DVD of the Week: Dead Poets Society. Once upon a time, before Robin Williams decided to be edgy instead of just dramatic, he made this movie. And once upon a time, it was released in a bare bones DVD. But no more…this time around, Disney throws it back at us with plenty: a commentary with director Peter Weir and others, deleted scenes, a retrospective featurette, a respectable slew of new interviews with cast and crew, and a mini-class in proper lighting. Rejoice. (Buy it)
TV DVD of the Week: The Mary Tyler Moore: The Complete Third Season. Fox presents all twenty-four third season episodes of this classic series across three discs. No features, but fans will appreciate getting Mary, Cloris Leachman, Ed Asner, Ted Knight, Valerie Harper and Gavin McLeod on DVD, along with guest stars Jerry Van Dyke, Craig T. Nelson and others. (Buy it)
Animation DVD of the Week: Ultimate Avengers. Well, it’s not Pixar, folks. But hey, if you don’t mind the fact that it’s reminiscent of the animation style of G.I. Joe, the story’s not terrible and probably the closest to a real Avengers movie you’re ever going to see. And it’s the Ultimate flavor of Marvel, which has been their most successful for a while now. This Lions Gate release comes with a featurette and a look at the inevitable sequel. Also notice…it’s Ultimate Avengers: The Movie…to differentiate it from the coming Broadway musical. (Buy it)
Brit DVD of the Week: Rising Damp: Series 1. Fans of British television are rejoicing now that this is hitting DVD, thanks to Acorn Media. It’s the tale of the bigoted, generally unpleasant landlord Rigsby, the tenant of his that he wants to catch the eye of, the young black man she’s interested instead (also a lodger), and another long-haired lodger that Rigsby can give shit to. A classic, the first series is here along with the pilot, cast filmographies and production notes. (Buy it)
Anime DVD of the Week: Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo, Chapter 2. The Count is working up a nice batch of revenge, extra crispy with a side of buffalo hot sauce. Or…something. He’s insinuating himself into the lives of people all to attain leverage and knowledge…and we all know where it must eventually lead. The anime take on Alexandre Dumas’ novel will be fascinating to those who have read the original book and those who just know it from one or more screen adaptations. The Japanese vocal cast is on hand to provide comments, as well as a trailer. This arrives from Geneon. (Buy it)
Docu DVD of the Week: Marjoe. When this New Video release arrived, it was a bit of a mind blower. “Huh, that’s weird…the only Marjoe I know is Marjoe Gortner, the guy from Food of the Gods. It sure looks like him too. But this guy was an evangelist? That can’t be–holy crap, it is him!” Documentaries and bad horror movies from my childhood–collide! This docu on how he ripped off cash from believers is pretty wild, and it comes paired with Thoth the documentary about the street performer of the same name. (Buy it)
Horror DVD of the Week: Tokyo Psycho. It’s never a good thing when you get a psychotic looking stalker note that basically identifies you as somebody’s soul mate. Some sick somebody, anyway. Anyway, the young woman this is happening to needs to Take Serious Steps to find out who’s after her, lest she wind up…well, in a stew. Maybe literally. Ah, yes, nothing takes the safeties off like Japanese horror. And Panik House delivers a sweet edition of this that will please fans: two commentaries, a behind-the-scenes featurette, an essay, and more. (Buy it)
UMD of the Week: The Hills Have Eyes. Wes Craven used to make really disturbing and disturbed films. So if you went to go get disturbed this weekend with the remake, you might want to check out the original to see what all the fuss was about. If that fancy strikes you and you’ve got a PSP, why not take it on the road and watch it with this release from Anchor Bay? Just don’t take it on the road near a desert. Not a good idea. (Buy it)
