The X-Files: Revelations (1993-1999)

The big bump for this best of set is the inclusion of a ticket to see the upcoming X-Filesfeature film, and that may make this seem like just another shallow marketing ploy. Not that the episodes aren't all strong in their own right (and some do border on "classic" territory), but if you already own the season sets there isn't much else here aside from some relatively brief intros from Frank Spotnitz and Chris Carter.

Fans, however, who haven't taken the plunge on the season sets will get a real bargain here, and newcomers trying to get a flavor of what the show was all about should walk away more than a little intrigued.

But it's all about the strength of the selected episodes, and though diehards could argue over the choices, there's some truly outstanding material here.

Recommended.

Release Date: July 08, 2008
20th Century Fox

Toxic (2007)

A bit confusing—but rarely predictable—Alan Pao's Toxic operates with the chaotic ricochets of a speed freak uncorked. The story bounces all over the place, treading ever so lightly on the Tarantino/Ritchie soil of the quirky crime genre, as an assortment of seedy characters experience some very bad things.

Perhaps not a great film overall, but certainly one that tries like hell to never be boring.

Release Date: July 08, 2008
Genius Products

Organizm (Living Hell) (2007)

A surprisingly competent little sci-fi thriller with a 1950s flair, given a nice transfer and a decent commentary in support.

Release Date: June 10, 2008
Image Entertainment

You Think You Really Know Me: The Gary Wilson Story (2008)

If you’ve never heard of Gary Wilson before, Plexifilm’s DVD/CD release of You Think You Really Know Me: The Gary Wilson Story is the perfect opportunity to experience what you’ve been missing. This unforgettably original album is presented in its entirety, along with an often riveting documentary about Wilson’s life, past and present.

Release Date: June 17, 2008
Plexifilm

Summer '04 (Sommer '04) (2006)

Summer '04 is a mature drama that boldly moves outside the lines just when you think you know where it's going. All of the performances are way above bar here, no matter how minimal the screen time, and director Stefan Krohmer shows himself very adept at drawing out the layered sexual facets of the human condition, all with a slow, measured hand.

The transfer is just so-so, but don't let that scare you off.

Recommended.

Release Date: June 10, 2008
Koch Lorber

10,000 BC (2008)

A sweeping disappointment from the get go, and that is an opinion that comes from a guy who truly loves big, dumb popcorn escapism movies. I not too proud to admit I have enjoyed Emmerich films in the past, and that I was actually looking forward to this one. The only things I know for sure are that the towering mammoths are cool and Camilla Belle is one prehistoric babe, yet she can only walk in the well-proportioned shadow of the legendary Raquel Welch's tattered animal skin bikini from One Million Years B.C.

Nice audio/video transfers, but that really is of little consolation. Absolutely laughably rotten (save for a handful of action moments), and for the money spent, easily one of the year's worst.

Release Date: June 24, 2008
Warner Home Video

Popeye the Sailor: 1938-40 (1938-40)

Warner delivers the goods again, this time serving up two discs of classic Fleischer Popeye 'toons, along with the usual passel of commentaries, short documentaries, and other goodies. A must for the animation collector.

Release Date: June 17, 2008
Warner Home Video

Otis (2007)

Otis seems to tread on morally dangerous ground, a satire about a serial killer who targets pretty blonde teenage girls. But it does so exceptionally well. Clearly intended as a dark comedy, the mixture of black humor and traditional suspense will find you laughing at things that you know you shouldn't.

With that said, Otis is continually exciting, clever, and violent, and newcomer Bostin Christopher even allows a sliver of compassion to shine through as the brutally dangerous title character.

Highly recommended.

Release Date: June 10, 2008
Warner Home Video

City of Vice (2007)

Though it took me a while to warm to it, City of Vice became something of an addiction through the course of the five episode season. The show's period setting is both fascinating and raunchy. It sometimes plays as a gratuitously violent police procedural set in a time before police, but at its best transcends the conventions of that genre and its own attempts at grittiness. Leads McDiarmid and Glen carry things nicely, and add just the right amount of class. It'll be a bit dark for some tastes, but I was pleasantly surprised.

Release Date: June 10, 2008
Koch Vision

The Dead Pool: Deluxe Edition (1988)

It’s a given that fans of the Dirty Harry films will want to make their collection complete with The Dead Pool: Deluxe Edition DVD. Non-fans should give this goofy piece of action cinema a look as well, because there’s nowhere else you’re going to see Eastwood reprise his most memorable character, Liam Neeson play a smug director who just may be a killer, Patricia Clarkson as a smarmy reporter, and, best yet, Jim Carrey as a lip- synching, crazed drug addict. Warner gives us this new disc as part of their re-releases of the Dirty Harry films, and they’ve done so in grand fashion, with excellent audio and video, along with solid extras.

Release Date: June 03, 2008
Warner Home Video

The Lovers (1958)

Louis Malle’s The Lovers was not only a lightning rod for controversy upon its release, but it was also a crossroads for sexuality in French cinema. Powered by an amazing performance by Jeanne Moreau, Malle’s film is a riveting character story 50 years later. The Criterion Collection works their magic again with this stellar release, complete with excellent audio and video transfers and some great extras as well.

Release Date: May 13, 2008
The Criterion Collection

The Extra Girl (1923)

Mabel Normand is at her best in this sparkling romantic comedy that has no dull moments. The bonus short is insubstantial in its own right, but it's certainly interesting to see the crude roots that Normand had to work with.

Release Date: June 03, 2008
Kino on Video

Funny Games (2007)

Haneke delivers the same wet mass of familial torture-porn unpleasantness with this questionable English-language remake, yet if you've already experienced the original, you might find this latest take unnecessary and somehow not quite as impactful.

Disturbing? Yes. Needed? Not so much.

Plus, Warner's barebones treatment offers little to make this a required purchase. Still, this is a difficult film to watch, and Haneke deserves a polite nod for not softening any of it for the sake of American audiences.

Release Date: June 10, 2008
Warner Home Video

Genesis: When In Rome (2007)

Note: When In Rome is an exclusive to Wal-Mart and Sam's Club.

I'll admit I'm not really a Genesis freak, but I'm honest enough to confess that I still found this concert enjoyably slick and well-produced, the performances tight, bolstered by a loud, clean DTS mix. The short behind-the-scenes clips sprinkled across discs one and two give a little insight into the whole creative process, but the nearly two-hour Come Rain Or Shine tour documentary on Disc 3 really tips the scales on this set.

Highly recommended.

Release Date: June 10, 2008
Rhino

King Corn (2007)

An engrossing, revealing look at the economics and politics that help shape the food we put into our bodies every day, King Corn is a surprisingly sharp entry in the genre of socially conscious documentaries popularized by Michael Moore and Morgan Spurlock. Yes, it's one-sided, no, it doesn't delve into all the issues, but it raises questions that you've probably never thought about. Like, why is 50-percent of your hair made of corn?

Release Date: April 29, 2008
Docurama

Death Toll (2007)

Even DMX fans need not apply for a viewing of Death Toll. This complete waste of time is a cavalcade of amateur acting and a worthless script, that doesn’t even utilize DMX’s top billing. Image’s disc features average audio and video, but there isn’t a single extra feature on board.

Release Date: April 15, 2008
Image Entertainment

Bomb It (2007)

Consider this Docurama release a tour of the underground art world. Filmmakers Jon Reiss and Tracy Wares traverse the globe to capture examples of some explosive and colorful art that is considered criminal or beautiful, depending on your bent. The interviews with the bombers reveal a mixture of anger and expression, but their work is often nothing short of remarkable.

Highly recommended.

Release Date: May 27, 2008
Docurama

The Stan Laurel Collection Volume 2 (1918-1926)

A fun overview of Stan's solo career, in variable but generally excellent restorations. It's packed with laughs and much of the comedy still holds up very well indeed today.

Release Date: June 03, 2008
Kino on Video

Rescue Me: The Complete Fourth Season (2007)

Fans of Denis Leary who haven’t seen what he’s doing these days simply owe it to themselves to pick up Rescue Me: The Complete Fourth Season on DVD. All 13 episodes are presented in their original audio and video, and these presentations are excellent. Plus, there’s a great extras collection that is much better than most TV on DVD efforts these days.

Release Date: June 03, 2008
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

Meet the Spartans (2008)

There isn’t a laugh to be found in Meet the Spartans, another cynical product aimed squarely at teenagers who’re looking to get out of the house on a Friday night. Now that the film is on DVD it will hopefully be forgotten about in no time. With this review behind me, I personally can’t wait to let the forgetting begin. Now.

Release Date: June 03, 2008
Fox Home Entertainment

The Enforcer (Deluxe Edition) (1976)

We're traveling an oft-traversed road with The Enforcer, there's no denying it. But Clint Eastwood keeps things lively with another lively performance and the supporting players give it some distinction amongst the other films in the series. Those looking for a little rough and tumble action flick will find much to savor with this one. Thirty-two years later and this one has held up remarkably well.

Release Date: June 03, 2008
Warner Home Video

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade: Special Edition (1989)

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade offers a highly entertaining, light-hearted tale, but the search for the Holy Grail does feel a bit too similar to the first picture. These concerns are mostly alleviated by a wonderful turn by Sean Connery, who’s rarely had more fun on screen. I continue to have reservations about this DVD set, but still can praise this enjoyable movie.

Release Date: May 13, 2008
Paramount Home Video

The Red Violin (1998)

While not for everyone, The Red Violin speaks to anyone conversant in or has a love of the language of music. Passionate and complex, it's endlessly fascinating and this remastered edition presents a cleaner edition with some intriguing extras.

Release Date: June 03, 2008
Lions Gate

The New York Mets Essential Games of Shea Stadium (1969-2006)

A somewhat questionable roster of games played at a much-unloved stadium, this set still provides plenty of choice memories for Mets fans. Whether at Shea or across the parking lot in CitiField, you gotta believe.

Release Date: June 03, 2008
A&E

Dirty Harry: Two-Disc Special Edition (1971)

Consider this one of the veritable classics that reinvented the cop genre in 1971. It is also so much more than just that famous line, and all the daring political incorrectness of a hero like Harry Callahan is still exciting and refreshing 35 years later.

This new two-disc special edition may not be wholly necessary if you already own the 2001 release, unless you're hankering for a couple of additional Eastwood bonus features and an insightful historical commentary from Richard Schickel. The transfer remains quite striking for a film of this age, and the thrill of seeing Eastwood-as-Callahan casually strolling towards that wounded perp with his .44 drawn and ready to utter the "feel lucky" rap never gets old.

Highly recommended.

Release Date: June 03, 2008
Warner Home Video

Magnum Force (Deluxe Edition) (1973)

When all is said and done, Magnum Force remains a rock-solid cop thriller. It's not nearly as successful as its predecessor, but such expectations are unrealistic. Some 35 years after its initial release, it's still an edgy actioner, the kind that simply isn't made anymore. Even with a safer political center, the movie entertains. It's a real tough guy's film through and through, and you simply can't go wrong with that.

Release Date: June 03, 2008
Warner Home Video

Three's a Crowd / The Chaser (1927-1928)

While Frank Capra leaving Langdon's employ often gets the blame for the comedian's downfall, it's clear from the evidence of these films that it was an uncontrolled tendency to take himself far too seriously that lost him his audience. Think Interiors without the wit or the competence. The source prints are alternately gorgeous and utterly decomposed.

Release Date: June 03, 2008
Kino on Video

Mélo (1986)

The hands of a master are obviously at work on Mélo, with some beautiful camerawork and great performances. The heavy melodrama takes its toll before long, though, and a wonderful opening sequence gives way to a soap opera that lost me. Patches of greatness redeem the work, but the uneveness of the picture makes it hard to recommend wholeheartedly.

Release Date: February 19, 2008
Kino on Video

Deceit (2006)

A fairly uneventful and cornball whodunit benefits from the alluring vixen qualities of Emmanuelle Chriqui, but not much else. The machinations only serve to reveal some gaping logic holes, and that makes the whole thing seem even more unnecessary.

Release Date: November 13, 2007
TH!INKFilm

The Wild Bunch HD-DVD (1969)

The Wild Bunch (The Original Director's Cut) is a stupendous achievement. Film buffs can appreciate the film's glory thanks to a marvelous, new anamorphic transfer, spiffy sound mix, and excellent special features. Words cannot fully describe the importance of Sam Peckinpah's glorious masterpiece, so simply rejoice in this wonderful HD DVD courtesy of Warner Home Video.

Release Date: September 25, 2007
Warner Home Video

Antonio Gaudi (1984)

Antonio Gaudi continues to fascinate me long after my original viewing ended. Hiroshi Teshigahara crafts a completely original documentary that should interest both experts and novices. The Criterion Collection scores again with this exceptional two-disc release, which is highly recommended.

Release Date: March 18, 2008
The Criterion Collection

The Stendhal Syndrome: 2-Disc Special Edition (1996)

Perhaps something of a minor work in the director's catalog, there is absolutely nothing minor about the way Blue Underground has gussied up this 2-disc release. The uncut/uncensored transfer is a beaut—besting previous releases by a light years—and the array of audio choices (including DTS-ES 6.1) is equally impressive.

Less horror than psychological thriller, The Stendhal Syndrome easily carries some of Argento's most haunting and nightmarish visuals, and the added presence of Asia Argento as a troubled detective on the trail of a murdering rapist (or is it the other way around?) just gives this one an added kick.

Highly recommended.

Release Date: September 25, 2007
Blue Underground

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom: Special Edition (1984)

Instead of copying the classic Raiders of the Lost Ark, George Lucas and Steven Spielberg crafted a strange meld of slapstick and darker material, which delivered a mixed experience. This release offers few exciting features and isn't needed if you own the 2003 version. But the presentation is solid and should be enough if you're not looking for the definitive version of this uneven film.

Release Date: May 13, 2008
Paramount Home Video

Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark: Special Edition (1981)

I have mixed feelings about this "Adventure Collection" edition of Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark. I don't own the 2003 boxed set, so it's enjoyable to have this one-of-a-kind adventure film as part of my home library. However, since it offers limited extras and is missing the excellent documentary Making the Trilogy, this set feels thrown together. I can't complain about the film presentation, but hoped for a lot more from the extras.

Release Date: May 13, 2008
Paramount Home Video

Dans Paris (2007)

If you’re a fan of a good character study that just happens to be in French and is a bit quirky, then Dans Paris is just right for you. Director Christophe Honoré solidifies his resume with another excellent film, albeit one that isn’t for everyone. IFC’s DVD is a fine one, complete with very good audio and video, along with a few interesting extras.

Release Date: May 06, 2008
IFC

Eye Of The Beast (2006)

Yet another uninspired Jaws variant, this time a made-for-cable version featuring a big squid and James Van Der Beek. Predictable from the get go, Eye Of The Beast brings nothing new to the genre table, and unless you're a fan of rubbery tentacles occasionally attacking shrieking actors, this will offer very little to you.

If I were lying on the couch with a hangover and I stumbled across this on cable, I might stick with it out of sheer laziness. But I can't imagine anyone actively seeking this out on DVD.

Release Date: April 01, 2008
Genius Products

The Three Stooges Collection Volume Two 1937-1939 (1937-1939)

This set is a superb value, with excellent transfers and two dozen classics of the Stooge brand of slapstick. Stooges fans will be overjoyed at this second installment of what will (we hope) eventually be the complete set of their short films.

Release Date: May 27, 2008
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

Monster Quest: The Complete Season One (2007)

I have to publicly slap the hand of The History Channel and New Video for releasing this set in nonamorphic widescreen, because that really detracts from the overall grade. The steelbook packaging is a nice plus, and the content is certainly nerd-worthy in an I-want-to-believe/Mulder kind of way, but the absence of anamorphic transfers just seems wrong.

Fun stuff, and well worth a rental.

Release Date: May 27, 2008
New Video

Darfur Now (2007)

If Darfur Now isn’t the political and historical lesson I was expecting, it’s an inspirational and moving film about optimism against an unthinkable evil in modern society. It reminds us that, in this case, no action taken is too small or insignificant. That a unified awareness is the first step to ending the pointless slaughter of thousands of human beings whose only crime is to exist in a war-torn part of the world.

Release Date: May 27, 2008
Warner Home Video

The Queen of Black Magic (1979)

Right up my alley, this little supernatural revenge film works thanks to interesting and exotic locales, a thorough script that’s somewhat smarter than usual, and some incredibly fun special effects work. Those tired of CGI blood spurts will find lots to savor here—there’s an undeniable charm and magic to homegrown, in-camera FX work we rarely get today. The Queen of Black Magic is everything a trip to the edges of cinema should be: goofy, outrageous, and fun. If I have one qualm, it's that it never goes as far as it should, but that's carping. This is the perfect midnight movie, and a must-see for any horror enthusiast.

Release Date: May 27, 2008
Mondo Macabro

The Devil's Rejects (Blu-Ray) (2005)

The Devil’s Rejects leaves a lasting impression. It’s everything that the hardcore horror fans have been dying for. Rob Zombie got things 100% right with this one. Having made what in my opinion is an instant classic here, I can only anxiously await his future projects because, unlike many recent films, this one fulfills everything it promises and then some.

Release Date: August 22, 2006
Lions Gate

Halloween (2007)

I wanted to like this film, being a fan of Zombie’s previous film work, as well as his music. Unfortunately my trepidation was validated with this lousy film, for it's every bit as awful as I feared. There's no suspense, drama or character depth and the murders are boring and devoid of all tension. This is simply an awful film that will surely rank among the worst remakes of all time.

Release Date: December 18, 2007
Genius Products

Riders in the Sky (1949)

A fun and rousing Western that features Gene at his best, and the title track is one of the greatest ever. The transfer is excellent and the usual horde of extras is here again.

Release Date: November 20, 2007
Image Entertainment

The Lost World (1960)

The decision to use real lizards spoils the day, but if you can get beyond it the movie is enjoyably 95 percent solid cheese. The transfer is first-rate, and the inclusion of the silent version is a definite plus.

Release Date: September 11, 2007
20th Century Fox

Cranford (2007)

A delightful examination of English village life in the early Victorian period, Cranford is replete with terrific performances and oodles of period detail. The transfer is attractive if suitably drab.

Release Date: May 20, 2008
BBC Home Video

Twister: 2-Disc Special Edition (1996)

I file this one under guilty pleasure.

And it's the kind of thing that can show off your home theater sound system pretty well, too. The story isn't much to hang your hat on—one-dimensional characters chase big tornadoes, big tornadoes blow stuff around—but the action scenes are a ton of fun to watch.

The brighter colors and sharper edges found on this Special Edition are a definite improvement over previous transfers, though the loss of the infamous DTS track from the 2000 release may be a disappointment to some.

Fun stuff. Recommended.

Release Date: May 06, 2008
Warner Home Video

The National: A Skin, A Night (2008)

Fans of The National can experience the making of their latest album, Boxer in A Skin, A Night. While possibly not the best way for newcomers to become familiar with the band, those who enjoy their great music will get a unique, intimate look at the recording process. Beggars Banquet gives the film a bare bones release, but it’s being packaged with an EP that contains unreleased songs.

Release Date: May 20, 2008
Beggars Banquet

Tom Selleck Western Collection (1997-2003)

Warner's Tom Selleck Western Collection offers three very solid films featuring the actor as three very different characters. This is a very reasonably priced set and it's well worth a purchase for Monte Walsh alone. The other films are of merit also, however, and together prove that Selleck is a charming and likeable screen presence who never received his due.

Release Date: May 20, 2008
Warner Home Video

Steve Miller: Live From Chicago (2007)

It probably won't win over a new legion of fans, but if you're already a Steve Miller aficionado, this 3-disc set should be a real thrill. A nearly two-hour "best of" concert recorded in 2007 finds Miller presented in a rich DTS mix, and despite the unavoidable progress of aging, he somehow retains much of that famous melted butter voice of his.

And there's all those hits.

A bonus 12-track live CD is also included.

Release Date: May 27, 2008
Coming Home Media

John From Cincinnati (2007)

A large ensemble cast moves through the normal and the strange, interwoven in some larger tapestry, spouting dialogue that is as brilliant as it is maddening. The lack of what many would consider "proper closure" doesn't necessarily make this ten episode set incomplete or empty, because the situations and the characters are so weirdly commanding. I didn't always know what was going on, but I loved what I saw and heard.

Highly recommended for adventurous viewers only.

Release Date: April 01, 2008
HBO