This week’s look at new releases on DVD and Blu-Ray for December 22nd
(500) Days of Summer
Charming young actors Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel bring romantic comedies into the 21st century with this witty and modern look at love. The story takes the audience through a nonlinear narrative of Tom (Gordon-Levitt) and Summer’s (Deschanel) 500-day romance. The DVD and Blu-Ray releases will feature commentary by the filmmakers and a list of extended and deleted scenes.
All About Steve
Sandra Bullock made an odd career move when she decided to take on the role of Mary, a deranged and obsessed crossword puzzle maker in this comedy co-starring Bradley Cooper (who portrays the eponymous Steve) and Thomas Haden Church. While the film received generally poor reviews, maybe the DVD extras (which includes deleted scenes, a gag reel, and interviews) will hold a few redeeming qualities. Maybe.
American Pie: The Book of Love
I don’t know where the demand for these films keeps coming from, but yet another story about sex-crazed boys (and the obligatory cameo by Eugene Levy) is now available. This is the seventh film of the American Pie franchise and the fourth to be released directly to DVD. This time around, the antics are focused on three clueless virgins (surprise, surprise) who find a damaged book that, once restored, will be their guide to “love”.
Beyond A Reasonable Doubt
This remake of Fritz Lang’s 1956 court drama film stars Michael Douglas, Jesse Metcalfe, and Amber Tamblyn and is a tale of conspiracy, frame-ups, and romantic entanglements. For a movie starring Michael Douglas, it’s surprising this didn’t have a more prominent theatrical release.
Blind Date
A married couple played by Patricia Clarkson and Stanley Tucci (who also directs) try to save their marriage by pretending to be total strangers meeting at the same nightclub every evening. This is a remake of Theo van Gogh’s 1996 film, the second film of the controversial director’s to be remade since his assassination in 2004.
District 9
This ingenious film, presented by famed director Peter Jackson, takes place in Johannesburg, South Africa where the inhabitants of a giant alien vessel are rounded up and housed in a large ghetto known as District 9. While most humans see the alien species as an unwanted nuisance whose forced presence on Earth is an unnecessary use of resources, the government searches for a way to access control to alien technologies and weaponry.
Extract
Comedic writer/director Mike Judge (of Beavis and Butthead fame) gives us a look at the inner workings of an extract plant run by Joel (Jason Bateman) who finds unorthodox ways of deal with mounting problems at work and home. Mila Kunis, Kristin Wiig, Ben Affleck, and David Koechner also star.
Family Guy Presents: Something, Something, Something Dark Side
To follow up his hilarious spoof of Star Wars in “Blue Harvest,” Seth McFarlane gives us his send-up of Empire Strikes Back. How will the cast of Family Guy make this installment of George Lucas’s legacy awesomely ridiculous? I can’t wait to find out. In a very smart marketing move, this episode was not aired on television before thisvideo release. So, if you can’t wait to see it on TV, you’d better head out and pick up this DVD.
It Might Get Loud
David Guggenheim explores the history of the electric guitar and artists who use it in this musical documentary. In particular, the director focuses on the careers and styles of musicians Jimmy Page, The Edge, and Jack White. Fans of these artists and aficionados of the instruments of rock will find this doc quite insightful.
Taxi – The Complete 5th and Final Season
You can now own the entire five-year series of the 1970s television gem, Taxi. Relive the shenanigans of Alex Reiger (Judd Hirsch) and his fellow band of eccentric cabbies. anny Devito, Jeff Conaway, Christopher Lloyd, Andy Kaufman, Carol Kane, and a young Tony Danza rounded out the hilarious cast in this series. A clip show that aired midseason is also included.
Trailer Park Boys – Countdown to Liquor Day
Most Canadians proudly know who Ricky, Julian and Bubbles are. Well, they’re back for one last hurrah in the second film and final appearance of the Trailer Park Boys. When the boys are released from jail, they find that their beloved home has been drastically altered by Mr. Lahey and Randy. The park is different now, but it looks like some things never change: like not being able to live within the confines of the law. Fans of the now-ended television series will be pleased to get their hands on this film and add it to their TPB collection.
