02.20.12 | Chris Cummins | New Releases This WeekPrint this Post
Another week, another batch of great new DVD and Blu-ray releases. Highlighted by some cowboy classics, recent theatrical hits and TV gems, these offerings are certain to capture your imagination. Check 'em out!
Monogram Cowboy Collection, Vol. 2
Scout Rod Cameron's determined to see a wagon train through Indian territory in "Fort Osage" (1952). Morris Ankrum, Douglas Kennedy co-star. Wagonmaster Cameron then has to uncover who in his train's providing rifles to the Cheyenne in "Wagons West" (1952). Noah Beery Jr., Peggie Castle co-star. Whip Wilson confronts a rustling ring in its canyon stronghold in "Canyon Raiders" (1951).Fuzzy Knight, Phyllis Coates co-star. Whip has to put away a pistolero terrorizing the prairies in "The Gunman" (1952). Knight, Coates,Rand Brooks co-star. Wilson hops the "Stage To Blue River" (1951) to stop the mail bandits out to scuttle stage heiress Coates' government contract. Why are "Night Raiders" (1952) ransacking settlers' homes, yet taking nothing? It's up to Whip to find out! Knight, Lois Hall co-star. Wilson's surveying job for the railroad runs afoul of a land-grabbing family in "Montana Incident" (1952). Brooks, Noel Neill co-star. Newly installed marshal Whip is obliged to shut down a range war in "Wyoming Roundup" (1952) Coates, Tommy Farrell co-star.
One of the most controversial films of the 1950s, this explosive courtroom drama directed by Otto Preminger pits a small-town lawyer (James Stewart) against a slick prosecutor (George C. Scott) in the trial of an army lieutenant (Ben Gazzara) who is accused of murdering the man who raped his wife. As emotions flare and motives are questioned, a harrowing glimpse into the machinations of the legal system is revealed. With Arthur O'Connell, Eve Arden,Lee Remick, and Murray Hamilton; score by Duke Ellington.
Originally airing on the Hallmark Channel, this heartfelt drama stars Betty White as a recently widowed grandmother determined to grant her husband's last wish and spread his ashes at an idyllic location they both loved. When her son refuses to let her make the 2000-mile trip, she goes anyway. Joined by her free-spirited granddaughter, she embarks on the journey of a lifetime. With Richard Thomas, Amy Davidson.
Archie's Weird Mysteries: The Complete Series
Based on the comic book of the same name, this animated series follows Archie, Jughead, Betty, Veronica, Reggie, and the rest of the Riverdale High gang as they investigate a string of strange happenings in their town. Writing about their experiences for the school paper, the pals encounter monsters, UFOs, zombies, and other supernatural occurrences--having plenty of fun along the way.
From the streets came two generations of do-it-yourself filmmakers. This lively documentary chronicles the rise and evolution of such gritty, New York-based "No Wave" and "Cinema of Transgression" auteurs as Amos Poe, Lizzie Borden, Jim Jarmusch, Nick Zedd, and others, with comments from Steve Buscemi, Debbie Harry,Lydia Lunch, John Waters, and more.
Borgia: Faith and Fear: Season 1
All 12 episodes of the first season--including "1492," "A Sacred Vow," "Maneuvers," "Prelude to an Apocalypse," "God's Monster," and "The Serpent Rises"--are featured in a three-disc set.
Cheyenne: The Complete Third Season
All 20 episodes from the third season--including "Incident at Indian Springs," "The Mutton Puncher," "The Last Comanchero," "Wagon-Tongue North," and "The Angry Sky"--are collected in a five-disc set.
A grizzled gunslinger (Glenn Ford) returns to his homestead after years away to discover his wife and children recently abducted by the Apache. In the company of a peaceable neighbor (Arthur Kennedy) and a colorful tracker (Dean Jagger), he sets off on a perilous quest to try and obtain their safe return. Gripping oater co-stars Harry Dean Stanton, Paul Fix, Barbara Babcock.
Ed Sullivan Presents: Rock 'N' Roll Revolution
Celebrating the arrival of the British Invasion and the American musical responses to it, this compilation of performances from "The Ed Sullivan Show" begins with the historic 1964 performance of The Beatles singing "I Want to Hold Your Hand" and continues with appearances by The Rolling Stones ("Time Is on My Side"), The Byrds ("Mr. Tambourine Man"), The Hollies ("Carrie Anne"), The Beach Boys ("Good Vibrations"), The Lovin' Spoonful ("Do You Believe in Magic?"), and many others.
Motown Gold from the Ed Sullivan Show
Going against the prevailing common wisdom, television icon Ed Sullivan ushered many R&B performers into viewers' living rooms by showcasing their talents on his popular program. This three-disc collection features an assortment of memorable performances by Motown stars, including appearances by The Jackson Five, The Supremes, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and others.
The Best of the Supremes on the Ed Sullivan Show
Making the supreme number of appearances on "The Ed Sullivan Show" at 16, The Supremes are celebrated here with a selection of their unforgettable performances on the popular Sunday night variety show. Including their very first visit in 1964, the program features the Motown group performing such hits as "Come See About Me," "You Can't Hurry Love," "Love Child," "Always," "Forever Come Today," a medley of their biggest hits, and more.
The Best of the Temptations on the Ed Sullivan Show
Friend of Motown Ed Sullivan frequently offered The Temptations a showcase on his "really big show." This program delivers an entertaining compilation of the R&B group's 1967-1971 appearances, with memorable renditions of "My Girl," "Running Wild," "Don't Look Back," "Get Ready," "I Can't Get Next to You," "My Sweet Lord," "Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)," and more.
As the quest to prosecute those responsible for the murder of President Abraham Lincoln heats up, Mary Surratt (Robin Wright) is arrested and charged with conspiracy along with seven other men. Because she owns the boarding house where the assassination was planned, her guilt seems clear to many, but during her military tribunal, her lawyer (James McAvoy) comes to realize she might be innocent. Director Robert Redford's powerful historical drama co-stars Kevin Kline, Tom Wilkinson.
Stunning psychological frontier saga focusing on renegade buffalo hunter Robert Taylor, whose obsession with bagging the beasts and killing Indians leads to a dangerous confrontation with former partner Stewart Granger. Richard Brooks wrote and directed this powerful, lushly filmed story; Lloyd Nolan, Debra Paget, andRuss Tamblyn co-star.
Rookie cop Jonathan White (Channing Tatum) is given a beat at the New York projects where he grew up, which complicates the life of Commissioner Stanford (Al Pacino), who had bailed Jonathan out of trouble years earlier because his father was Stanford's partner. With rumors of corruption being fed to an investigative reporter (Juliette Binoche), old loyalties are tested as never before. Hard-boiled crime drama co-stars Ray Liotta, Katie Holmes, and Tracy Morgan.
The Squaw Man (1914)/The Squaw Man (1931)
The first feature to be filmed in Hollywood, the silent western "The Squaw Man," co-directed by Cecil B. DeMille, concerns an Englishman (Dustin Farnum) who is forced to flee his homeland when he is accused of a crime that his brother committed. After settling into a new life in America and marrying a beautiful Indian woman (Red Wing), he again experiences turmoil when tragedy strikes and a figure from his past returns. Winifred Kingston co-stars. Then, DeMille finished out his pact with MGM by retelling "The Squaw Man" for the third time (there was a 1918 remake) as a talkie. The director eschewed the expected epic aspects of the story to focus on the relationship between the embattled British expatriate (Warner Baxter) and his Native-American bride (Lupe Velez). Charles Bickford, Roland Young, Eleanor Boardman co-star.
Written by, directed by, and co-starring Emilio Estevez, this powerful drama stars Martin Sheen as an American doctor who travels to France to claim the remains of his son who was killed while embarking on a historical pilgrimage. Deciding to finish his late child's journey, he encounters a diverse group of strangers who help him re-examine his life. With Yorick van Wageningen, James Nesbitt, Deborah Kara Unger; based on the book by Jack Hitt.
"Rush Hour" director Brett Ratner's caper comedy stars Ben Stiller as the manager of a posh New York City apartment building. When financier tenant Alan Alda--who was given the building staff's pension fund to invest--is arrested for fraud and the money vanishes, a desperate Stiller and his fellow workers team up with ex-con Eddie Murphy to engineer a "foolproof" robbery of Alda's personal fortune. Casey Affleck, Tea Leoni, and Matthew Broderick co-star.
Underdog: Complete Collector's Edition
Here he comes to save the day! All 62 four-cartoon episodes from the series' 1964-1967 run are featured in a nine-disc set.
All 13 seventh-season episodes--including "Bags," "Object Impermanence," "Synthetics," "Cats! Cats! Cats!," and "Do Her/Don't Her"--are featured in a three-disc set.
Offbeat sagebrusher stars Henry Fonda as the feckless mayor of a tiny frontier town who does nothing as a lone marauder (Aldo Ray) literally lays the place and populace to ruin singlehandedly. Remorseful over his cowardice and failure, he strives to lead the remaining townsfolk in rebuilding, but the threat of the menace returning continues to linger. Director Burt Kennedy's adaptation of the E.L. Doctorow novel co-stars Keenan Wynn, Janice Rule, Warren Oates.
In this sensational sequel, four married couples gather in the Bahamas for their annual one-week reunion to catch up and reconnect. As all of the characters deal with their various relationship woes, their getaway is thrown into turmoil when an abusive ex-husband of one of the women shows up to undermine his old flame's marriage. Tyler Perry (who also wrote and directed), Janet Jackson, Jill Scott, Malik Yoba, and Michael Jai White star.
All 12 episodes from the third season--including "Game On," "Rat Falls," "Orchids and Salami," "Have You Met Ms. Jones?," and "Batting Practice"--are featured in a three-disc set.
Everyone knows Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas) from the "Shrek" films, but years before meeting the green ogre, the swashbuckling feline had his own animated adventure. Learn the origin of the furry lover, fighter, and outlaw as he teams up with Kitty Softpaws and Humpty Dumpty to steal magic beans from the dastardly Jack and Jill in a castle guarded by giants so Puss can clear his name. Salma Hayek, Zach Galifianakis, and Billy Bob Thornton supply voices.
Outstanding drama follows aspiring singer/songwriter Rhett as he prepares to leave for Nashville to make his dreams of stardom come true. Trouble arises when his girlfriend decides that she may not want to uproot her life and that of her daughter in order to join him. Now, Rhett must choose between the woman he loves and his desire to succeed as a performer.Chris Pine, Bre Blair, Shawn Christian star.
That Show with Joan Rivers: Vol. 1-3
Also known as "The Joan Rivers Show," this syndicated 1968-69 talk show featured the comedienne/hostess taking on daily topics with appearances by celebrity guests--among them Johnny Carson, Florence Henderson, Jerry Lewis, Soupy Sales, and others--as well as experts on the day's subject.
Hilarious Latin-themed spin on "Sense and Sensibility" concerns wealthy Beverly Hills siblings Nora and Mary. Living to socialize, shop, and party, their lives are turned upside down when their dad dies suddenly and leaves them penniless. Forced to move in with their working class aunt, Nora and Mary must learn to live like ordinary folk. Camilla Belle, Alexa Vega, Wilmer Valderrama star.
Hazel: The Complete Second Season
Are you ready for some more of Hazel's classic comedy? Sure you are! This eagerly anticipated four-disc set features all 32 episodes from the second season--including "Hazel's Cousin," "License to Wed," "Top Secret," "I've Been Singing All My Life," and "So Long, Brown Eyes."
Just released from juvenile detention, streetwise dance whiz Maria (Katerina Graham) finds work in a Bronx rec center and a home with the mother (Lonette McKee) of Honey Daniels. Her new job offers Maria a chance to perform with a raw but gifted dance crew, but she soon finds her old gang wanting her back with them, leading the rival troupes to a high-intensity showdown. Energetic sequel also stars Christopher "War" Martinez, Randy Wayne.
I Ain't Scared of You: A Tribute to Bernie Mac
The late, beloved standup star is paid homage by friends, family, and professional peers in this affectionate documentary tribute that charts the life and times of Bernie Mac. Chronicling his journey from his early work in Chicago comedy clubs to his unforgettable debut on "Def Comedy Jam," and more, the program features never-before-seen performances and appearances by Tom Arnold, Angela Bassett, Don Cheadle, Cameron Diaz, Mike Epps, D.L. Hughley, Samuel L. Jackson, and many others.
Directed by Clint Eastwood, this compelling biopic stars Leonardo DiCaprio as J. Edgar Hoover--the director of the F.B.I. for nearly 50 years. Both feared and admired by colleagues and contemporaries, he remained dedicated to his job while dealing with his secrets and his relationships with his overprotective mother (Judi Dench) and protege Clyde Tolson (Armie Hammer). With Naomi Watts, Josh Hamilton.
Lawrence Welk: Classic Episodes, Vols. 1-4
Twelve song- and bubble-filled episodes--including the fifth anniversary special, the "Gypsy" show, a salute to veterans, and a Mardi Gras-themed show--are featured in a four-disc set.
There are former associates who'd like ex-con Mitchel (Colin Farrell) to resume his life of crime now that he's out of prison, but Mitch turns to legitimate work by becoming a bodyguard to Charlotte (Keira Knightley), a retired actress who still attracts attention. Mitchel falls in love with his client, but the job of staying honest gets even harder when he witnesses a murder and is subjected to blackmail. David Thewlis, Anna Friel co-star.
All 13 fourth-season episodes--including "Public Relations," "The Good News," "Waldorf Stories," "Chinese Wall," and "Blowing Smoke"--have been collected in a four-disc set.
Elizabeth Olsen (in her feature film debut) stars as Martha, a young girl living in a dangerous cult under the oppression of a sadistic leader. She eventually manages to escape and seeks refuge with her sister and brother-in-law, but when Martha begins to experience painful memories that may be delusions, it causes a paranoia that could threaten her new peaceful home and everyone's safety. Sarah Paulson and John Hawkes co-star.
All 14 seventh-season episodes--including "The Vacation," "The Singer," "The Debt," "The Obsession," and "The Competition"--are featured in a three-disc set.
For details and availaibility of more of this week's new releases, click here.
Here's a look at last week's DVD and Blu-ray releases.
