ON DVD TODAY: January 15, 2008

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Well folks, as the high definition war heats up there was a bit of a shake up in the HD DVD release dates. First off Warner Bros. shifted the release dates on several of their HD DVD titles giving Blu-ray day-and-date releases with the DVD versions while the HD DVD version will hit the market later on (details on that here).

Then Paramount delayed both the DVD and HD DVD releases for Into the Wild and Things We Lost in the Fire, moving both titles out of February to a March 4th release date.

Finally, at the end of this article you will see your first look at a standee for the upcoming release of I Am Legend on DVD, Blu-ray and HD DVD. Once again you will notice HD DVD gets the later release date, something that is surely not going to help the losing media format’s cause.

NO MUST BUYS THIS WEEK

You would think with all the DVDs that get released each week that there would at least be one that would be considered a “must buy”. However, since I am yet to see “Extras” I can’t declare it a must buy, but I think it looks damn good which is why I have it leading off “the rest”.

THE WTF? OPTION

Did you guys know Vin Diesel directed a movie called Strays back in 1997 starring himself along with Joey Dedio, Darnell Williams, and Mike Epps? I sure as hell didn’t, but it is out on DVD today from First Look. Here is how the IMDB synopsis reads:

A self-described “multicultural Saturday Night Fever,” Strays is a nineties and quintessentially New York version of a macho cruiser’s coming-of-age. With abundant charm and formidable wit, Strays marks the arrival of a truly gifted writer/director/actor, Vin Diesel, Frustrated by the repetitious grind of one night stands and aimless hustlings, study drug dealer Rick (played by Diesel) is looking for meaning and intimacy in his life. Like his testosterone-tweaked buddies, Rick is a “stray” # lacking a traditional family structure and wrestling subconsciously with the psychological bruises inflicted by his father’s absence. Shielding any vulnerability under the toughened cloak of detachment, Rich has administered his life with deliberate effort to avoid reliance on anyone or anything. But things are about to change. When Rick meets Heather, a corn-fed walking talking “girl next door,” he suddenly perceives a new avenue and an opportunity for an open, committed relationship. Though the chemistry between the couple is immediately charged, Rick’s street cheek and volatile aggression flare, threatening to extinguish their relationship before it begins. Trying to assimilate into Heather’s world, Rick takes heat from his perpetually adolescent cohorts who’s ambitions are restricted to riding fast, toking slow, and ditching hard. However, like his childhood, alter ego, Ferdinand the Bull, Rick is only a fighter by training and ripe for the transition to a softer, sweeter serebility.

The film only has a 4.1 out of 10 in the user ratings over there, but it may be an interesting look at an early piece of Diesel work as I am sure he is going to take another stab at directing before things are said and done. BUY IT AT AMAZON

THE REST

I just recently rewatched the complete series of BBC’s “The Office”, which is easily up there as one of the greatest sitcoms ever produced. I am yet to see a single episode of “The Extras” and I wish I had requested a review copy of this complete series (I still might have to) just to see what it is like. If it is half as funny as “The Office” I would say it is worth checking out. BUY IT AT AMAZON

Sure, this is probably a must buy for most people that don’t already own it, but considering I have never seen this 1967 Best Picture Oscar winner I can’t tell you if it is worth it or not. I also don’t know if this double dip is worth any extra cash since I don’t own the original. There are a few more goodies in this one, but as to whether they are worth buying the flick again I just ain’t sure. BUY IT AT AMAZON

I would like to say this is a must buy, but if you read my review of this DVD then you already know my thoughts, if you didn’t here is the last paragraph:

Should you buy this DVD? That really depends on your fan status. Are you a fan of “Family Guy”? If so, definitely buy it. Are you a rabid fan of Star Wars? If so then definitely buy it. Are you a casual fan of either franchise? Then I would suggest skipping it. You probably aren’t going to watch it more than once and will be upset you spent the money. It is entertaining, but hardly ground-breaking. Perhaps once all three have been made and a box set is available will you truly get your money’s worth.

Now, you decide what you are going to do. BUY IT AT AMAZON

I only know one person that has seen this and they had nothing but awful things to say about it. Actually, they hated it as if it was assaulting them intentionally. After watching the video below I can see why no one found this supposed “comedy” funny. BUY IT AT AMAZON

This is one of those films that I would never watch. The only chance you would have in getting me to watch this would be if it was the only thing coming out that week and I needed to have a review up. Even then, I may fake a broken leg just to avoid it. BUY IT AT AMAZON

Is it safe to say that Julia Louis-Dreyfuss is the only “Seinfeld” alum other than Jerry that actually went on to have any kind of success following the hit sitcom? She has already won an Emmy for her performance in “The New Adventures of Old Christine” and was nominated for a Golden Globe. Something must be right with this show, I wouldn’t know, I haven’t seen it. BUY IT AT AMAZON

Here it is, I did it, I saved the absolute worst for last. Anyone that buys this film I instantly feel sorry for. Good Luck Chuck is one of the worst films I have ever seen as it hit #4 on my Worst of 2007 list, which is extremely generous. I feel sorry for buyers for a couple of reasons.

If you bought this because you liked it then I feel sorry for you because something is obviously wrong
If your girlfriend/boyfriend/spouse bought it for you I feel sorry because you are now going to have to leave that person
If you bought it thinking it might be funny I feel sorry for you because you are in for a world of hurt

Basically, there is no winning with this film. It should spell the end of Dane Cook’s (and Dan Fogler’s) career but if the stupidity of Hollywood has taught us anything we will have to endure him for much longer. BUY IT AT AMAZON

EVEN MORE OPTIONS