom McCarthy as James Bradley

Chris Bauer as Commandant Vandergrift

Judith Ivey as Belle Block

Myra Turley as Madeline Evelley

Special Features:

An Introduction by Clint Eastwood

Six Brave Men

The Making of an Epic – Looking into the Past

Words on the Page

Visual Effects

Theatrical Trailer

Other Info:

Widescreen (2.35:1)

Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound

French Language

Spanish Subtitles

Running Time: 132 Minutes

Synopsis:

The following is from the official DVD description:

“For 70,000 marines who fought with bombs blasting and guns blazing, the bloody battle for Iwo Jima was more than the turning point of World War II; it was the defining moment in their lives.

From two-time Academy Award-winning director Clint Eastwood, ‘Flags of Our Fathers’ boldly explores the complicated nature of heroism, courage and patriotism in the harrowing true story of four Marines who fought the bloody battles at Iwo Jima during World War II and how a single photo emerged as one of the most evocative icons of the 20th Century.

In this 2-disc special edition of the epic The New York Times calls “a sweeping spectacle,” Clint Eastwood reveals his passion for his subject in an exclusive interview along with carefully crafted special features that give an inside look at the making of this modern classic.

‘Flags of Our Fathers’ is the must-own companion to ‘Letters From Iwo Jima.’ Experience one of the most dramatic moments in history, right in your own home.”

CS Comment:

The first version of “Flags of Our Fathers” didn’t include any bonus features. Now that “Letters From Iwo Jima” is out, this special edition with more extras comes with it. You can also buy it as part of a two pack with “Iwo Jima.”

Available Tuesday, May 22


Porky’s: The Ultimate Collection

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Rating: R

Special Features:

Porky’s: One Size Fits All Edition

Full-Length Commentary by Director Bob Clark

Porky’s Through The Peephole: Bob Clark Looks Back

Porky’s: A Comedy Classic Featurette

Porky’s Video Game Sales Pitch

Other Info:

Widescreen (1.85:1)

Dolby Digital Sound

Synopsis:

The following is from the official DVD description:

“Get ready for some intense underage action in this brand-new, balls-to-the-wall collection of the ‘Porky’s’ saga! The granddaddy franchise of guy comedies, these three uproariously unwholesome films changed the face of cinema to red as audiences across the world couldn’t get enough of this young group of boys questing to become men, and taking no prisoners along the way.

Porky’s: One Size Fits All Edition

Porky’s is a sleazy strip club where a group of underage boys hope to find some action. But when the owner catches them and dumps them in the bay, the boys shift their goal from getting inasto getting revenge.

Porky’s 2: The Next Day

The gang is back in another quest for vengeance! When Ms. Balbricker, aided by Reverend Bubba Flavel, pressures the school to shut down the teen troupe’s Shakespearean production for being too “obscene,” the boys don’t just get mad, they get even!

Porky’s Revenge

When Meat picks up a buxom babe, the gang discovers that Porky’s is back in business – and that the babe is Porky’s daughter. But When Porky kidnaps Meat to force him into a shotgun wedding, the boys set out to save their friend and shut down Porky’s for good.”

CS Comment:

Well, if you’re a fan of “Porky’s,” this certainly is the ultimate collection. It comes with an eye catching lenticular cover, as well. You probably already know if this is for you or not.

Available Tuesday, May 22


The O.C.: The Complete Fourth Season

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Rating: Not Rated

Starring:

Peter Gallagher as Sandy Cohen

Kelly Rowan as Kirsten Cohen

Benjamin McKenzie as Ryan Atwood

Adam Brody as Seth Cohen

Rachel Bilson as Summer Roberts

Melinda Clarke as Julie Cooper

Mischa Barton as Marissa Cooper

Special Features:

Unaired Scenes

Josh Schwartz Commentary on the Series Finale

The Magic That is Chrismukkah: Cast, Crew, and Religious Experts Weigh in on The O.C.’s Distinctive Holiday Celebration

Summer Roberts – Beauty Meets Brown: The Creation and Evolution of One of the Show’s Most Lovable Characters

Other Info:

Widescreen

Dolby Digital Surround Sound

French and Spanish Subtitles

Running Time: 727 Minutes

Synopsis:

The following is from the official DVD description:

“High school is over. Time to move on. But events conspire to reunite Ryan, Seth and Summer in posh, seaside Newport. And there may even be a new Core Four. Because after Taylor Townsend says a quick if not passionate au revoir to her education in France, she just might pursue Ryan until he catches her.

Time, too, for the series to move on with these 16 Final Episodes. Seth marries Summer? (Maybe.) Ryan goes through life like it’s a steel-cage brawl? (Sometimes.) Kaitlin tries to hook up her mom Julie with a billionaire? (Well, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.) But things happen, sometimes quite unexpectedly. Time to hit the beach for all the surprising events of a cool, compelling and revealing conclusion of ‘The O.C.'”

“The O.C.: The Complete Fourth Season” is not rated.

CS Comment:

This DVD contains all of the fourth season as well as a large batch of bonus features. “O.C.” fans should be very pleased.

Available Tuesday, May 22


Scrubs: The Complete Fifth Season

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Rating: TV-14

Starring:

Zach Braff as Dr. John ‘J.D.’ Dorian

Sarah Chalke as Dr. Elliot Reid

Donald Faison as Dr. Christopher Turk

Ken Jenkins as Dr. Bob Kelso

John C. McGinley as Dr. Perry Cox

Judy Reyes as Nurse Carla Espinosa

Neil Flynn as The Janitor

Robert Maschio as Todd Quinlan

Aloma Wright as Nurse Laverne Roberts

Sam Lloyd as Ted Buckland

Christa Miller as Jordan Sullivan

Special Features:

All 24 episodes from the 2006 season on three discs

My 117 Episodes: A look back at 5 seasons

Deleted scenes & alternate lines

Director’s cut of the 100th episode directed by Zach Braff

Audio Commentaries

Other Info:

Fullscreen (1.33:1)

Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound

Running Time: 530 Minutes

Synopsis:

The following is from the official DVD description:

“Make an appointment with the outrageous doctors of Sacred Heart. Garnering an Emmy® Award nomination for Best Comedy Series, Scrubs’ fifth season is “sillier and more whimsical than ever,” raves Newsday.

This year, the laughs are off the charts as J.D. moves in with Turk and Carla, and Elliot uses an interesting form of blackmail in order to get her job back at the hospital.

Jason Bateman and Cheryl Hines are just some of the sensational guest stars joining TV’s quirkiest cast. Experience all 24 episodes, plus exclusive bonus features, including a never-before-seen extended cut of the 100th episode. It’s just what the doctor ordered.”

“Scrubs: The Complete Fifth Season” is not rated.

CS Comment:

This DVD set doesn’t have as many bonus features as some of the previous “Scrubs” DVDs, but there’s plenty here for those continuing their “Scrubs” collections.

Available Tuesday, May 22


Summer School (Life’s A Beach Edition)

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Rating: PG-13

Starring:

Mark Harmon as Mr. Freddy Shoop

Kirstie Alley as Ms. Robin Elizabeth Bishop

Robin Thomas as Vice Principal Phil Gills

Patrick Labyorteaux as Kevin Winchester

Courtney Thorne-Smith as Pam House

Dean Cameron as Francis ‘Chainsaw’ Gremp

Gary Riley as Dave Frazier

Kelly Jo Minter as Denise Green

Ken Olandt as Larry Kazamias

Shawnee Smith as Rhonda Altobello

Richard Steven Horvitz as Alan Eakian

Fabiana Udenio as Anna-Maria Mazarelli

Francis X. McCarthy as Principal Kelban

Special Features:

Commentary by: Director Car Reiner and Mark Harmon

Inside the Teacher’s Lounge

Summer School Yearbook

Theatrical Trailer

Photo Gallery

Other Info:

Widescreen

Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound

French Language

Running Time: 97 Minutes

Synopsis:

The following is from the official DVD description:

“School’s out, and Ocean Front High gym teacher Freddy Shoop (Mark Harmon) has big plans: summer in Hawaii. But the school’s vice-principal has plans for Freddy, too: teaching remedial English. Aloha paradise – hello, ‘Summer School.’ Director Carl Reiner (‘All Of Me,’ ‘The Jerk’) delighted fans and critics alike with this warm, perceptive comedy about a laid-back teacher (Harmon) relegated to teaching a class of likeable misfits, including a slasher-flick addict (Dean Cameron), his wacky sidekick (Gary Riley), and a sexy female surfer (Courtney Thorne-Smith) of TV’s ‘Ally McBeal’ and ‘Melrose Place’). Kirstie Alley (TV’s ‘Cheers’ and ‘Veronica’s Closet’) is the no-nonsense history professor down the hall who’s keeping an eye on all the shenanigans – and on the handsome, irresistible Freddy. The road to academic success has never been bumpier, but to earn straight ‘A’s’ in laughter….take ‘Summer School.'”

“Summer School” is rated PG-13.

CS Comment:

I was a bit surprised to see that “Summer School” was directed by Carl Reiner and had music composed by Danny Elfman. Despite this, I can’t say I expected there was much demand for a “Life’s A Beach Edition” of “Summer School.”

Available Tuesday, May 22


Secrets of the Dead – Dogfight Over Guadalcanal

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Rating: Not Rated

Starring:

Liev Schreiber as Narrator

Special Features:

None

Other Info:

Fullscreen

Dolby Digital Stereo Sound

Running Time: 60 Minutes

Synopsis:

The following is from the official DVD description:

“In the summer of 1942, two ace fighter pilots, one American and one Japanese, faced off during a dramatic dogfight in the skies over Guadalcanal. Eventually the Japanese pilot shot down the American, who crash landed behind enemy lines but managed to escape before being captured. Using both pilots, comprehensive (but sometimes contradictory) memoirs, and following a forensic expedition to the recently-found American plane, Dogfight Over Guadalcanal, examines and recreates every anxious second of the WWII showdown over the Pacific, revealing just how evenly matched the two men were and how they both survived, despite serious injuries.”

“Secrets of the Dead – Dogfight Over Guadalcanal” is not rated.

CS Comment:

This is a great DVD for anyone interested in WWII history or dogfights.

Available Tuesday, May 22


The Marines

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Rating: Not Rated

Special Features:

The National Museum of the Marine Corps

Other Info:

Widescreen

Dolby Digital Stereo Sound

Running Time: 90 Minutes

Synopsis:

The following is from the official DVD description:

“With significant access to Marine Corps training facilities around the country, ‘The Marines’ examines the unique “warrior culture” of the smallest but fiercest branch of the U.S. armed services. This 90 minute high-definition documentary focuses on their training and examines what it takes to become a Marine and what it means to be a Marine. The Marine Corps “Warrior Ethos” is engrained into Marines from their earliest training. This program examines the nature of the strong bond that Marines have to one another and to the Corps. With interviews from present and former Marines of all ranks, authors and correspondents, ‘The Marines’ illustrates the rich history, traditions and continuing importance of the Marine Corps. The program also explores the role of women in the Corps and visits the new Marine Corp Museum in Quantico.”

“The Marines” is not rated.

CS Comment:

This DVD is a great tribute to the Marines. If you ever wanted to learn more about them without actually joining up, this is for you.

Available Tuesday, May 22


Warplane – A Century of Fight and Flight

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Rating: Not Rated

Starring:

Stacy Keach as Narrator

Special Features:

None

Other Info:

Widescreen

Dolby Digital Stereo Sound

Running Time: 240 Minutes

Synopsis:

The following is from the official DVD description:

“In the 100 years since the Wright brothers first took to the air, the airplane has evolved from a tentative eye in the sky into the ultimate weapons delivery system. Its role in warfare has grown dramatically through the ages, and as it has taken on new functions, the very way countries wage war has been transformed. Warplane explores the evolution of the warplane, and highlights the people and stories behind the key technological advances that have shaped military aviation history.”

“Warplane – A Century of Fight and Flight” is not rated.

CS Comment:

Here’s yet another DVD for aerospace fans. From early airplanes to stealth fighters, it’s all here.

Available Tuesday, May 22

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