We’re here to let you know what’s out there for your entertainment dollar. Every week a new batch of DVD’s gets shipped out and thrown onto the shelves. This week we’ve got the last (and funniest) film of my best of 2005 list to finally get released, Steve Martin on the trail of the Pink Panther, teenagers finding a mermaid, Neil Young playing that rock ‘n roll, a special edition of an inconceivably good film about a princess a pirate and an giant, and season sets of Cheers, Coach, Dharma & Greg and more. Take a peek inside for the full list.
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Here’s what is getting released today on DVD:
Film:
Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang – Aaron had a lukewarm reaction to writer/director Shane Black’s pulp detective murder mystery but I fell in love with it from the opening credits (read my original review) and still stand by the film that found its way into my best of 2005 list. The DVD contains commentary with stars Val Kilmer and Robert Downey Jr and Shane Black.
16 Blocks – Bruce Willis is a New York cop (no, not that movie) who takes custody of a criminal (Mos Def) and must transport him to the courthouse to testify against cops who will do whatever they can to make sure he never takes the stand. The DVD includes an alternate ending and deleted scenes. Read the original review here.
A Good Woman – Screen version of Oscar Wilde’s play “Lady Windermere’s Fan” casting Helen Hunt as the seductive older woman, Scarlett Johansson as the young Mrs. Windemere, and Mark Umbers as her husband. Read the original review here.
Documentary:
Neil Young – Heart of Gold – A little bit documentary and large part concert film of the music legend performing work from his new album and past hits. The DVD contains rehearsal diaries, six featurettes and a performance by Young in 1971 on The Johnny Cash Show. Read the original review here.
Dave Chapelle’s Block Party – Speaking of concert films… Dave Chapelle’s huge Brooklyn bash includes comedy, stand-up, and some darn good music. The DVD is available in both original and unrated versions and includes a making of the film featurette and extended musical and comedy acts.
Special Editions:
The Princess Bride (Dread Pirate/Buttercup Edition) – What! You’ve already bought this film on DVD and now they’ve put out a special edition! Inconceivable! Rob Reiner has never been better than here telling the story of young Buttercup (Robin Wright in her first film) and her Wesley (Cary Elwes). The 2 disc DVD contains commentary tracks from Reiner and screenwriter William Goldman, featurettes on the making of the film and Miracle Max, a mockumentary on the Dread Pirate Roberts, behind the scenes footage, trivia game and more.
The Pink Panther (Special Edition) – Forgettable 2006 Remake that casts Steve Martin as the bumbling Inspector Jacques Clouseau. Extras include deleted scenes, Beyonce music videos, an alternate opening sequence, commentary by director Shawn Levy, a documentary, and featurettes on the making of the film. Available in the Dred Pirate Edition with Elwes on the front or the Buttercup Edition with both lovers on the cover.
Valley of the Dolls (Special Edition) – 1967 film about sex and show business gets the special edition treatment with commentary by Barbara Parkins and Ted Casablanca, a new documentary on the film, featurettes on the film and its stars, still galleries, a trivia game, and original screen tests.
Family/Animated:
This is America, Charlie Brown – All eight episodes of the CBS run of the blockhead and gang visiting important events in human history including the Mayflower’s voyage, the Wright Brothers flight, and the signing of the Constitution.
Aquamarine– Think Splash for teenage girls. Extras include commentary by director Elizabeth Allen, deleted scenes, and featurettes.
TV:
Walker, Texas Ranger – The Complete First Season – All 26 first season episodes of Chuck Norris dispensing Texas justice.
The Rockford Files – Season Two – All 22 episodes from the second season with James Garner as the ex-con turned private eye.
Cheers The Complete Eighth Season – All 26 episodes from season eight in the Boston bar where everybody knows your name.
Coach – The First Season – All 13 episodes from the first season of Craig T. Nelson as the football coach of the Minnesota State Screaming Eagles.
Dharma & Greg – Season One – Opposites attract as hippie yoga instructor Dharma (Jenna Elfman) meets and marries conservative lawyer Greg (Thomas Gibson). All 23 first season episodes are included along with commentary for select episodes by Elfman, Mimi Kennedy and Alan Rachins, featurettes, and an interactive game.