DVD Roundup: 2.5.08

Feast of Love

Buy this DVD at Amazon.com

Rating: R

Starring:

Morgan Freeman as Harry Stevenson

Greg Kinnear as Bradley Thomas

Radha Mitchell as Diana

Billy Burke as David Watson

Selma Blair as Kathryn

Alexa Davalos as Chloe

Toby Hemingway as Oscar

Stana Katic as Jenny

Erika Marozsán as Margaret Vekashi

Jane Alexander as Esther Stevenson

Fred Ward as Bat

Margo Martindale as Mrs. Maggarolian

Missi Pyle as Agatha

Shannon Lucio as Janey

Alex Mentzel as Billy

Special Features:

The Players Featurette

Other Info:

Fullscreen (1.33:1) and Widescreen

Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono Sound

French and Spanish Languages

Spanish Subtitles

Running Time: 102 Minutes

Synopsis:

The following is from the DVD description:

“Academy Award winner Morgan Freeman (Best Supporting Actor, Million Dollar Baby) and Academy Award nominee Greg Kinnear star in this funny, uplifting tale of passion and romance. At The Fresh Pot coffeehouse, love is in the air and everyone seems to be falling under its delightful spell. From Bradley (Kinnear), the hopeless romantic who looks for love in all the wrong places; to Harry (Freeman), a local professor with the wisdom and experience to guide those close to him; to young, beautiful Chloe, who falls head over heals for the quiet dreamer Oscar. Directed by Academy Award winner Robert Benton, this celebration of life and love in all its funny, sexy, crazy facets will touch your heart and leave you laughing.”

“Feast of Love” is rated R for strong sexual content, nudity and language.

CS Comment:

This film features a lot of character drama and angst, much of it while the characters are nude. Is this for you?

Available Tuesday, February 5


Snow Buddies

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Rating: G

Starring:

Dylan Sprouse as Shasta (voice)

James Belushi as Bernie (voice)

Kris Kristofferson as Talon (voice)

Molly Shannon as Molly

Josh Flitter as Budderball (voice)

Richard Karn as Patrick Framm

Jimmy Bennett as Buddha (voice)

Mackenzie Mowat as Girl

Liliana Mumy as Rosebud (voice)

Cynthia Stevenson as Jackie Framm

Dominic Scott Kay as Adam Bilson

John Kapelos as Jean George

Skyler Gisondo as B-Dawg (voice)

Lothaire Bluteau as Francois (voice)

Michael Teigen as Deputy Dan

Mike Dopud as Joe Bilson

Lise Simms as Meg Bilson

Special Features:

Bloopers

Music Video Performed By Disney Channel Star Mitchel Musso, of “Hannah Montana”

Dogumentary

Buddy Bites — Behind-The-Scenes Commentary With The Buddies

The Magic Of Visual Effects

Other Info:

Widescreen (1.78:1)

Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound

Spanish and French Languages

Running Time: 87 Minutes

Synopsis:

The following is from the DVD description:

“Disney’s adorable talking puppies are back, and this time they venture to the frosty arctic and team up with new friends in a thrilling dogsled race across Alaska. Join your favorite pups – food-lovin’ Budderball, rappin’ B-Dawg, stylish RoseBud, mellow Buddha and messy MudBud – for more fun, more action and more excitement in a heartwarming family film about the power of teamwork and following your dreams. As Buddha says, “Sometimes the greatest journeys start accidentally.”

When the going gets tough, the daring dogs have to band together with their new friends, Talon and Shasta, and muster up the courage to face the hair-raising challenges ahead. But will they have what it takes to win the race and find their way back home?

Find out and fetch big fun for you and your family with this all-new film, featuring the all-star voice talents of Dylan Sprouse (The Suite Life Of Zack And Cody) and Jim Belushi (According To Jim) and exclusive bonus features!”

“Snow Buddies” is rated G.

CS Comment:

I entertained kids ages 8 through 3 with this film, so it has that going for it. What is this, like “Air Bud 9” or something?

Available Tuesday, February 5


The Aristocrats (Special Edition)

Buy this DVD at Amazon.com

Rating: G

Starring:

Phil Harris as Thomas O’Malley (voice)

Eva Gabor as Duchess (voice)

Liz English as Marie (Kitten) (voice)

Gary Dubin as Toulouse (Kitten) (voice)

Dean Clark as Berlioz (Kitten) (voice)

Sterling Holloway as Roquefort the Mouse (voice)

Roddy Maude-Roxby as Edgar, the Butler (voice)

Scatman Crothers as Scat Cat (voice)

Paul Winchell as Chinese Cat (voice)

Lord Tim Hudson as English Cat (voice)

Vito Scotti as Italian Cat (voice)

Thurl Ravenscroft as Russian Cat (voice)

Pat Buttram as Napoleon (Hound Dog) (voice)

George Lindsey as Lafayette (Hound Dog) (voice)

Hermione Baddeley as Madame Adelaide Bonfamille (voice)

Special Features:

Disney Virtual Kitten — Adopt Your Own Virtual Kitty. The More You Care For It, The More Hearts You Earn

Virtual Kitten DVD-ROM — Two Mini-Games And Your Very Own Printable Adoption License

The Aristocats Fun With Language Game — Play Along And Learn The Names Of A Variety Of Musical Instruments

The Great Cat Family (Excerpt) — Hosted By Walt Disney

The Sherman Brothers: The Aristocats Of Disney Songs

The Aristocats Scrapbook

Deleted Scene — “She Never Felt Alone”

Other Info:

Widescreen (1.75:1)

Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound

French and Spanish Languages

Running Time: 79 Minutes

Synopsis:

The following is from the DVD description:

“Disney’s irresistible classic ‘The Artistocats’ is all jazzed up in a spectacular Special Edition, complete with a new digital transfer. In the heart of Paris, a kind and eccentric millionairess wills her entire estate to Duchess, her high-society cat, and her three little kittens. Laughs and adventure ensue as the greedy, bumbling butler pulls off the ultimate catnap caper. Now it’s up to the rough-and-tumble alley cat, Thomas O’Malley, and his band of swingin’ jazz cats to save the day. Loaded with fun bonus features, including a new Virtual Kitten game, a heartwarming deleted song and more, ‘The Artistocats’ is purr-fect for the whole family.”

“The Aristocats” is rated G.

CS Comment:

Introduce your kids to this Disney animated feature for the first time. (It’s not really ‘classic’, but it is fun.)

Available Tuesday, February 5


Blind Dating

Buy this DVD at Amazon.com

Rating: PG-13

Starring:

Chris Pine as Danny

Eddie Kaye Thomas as Larry

Anjali Jay as Leeza

Jane Seymour as Dr. Evans

Jennifer Alden as Jasmine

Judith Benezra as Heidi

Maitreyee Brandon as Bhat’s Sister (as Mattie)

Skip Carlson as Drunk

Katherine Flynn as Dolores

K. Danor Gerald as Basketball Player

Alex Gerrish as Baseball watcher

Frank Gerrish as Angelo

Pooch Hall as Jay

Special Features:

Behind the Scenes of Blind Dating Featurette

Deleted Scenes

Theatrical Trailer

Other Info:

Widescreen (1.783:1)

Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound

Spanish and French Subtitles

Running Time: 99 Minutes

Synopsis:

The following is from the DVD description:

“Danny (Chris Pine) is smart, handsome, popular, and blind… and not just physically: He also can’t see how wild women are for him. Even his sexy therapist (Jane Seymour) can’t keep her clothes on around Danny. After a series of painful “blind dates” set up by his brother (Kaye Thomas), Danny falls for a young Indian woman named Leeza (Anjali Jay), and finally everything seems picture perfect. But when cultures clash, and Leeza reveals that she’s been promised to someone else, Danny must prove to her that there’s more to love than meets the eye!”

“Blind Dating” is rated PG-13 for sexual content and language.

CS Comment:

Why is this movie from 2006 just showing up on DVD now?

Available Tuesday, February 5


Croc

Buy this DVD at Amazon.com

Rating: Not Rated

Starring:

Michael Madsen as Hawkins

David Asavanond as Som

Joe Cummings as Redneck

Scott Hazell as Theo

Elizabeth Healey as Allison

Sherry Phungprasert as Evelyn

Peter Tuinstra as Jack

Special Features:

None

Other Info:

Widescreen (1.33:1)

Dolby Digital Stereo Sound

Running Time: 90 Minutes

Synopsis:

The following is from the DVD description:

“A man-eating croc is on the loose. Locals are missing. And body parts are bobbing in the swamps. This is an adventure you can really ‘sink your teeth into.’ On the outskirts of a beach resort in Thailand is Jack’s Croc Farm, featuring its star attraction, Delilah. But when Delilah goes missing, body parts begin to pile up in the most dangerous and fetid swampland in Thailand. Croc Hawkins (Michael Madsen, ‘Reservoir Dogs’) is the croc hunter assigned to the case but even his expertise might not be enough to find the frightening beast. The hunt is on to find Delilah but no one can anticipate the surprises and terrors that await. The fourth installment in the ‘Maneater Series,’ ‘Croc’ is now available for the first time on DVD.”

Croc is not rated.

CS Comment:

If it’s from the “Maneater Series,” it must be good, right?

Available Tuesday, February 5


A Stranger’s Heart

Buy this DVD at Amazon.com

Rating: Not Rated

Starring:

Samantha Mathis as Callie Morgan

Peter Dobson as Jasper Cates

Gina Hecht as Darlene

Kevin Kilner as Doc Jackson

Raynor Scheine as Frank

Gwen McGee as Nurse Lulu

Amanda Carlin as Rose

Thomas Kopache as Duds

Mary Matilyn Mouser as Cricket

June Squibb as Aunt Cass

Bevin Kaye as Mum

Rob Boltin as Matthew

Tasia Sherel as Tina

Jane Cho as Jennifer

Jeff Ferris as Young Duds

Special Features:

None

Other Info:

Widescreen

Dolby Digital Stereo Sound

Running Time: 85 Minutes

Synopsis:

The following is from the DVD description:

“Just in time for Valentine’s Day, ‘A Stranger’s Heart’ is a truly unique, unexpected, and engaging love story. When a woman with a debilitating illness takes an unexpected journey of the heart, her uncanny connection to a little girl enlightens both of them to the wonderful mysteries of life. Where their hearts lead them next is a miracle that changes the meaning of family, of love, and of faith. Now available for the first on DVD, ‘A Stranger’s Heart’ is a perfect gift for your loved one this Valentine’s Day to celebrate the human spirit, the bonds of friendship, and the remarkable power of love.”

“A Stranger’s Heat” is not rated.

CS Comment:

Unless you’re into “engaging love stories”, pass on this one.

Available Tuesday, February 5


Soul Food: The Series – The Third Season

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Rating: Not Rated

Starring:

Nicole Ari Parker as Teri Joseph

Malinda Williams as Tracy ‘Bird’ Van Adams

Vanessa Williams as Maxine Chadway

Aaron Meeks as Ahmad Chadway

Rockmond Dunbar as Kenny Chadway

Darrin Dewitt Henson as Lem Van Adams

Taylor Love as Kelly Chadway

Special Features:

None

Other Info:

Fullscreen (1.33:1)

Dolby Digital Stereo Sound

Running Time: 6 Hours 33 Minutes

Synopsis:

The following is from the DVD description:

“The Showtime series about a close-knit black family in Chicago returns with a five-disc box set of all 20 episodes from the third and fourth seasons. From relationships on the rocks to friends in real trouble, kids caught in the middle and jobs that take over your life, the issues their family faces are the problems to which everyone can relate.”

“Soul Food – The Series” is not rated.

CS Comment:

Here’s the third season on DVD to complete you collection. You do have a Soul Food collection, right?

Available Tuesday, February 5


The Jewish Americans – A Series By David Grubin

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Rating: Not Rated

Starring:

Written, Directed, and Produced by David Grubin

Narrated by Liev Schreiber

Special Features:

Interview with filmmaker David Grubin

Jewish cooking with Gil Marks

Rosh Hashanah ceremonial scene

Other Info:

Widescreen

Dolby Digital Stereo Sound

Running Time: 6 Hours

Synopsis:

The following is from the DVD description:

“‘The Jewish Americans’ is a three-night documentary that explores 350 years of Jewish American history. Written and directed by award-winning filmmaker David Grubin, ‘The Jewish Americans’ is a journey through time, from the first settlement in 1654 to the present. It is about the struggle of a tiny minority who make their way into the American mainstream while, at the same time, maintaining a sense of their own identity as Jews. Focusing on the tension between identity and assimilation, ‘The Jewish Americans’ is quintessentially an American story, which other minority groups will find surprisingly familiar.

Narrated by actor Liev Schreiber, this landmark series features Jewish Americans who have made significant contributions to American life – from Louis D. Brandeis and Ruth Bader Ginsburg to Henry Morgenthau, Hank Greenberg, Betty Friedan, Molly Goldberg, Carl Reiner, Sid Caesar, and Tony Kushner. However this story is also about Jewish American tailors and shopkeepers, soldiers and bankers, peddlers and merchants, labor organizers and civil rights activists, all of whom also helped shape the American landscape.”

“The Jewish Americans” is not rated.

CS Comment:

I’m wondering if anyone besides Jewish Americans will have an interest in buying this DVD. Guess PBS will find out.

Available Tuesday, February 5


Beauty and the Beast: The Final Season

Buy this DVD at Amazon.com

Rating: Not Rated

Starring:

Roy Dotrice as Father – Jacob Wells

Ron Perlman as Vincent

Linda Hamilton as Asst. Dist. Atty. Catherine Chandler

Richard Partlow as Underground Man

Jay Acovone as Deputy D.A. Joe Maxwell

Special Features:

None

Other Info:

Fullscreen (1.33:1)

Dolby Digital Stereo Sound

Running Time: 9 Hours 3 Minutes

Synopsis:

The following is from the DVD description:

“Once upon a time is now and forever: Beauty and the Beast: The Third Season of the Emmy Award-winning, fan favorite show is more captivating than ever in this 3-disc collectible set. This unique fantasy-crime drama series features the adventures and romance between Vincent, a mythic, noble man-beast and Catherine, a savvy assistant DA in New York. These two share a strong, mystical bond that enables Vincent while in his underground lair to sense whenever Catherine is in danger in the World Above. In the powerful final season, Catherine, pregnant with Vincent¹s child, becomes a victim to a murderous drug-lord who steals her baby from her after she gives birth. Drawing strength from the everlasting love and unbreakable bond he and Catherine share, Vincent relentlessly pursues her killer, determined to bring him to justice and to rescue their child.”

“Beauty and Beast” is not rated.

CS Comment:

This is the season where Linda Hamilton pressed the ‘eject’ button on “Beauty and the Beast.” And the show was never the same again.

Available Tuesday, February 5


Blackout

Buy this DVD at Amazon.com

Rating: Not Rated

Starring:

Jeffrey Wright as Nelson

Zoe Saldana as Claudine

Melvin Van Peebles as George

Michael B. Jordan as C.J.

LaTanya Richardson as Mrs. Thompson

Saul Rubinek as Sol

Sean Blakemore as James

Susan Kelechi Watson as Fatima

Special Features:

Commentary with Director Jerry LaMothe

Behind The Scenes Special

2003 Blackout: True Stories

Deleted Scenes

Meet the Cast

Other Info:

Widescreen

Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound

Running Time: 95 Minutes

Synopsis:

The following is from the DVD description:

“In summer 2003, America experienced the largest blackout in its history widely reported as peaceful. But in Brooklyn’s forgotten East Flatbush neighborhood, mayhem unfolded when the power shut down. This is the untold story of the blackout a place where, as night fell, looters emerged, violence surfaced and residents feared for their lives.”

“Blackout” is not rated.

CS Comment:

Here’s another TV movie hitting DVD for the first time.

Available Tuesday, February 5


Gangsta Rap – The Glockumentary

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Rating: R

Starring:

Dian Bachar as Limo Driver

Malik Barnhardt as Big Mike

Howie Bell as Du rag

Tom’ya Bowden as Uretha

Slink Capone as Murder Mike

Damon ‘Coke’ Daniels as Carlton bentley

Toni Hunter as Fan

Leslie Jones as Mamma Rag

Sam Maccarone as Scott

Clifton Powell as Tommy Guns

Tony Roberts as Record Store Owner

Todd Anthony Shaw as Himself

Too Short as Himself

Noelle Smith as Waitress

Matthew Thompson as Francie

Nema Williams as Studio Owner

Mika Winkler as Lil’ Dancer

Special Features:

Deleted Scenes

“In My House Shoes” Music Video

Gangsta Rap Trailer

Trailer Gallery

Other Info:

Widescreen (2.35:1)

Dolby Digital Stereo Sound

Running Time: 78 Minutes

Synopsis:

The following is from the DVD description:

“The hardest group you’ve never heard of is back. In the mid to late eighties, Gangsta Rap ran the west coast underground with such classics as Beat Yo Mamma With A Hammer and ‘In My House Shoes”. In the early nineties Gangsta Rap fell into obscurity after several run ins with the law, shady business management, failed comeback attempts and countless child custody cases. But now, they re back. They ve just inked a deal with gangster rap powerhouse Innersounds Records and are the subject of a documentary film entitled Gangsta Rap: The Glockumentary.”

“Gangsta Rap – The Glockumentary” is rated R for nonstop language, crude sexual content and drug use.

CS Comment:

If any genre of music was ripe for parody, “Gangsta Rap” is certainly at the top of the list.

Available Tuesday, February 5


The Best of Comedy Central Presents Uncensored

Buy this DVD at Amazon.com

Rating: Not Rated

Starring:

Lewis Black

Dane Cook

Jeff Dunham

Jim Gaffigan

Mitch Hedberg

Demetri Martin

Carlos Mencia

Brian Regan

Special Features:

None

Other Info:

Fullscreen (1.33:1)

Dolby Digital Stereo Sound

Running Time: 176 Minutes

Synopsis:

The following is from the DVD description:

“What do you get when you cram 8 of today’s hottest comics onto one disc? “The Best of Comedy Central Presents” on DVD. Whether their style is loud, soft or somewhat out there (puppets, anyone?), we guarantee you’ll end up laughing your *** off, no matter who’s holding the mic.”

“The Best of Comedy Central Presents Uncensored” is not rated.

CS Comment:

Does Dunham bring out the jalapeno…on a stick? Wait, that sounded wrong.

Available Tuesday, February 5


Legion of Super Heroes – Volume 2

Buy this DVD at Amazon.com

Rating: Not Rated

Starring:

Yuri Lowenthal as Superman

Andy Milder as Lightning Lad

Kari Wahlgren as Saturn Girl

Michael Cornacchia as Bouncing Boy

Adam Wylie as Brainiac 5

Shawn Harrison as Timber Wolf

Heather Hogan as Phantom Girl

Special Features:

None

Other Info:

Fullscreen (1.33:1)

Dolby Digital Stereo Sound

French Language

Running Time: 89 Minutes

Synopsis:

The following is from the DVD description:

“Kids WB! Brings you a new series inspired by the DC Comics legend Superman. In ‘Legion of Super Heroes,’ a team of superheroes from the 31st century heads back in time to enlist Superman’s help in battling their nemeses, the Fatal Five. But when they arrive in the Man of Steel’s hometown, Smallville, they discover that they’ve miscalculated a bit. Instead of a powerful, confident Superman, they find the introverted, insecure young adult Clark Kent, whose abilities need fine-tuning and who knows nothing of the legend that comic book history says he’ll become. It takes some effort, but Brainiac 5, Bouncing Boy, and Saturn Girl convince Clark that he’s special and may be able to help them. Although he sincerely doubts that he’s the “Superman” they keep talking about, his curiosity is piqued enough that he goes back to the future with them. The legion itself is a group of well-meaning, undisciplined and unpredictable, super powered young adults who just happen to be the Universe’s only hope. The Legionnaires are still light-years away from becoming the seasoned (and cynical) pros of the Justice League.”

“Legion of Super Heroes – Volume 2” is not rated.

CS Comment:

My kids love “Legion of Super Heroes” and I have to admit that I do, too. The animation’s great and the stories are action packed. Gotta love it!

Available Tuesday, February 5


Aqua Teen Hunger Force Season 5

Buy this DVD at Amazon.com

Rating: Not Rated

Starring:

Dana Snyder as Master Shake

Carey Means as Frylock

Dave Willis as Meatwad

C. Martin Croker as Dr. Weird

Matt Maiellaro as Err

Special Features:

Favorite Episode Promos

Aqua Teen Hunger Force Responds To The Critics

I Like Your Booty But Im Not Gay Music Video

ATHF Move Premiere with Space Ghost

Deleted Scenes

Learn To Shred Like The Master

Tera Patrick Eats A Hot Dog

Granny Takes Her Top Off

Space Ghost Coast to Coast “Chambraigne”

ATHF Zombie Ninja Pro Am Trailer

The Worst Game Ever

Other Info:

Fullscreen (1.33:1)

Dolby Digital Stereo Sound

Running Time: 172 Minutes

Synopsis:

The following is from the DVD description:

“First of all, they’re not teens. Secondly, there’s no water involved. That whole Hunger Force thing? That’s probably misleading, too. In short, if you have to ask what ‘Aqua Teen Hunger Force’ is about, it is probably not a show for you. The rest of us will go on thrilling to the adventures of Frylock, Meatwad, and Master Shake as they, you know… hang out.”

“Aqua Teen Hunger Force – Season 5” is not rated.

CS Comment:

ATHF fans, your wait for season 5 has ended.

Available Tuesday, January 29

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