DVD Roundup: 7.31.07

The Darwin Awards

Buy this DVD at Amazon.com

Rating: Unrated

Starring:

David Arquette as Harvey

Ty Burrell as Emile

Josh Charles as Paramedic

Kevin Dunn as Insurance Exec

Nora Dunn as Mrs. Pearlman

Joseph Fiennes as Michael Burrows

Judah Friedlander as Simon

Lukas Haas as Farley

Tom Hollander as Henry

Brad Hunt as Stan

Juliette Lewis as Joleen

Julianna Margulies as Carla

Tim Blake Nelson as Perp

Alessandro Nivola as Ad Exec

Chris Penn as Tom

Special Features:

Making Of Featurette

Cast and Crew Interviews

Photo Gallery

Other Info:

Widescreen (1.85:1)

Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound

Spanish Subtitles

Running Time: 94 Minutes

Synopsis:

The following is from the DVD cover:

“A comedy…to die for.

Detective Michael Burrows (Fiennes) is obsessed with The Darwin Awards, which are bestowed posthumously to people who accidentally kill themselves in incredibly stupid ways. So when he’s fired for bungling an arrest, he offers his profiling services to a life insurance company, and with the help of a tough claims investigator (Ryder), he sets out to learn how to identify these idiots….before they die!”

“The Darwin Awards” is rated R for language, violent images, some sexuality and drug use.

CS Comment:

A great group of cameos plus a funny concept make “The Darwin Awards” a movie worth checking out.

Available Tuesday, July 31


Lonely Hearts

Buy this DVD at Amazon.com

Rating: R

Starring:

John Travolta as Elmer C. Robinson

James Gandolfini as Charles Hildebrandt

Jared Leto as Ray Fernandez

Salma Hayek as Martha Beck

Scott Caan as Detective Reilly

Laura Dern as Rene Fodie

Michael Gaston as D.A. Hunt

Bruce MacVittie as Eastman

Dan Byrd as Eddie Robinson

Andrew Wheeler as Detective Tooley

Alice Krige as Janet Long

Dagmara Dominczyk as Delphine Downing

John Doman as Chief MacSwain

Bailee Madison as Rainelle Downing

Ellen Travolta as Ida

Special Features:

Making Of Featurette

Other Info:

Widescreen (2.35:1)

Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound

French Language

French Subtitles

Running Time: 108 Minutes

Synopsis:

The following is from the DVD cover:

“Martha Beck (Hayek) and Raymond Fernandez (Leto) were America’s notorious “Lonely Heart Killers.” Their lethal scam was simple; they would swindle and then viciously murder lovelorn war widows who would answer their proposal ads in which Ray would describe himself as a sexy Latin Lover. Ironically, Ray’s initial introduction to Martha was a prospective mark. But when they met, it was love at first sight, perhaps as a result of their passion for hot-blooded sex and cold-blooded murder. With Martha posing as Ray’s sister, they swindled elderly spinsters and widows of their savings then viciously murdered them in a bloodbath of sexual frenzy. Raymond and Martha believe they’re literally getting away with murder until homicide detectives Elmer C. Robinson (Travolta) and Charles Hildebrandt (Gandolfini) pick up their scent.”

“Lonely Hearts” is rated R for strong violence and sexual content, nudity and language.

CS Comment:

“Lonely Hearts” features an interesting non-fiction story and a great cast. If you like Travolta or cop dramas, this one is worth checking out.

Available Tuesday, July 31


Roving Mars

Buy this DVD at Amazon.com

Rating: G

Starring:

Paul Newman as Introduction by

Stephen Squyres as Himself

Rob Manning as Himself

Charles Elachi as Himself

Wayne Lee as Himself

Special Features:

Bonus Featurette: “Mars and Beyond” — Walt Disney’s 1957 Investigation Into The Mysteries Of The Universe And Space Travel

“Mars: Past, Present & Future” — Personal Reflections On Mars From the Filmmakers, JPL Rover Team Members And Students From The “Imagine Mars” Program

Other Info:

Widescreen (1.78:1) and Fullscreen (1.33:1)

Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound

French and Spanish Language

French and Spanish Subtitles

Running Time: 40 Minutes

Synopsis:

The following is from the DVD cover:

“Action. Drama. Anticipation. Exultation. Experience it all as you join the Mars rovers Spirit and Opportunity for an awe-inspiring journey to the surface of the mysterious red planet. Through the eyes of these two intrepid, state-of-the-art rovers, and with NASA scientists and engineers at your side, you’ll see Mars in a way no one ever has before. You’ll feel what it’s like to stand on the startling surface of the planet that’s intrigued mankind for eons. ‘Roving Mars’ — It’s the ride of a lifetime.”

“Roving Mars” is rated G.

CS Comment:

You’ll probably find “Roving Mars” worth checking out if you downloaded images from the rovers online. However, this is the kind of movie you’re probably more interested in checking out at the museum or Space Center rather than watching at home. This is more education than entertainment.

Available Tuesday, July 31


Hawaii Five-O: The Second Season

Buy this DVD at Amazon.com

Rating: Not Rated

Starring:

Jack Lord as Det. Steve McGarrett

James MacArthur as Det. Danny Williams

Kam Fong as Det. Chin Ho Kelly

Herman Wedemeyer as Edward D. ‘Duke’ Lukela

Harry Endo as Che Fong

Special Features:

Episode Promos

Other Info:

Fullscreen

Dolby Digital Sound

Running Time: 20 Hours 6 Minutes

Synopsis:

The following is from the DVD cover:

“McGarrett, Danno, and the rest of the Five-0 squad are back in action in this captivating collection of 24 episodes from the legendary show’s second season. Saboteurs, revolutionaries, vigilantes, and the diabolical villain Wo Fat are just a few of the dangers Steve McGarrett and his team must face as they protect the peace on their island paradise of Hawaii. Featuring a parade of famous guest stars, ‘Hawaii Five-O: The Second Season’ is a must have for every fan of classic TV.”

CS Comment:

You can continue your “Hawaii Five-O” DVD collection with this set. Unfortunately there are no significant bonus features included here.

Available Tuesday, July 31


Sabrina, the Teenage Witch: The Complete Second Season

Buy this DVD at Amazon.com

Rating: Not Rated

Starring:

Melissa Joan Hart as Sabrina Spellman

Nick Bakay as Salem Saberhagen

Caroline Rhea as Hilda Spellman

Beth Broderick as Zelda Spellman

Nate Richert as Harvey Kinkle

Special Features:

None

Other Info:

Fullscreen (1.33:1)

Dolby Digital Stereo Sound

Running Time: 6 Hours 15 Minutes

Synopsis:

The following is from the DVD cover:

“Seventeen and Supernatural!

There’s magic in the air as ‘Sabrina, the Teenage Witch’ returns for its Second Season, with all 26 supernatural episodes on DVD for the very first time! Melissa Joan Hart stars as Sabrina Spellman, who lives with her Aunt Hilda (Caroline Rhea), Aunt Zelda (Beth Broderick), and Salem, their talking black cat (voice of Nick Bakay). This year, Sabrina conjures up spells – and big laughs! – for Harvey (Nate Richert), Valerie (Lindsay Sloane), Libby (Jenna Leigh Green), and new Vice Principal Kraft (Martin Mull). But Sabrina is also maturing into a responsible young woman. And there is so much more to learn as she trains for her witch’s license with her new Quizmaster (Almi Ballard). Season Two highlights include special Christmas and Valentine’s Day episodes, and even a trip to the Walt Disney World® theme park! Enjoy all the magic moments of ‘Sabrina, yhe Teenage Witch’!”

CS Comment:

I tried to get my 8 year old daughter to watch “Sabrina,” but she didn’t like it. Go figure.

Available Tuesday, July 31

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