New Releases for January 25th, 2005
Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow When scientists the world over keep disappearing without a trace, it's up to reporter Polly Perkins (Gwyneth Paltrow) and top aviator Sky Captain (Jude Law) to find out the truth. The dangerous task will involve putting their lives at risk as they travel to treacherous locales, hoping to throw a wrench in the sinful plan of Dr. Totenkopf, who aims to wipe out the planet. Franky Cook (Angelina Jolie) and Dex (Giovanni Ribisi) assist the pair.
Alien vs. Predator The creepiest creatures from two epic thrillers face off in the ultimate showdown in this film directed by Paul W.S. Anderson. The fun begins when scientists and explorers (played by a cast that includes Sanaa Lathan and Raoul Bova) discover an ancient pyramid in Antarctica. But the structure isn't the only behemoth in the ice. A battle between two otherworldly populations is threatening to destroy the region and its inhabitants for good.
First Daughter Samantha Mackenzie (Katie Holmes), the 18-year-old daughter of the president of the United States (Michael Keaton), insists that she be allowed to attend college like a normal kid. It all starts out well when she befriends her roommate, Mia (Amerie Rogers), and falls for her handsome RA, James (Marc Blucas). But things aren't always what they seem, as Sam's about to find out the hard way.
Mean Creek A motley group of small-town Oregon teenagers (some troubled, others not) set out on a boat trip to celebrate the birthday of their youngest member. It's all an elaborate secret ploy for some innocent payback against a local bully. But when some members of the posse begin to harbor second thoughts, the plot unravels ... quickly. Rory Culkin stars along with Ryan Kelley and Trevor Morgan.
Metallica: Some Kind of Monster Documentarians Joe Berlinger and Bruce Sinofsky had unprecedented access to Metallica while the rockers recorded their 2003 album, "St. Anger." And the filmmakers were in the right place at the right (or perhaps wrong) time when lead singer James Hetfield spent five months in rehab. They also recorded the fallout when bassist Jason Newstad was replaced with Robert Trujillo and were on hand during the group's no-holds-barred therapy sessions.
The Story of the Weeping Camel This unique documentary follows a Mongolian camel that's rejected her newborn white colt. Throughout her difficult delivery, the camel is aided by a family of shepherds, who instantly notice the mother's rejection and make valiant efforts to warm the mother to her child. Now, all hope lies with the family's two young boys, who must travel across the Gobi desert to find a healing musician. Will the violinist's ritual do the trick?
Head in the Clouds John Duigan helmed this sexy film starring Academy Award-winning actress Charlize Theron as Gilda, a flighty-but-charming socialite who finds her true match in Guy (Stuart Townsend), an intellectual Irishman who wants to battle in the Spanish Civil War -- and who convinces Mia (Penelope Cruz), Gilda's confidante, to do the same. But Gilda has other plans that may, in the end, endanger her life more than supporting the war.
The Crying Game: Collector's Edition Remastered for this edition, Neil Jordan's acclaimed thriller centers on Fergus (Stephen Rae), who kidnaps British soldier Jody (Forest Whitaker) for the IRA, befriends his captive and promises to contact his girlfriend, Dil (Jaye Davidson), should Jody die. When tragedy occurs, Fergus finds Dil and they hit it off -- but Fergus is in for a big surprise. Miranda Richardson also stars. Extras include director's commentary and an alternate ending.
The Wire: Season 2 Cops and criminals get equal attention in HBO's acclaimed drama, and Season 2 delves even deeper into Baltimore's corruption. This season, McNulty and Daniels monitor Frank Sobotka's activities at the docks; a wiretap reveals an international smuggling ring; and Stringer helps Proposition Joe make inroads into new drug-dealing territory. Idris Elba, John Doman, Seth Gilliam, Larry Gilliard Jr., Wood Harris, Lance Reddick and Andre Royo star.
Something the Lord Made This HBO film follows two men who go against all odds to save babies suffering from a heart defect that causes them to suffocate. Alfred Blalock (Alan Rickman), a white surgeon from Johns Hopkins Hospital, and Vivien Thomas (Mos Def), a black carpenter with big dreams, are a great team, but their dissimilar societal statuses cause problems. As they save lives using innovative methods, the reality of their social differences looms overhead.
When Will I Be Loved? Neve Campbell stars as Vera in this engrossing drama about a woman who just won't take it anymore. Neglected by her scheming boyfriend (Frederick Weller), Vera decides to take his offer to help him seduce a rich Italian magnate (Dominic Chianese) as a way to make off with the man's money. But Vera's true goal is to explore all the romantic possibilities available to her, even if the choices are other men … or even females.
Pauly Shore is Dead Stand-up comedian Pauly Shore rose to fame in the 1990s with his hit MTV television show "Totally Pauly" and continued his success on the big screen with roles in "Encino Man" and "Son in Law." Sadly, Shore's 15 minutes of fame were up shortly after, and his career went into a slump. In this film, art imitates life when Shore fakes his own death in order to become cool again. But his plan backfires when people find out he's still alive.
Seducing Doctor Lewis This comedy follows a small fishing town in Quebec that's facing tough times as the economy continues to take a hit. The townspeople are thrilled when a major company chooses their locale to build a factory; trouble is, the factory will be built only if the town can convince a full-time doctor to move there. So, a local man (Raymond Bouchard) organizes a no-holds-barred crusade to bring in a big city doctor (David Boutin).
Coupling: Season 4 Even with parenthood looming for Susan (Sarah Alexander) and Steve (Jack Davenport), the 30-something pals continue messing up their love lives with scandal, deceit and poor judgment. In the popular British comedy's fourth season, Steve panics when Susan goes into labor, and Sally (Kate Isitt) goes bonkers when she learns that Patrick (Ben Miles) slept with Jane (Gina Bellman) -- who's getting the eye from newcomer Oliver (Richard Mylan).
Saturday Night Live: The Best of Jimmy Fallon Jimmy Fallon may no longer be in the cast of "Saturday Night Live," but fans can relive his best and most hilarious moments with this compilation DVD. Watch as Jimmy has a sit-down with mega-rock star Mick Jagger and riffs during sketches such as "Sully and Denise," "Jarrett's Room," "Jeopardy with Jimmy" and more, not to mention his genius Weekend Updates. Guests include Justin Timberlake, Robert De Niro, Janet Jackson and Ben Stiller.
Since Otar Left Eka (Esther Gorintin) is an aging woman who lives with her daughter Marina (Nino Khomasuridze) and granddaughter Ada (Dinara Drukarova), but anxiously anticipates receiving letters from her doctor son Otar, who resides in Paris. When Marina and Ada learn that Otar has died in a construction accident (where he's actually been employed), they begin to fake his letters, hoping to avoid devastating their mother as her health declines.
Battle Royale: Special Edition Kinji Fukasaki's explosive drama takes place early in the new millennium, with Japan on the verge of societal collapse. When even the schoolchildren begin to abuse the system, the government introduces a strict new punishment whereby a randomly chosen group of students are taken to a desert island and forced to fight each other to the death. Based on Koushun Takami's novel, the film stars famous Japanese auteur and actor Takeshi "Beat" Kitano.
The Dukes of Hazzard: Season 2 The down-home Duke boys, Bo (John Schneider) and Luke (Tom Wopat), continue to outwit Hazzard County's corrupt officials Boss Hogg (Sorrell Brooke) and Sheriff Rosco (James Best) in the second season of the popular series. This season, the county-fried cousins rescue Loretta Lynn (as herself) from kidnappers, transform trusty rig The General Lee into a ghost car, and interfere when their sexy cousin Daisy (Catherine Bach) tries to get deputized.
Lewis Black: Black on Broadway Comedian Lewis Black fires off searing political commentary in this HBO special from his Rules of Enragement tour, filmed live at New York City's Brooks Atkinson Theater. Best known as the angry curmudgeon on "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart," Black rants and rages about America's failures and back-sliding on hot issues such as homeland security, tax-cut benefits, international travel, the Martha Stewart scandal and those controversial WMDs.
Batman the Animated Series: Vol. 2 Brooding superhero Batman protects Gotham City from ruthless villains the likes of Catwoman, the Penguin, the Riddler and the Joker in this Emmy-winning animated series. Joined by eager boy wonder Robin, billionaire playboy Bruce Wayne transforms into The Caped Crusader and fires up the Batmobile for more thrilling adventures in Volume 2, which features 28 episodes. Extras include audio commentary and three shorts about the series.
Soap: Season 3 Secrets and scandals abound for sisters Jessica (Katherine Helmond) and Mary (Cathryn Damon) and their families in Season 3 of the groundbreaking soap opera satire. This season, a look-alike alien replaces Burt (Richard Mulligan); Billy (Jimmy Baio) escapes a cult; Jodie (Billy Crystal) fights for his rights as a gay parent; and a terminally ill Jessica dies, with longtime friend Benson (Robert Guillaume) at her bedside.
One Tree Hill: Season 1 Rivals on the basketball court, half-brothers Lucas (Chad Michael Murray) and Nathan (James Lafferty) face off in Season 1 of this teen drama series. When Lucas transfers to Nathan's basketball team, the boys must accept that they have the same father, who abandoned Lucas and his mom and gave Nathan everything. Tensions rise as Nathan's girlfriend (Hilarie Burton) gets closer to Lucas and Nathan pursues Lucas's friend (Bethany Joie Lenz).
White Heat "Made it, Ma, top of the world!" James Cagney is riveting as homicidal gangster Cody Jarrett (complete with an "insane mother" complex) in this hard-boiled movie that costars Virginia Mayo as his two-timing wife. Edmund O'Brien's the cop who infiltrates Cody's gang to bring him down -- and that he does in the legendary finale that plays out in an industrial yard filled with giant fuel tanks. Better watch those stray bullets! Raoul Walsh directs.
Septem8er Tapes A rare mix of truth and fantasy, this unique film plays out as a series of unedited videotapes that were recovered in a cave used by Al Quaeda operatives as a hiding place in Afghanistan. The emotionally charged tale unfolds as an American reporter named Don Larson (George Calil) is reported missing after heading to the troubled region to make a documentary. What's found is the set of tapes Larson made with his associate (Wali Razaqi).
Superman the Animated Series: Vol. 1 Superman, the patriotic "Man of Steel," defends America from villains in this action-packed animated series. Volume 1 features the first 18 episodes, from the extraterrestrial's arrival on Earth to his double life as mild-mannered Clark Kent and the cape-clad superhero who fends off countless criminals -- including his mortal enemy Lex Luthor. Extras include audio commentary and two shorts on Superman's friends and the making of the series.
Ronald Reagan: An American President During his presidency, Ronald Reagan restored the confidence America thought it had lost and earned the title of "The Great Communicator" for his steadfast devotion to democracy and unwavering guidance in all situations. This official release from the Reagan library celebrates the life and career of one of the United States' most treasured leaders. Also includes footage from Reagan's memorial service.
The Roaring Twenties On the drift after mustering out of the Army at the end of World War I, Eddie Bartlett (James Cagney) becomes an opportunistic bootlegger and then a racketeer during Prohibition … and it doesn't end well in this gangster classic from the vaults of Warner Brothers Studios. Humphrey Bogart (in an early role) plays one of Cagney's sniveling confederates who tries to double-cross him -- with disastrous results. Directed by Raoul Walsh.
Angels with Dirty Faces Tough guy Rocky Sullivan (James Cagney) plays Pied Piper to a gang of teenage hoods (the Dead End Kids) while boyhood pal turned priest Jerry Connelly (Pat O'Brien) tries to save their souls in this gangster classic. The two vie for control of the neighborhood, but when Connelly is almost killed by Rocky's duplicitous associates (Humphrey Bogart and George Bancroft), Rocky guns them down and finds himself sentenced to death. Ann Sheridan costars.
The Public Enemy Crime doesn't pay, as James Cagney learns (too late!) in this vintage Warner Brothers gangster movie that's become a much-imitated classic of the genre. Cagney plays hot-headed Tom Powers, who's on the fast track running illegal hooch during Prohibition. Directed by William Wellman, the film is famous for its scene where a ticked-off Cagney smashes his breakfast grapefruit in Mae Clarke's face. Also stars Jean Harlow and Joan Blondell.
Artworks Although Emma's (Virginia Madsen) career as a home security service salesperson is flourishing, her home life is not as sunny, thanks to a loveless marriage and pain still felt from the loss of a child. When she meets Bret (Rick Rossovich), whose art gallery inspires the retired painter in Emma, the two strike up a friendship and Bret eventually convinces Emma to take part in an art fencing ring, bringing their relationship to new heights.
Married... with Children: Season 3 Al (Ed O'Neill) and Peg (Katey Sagal) Bundy continue their reign as nightmare neighbors and reluctant parents in Season 3 of the outrageous comedy. This season's shenanigans include Elvis's appearance as a pit stain on Al's shirt, Peg's bribing of a peeping Tom, Kelly's (Christina Applegate) sexy tap dance and the demolition of the Rhoades' home under the Bundys' watchful eye. David Faustino, Amanda Bearse and David Garrison also star.
Lakshya After the success of his first film, Dil Chahta Hai, filmmaker Farhan Akhtar made this follow-up based on a misguided teenager's eventual transformation into a war martyr. Tracing the Indian army's conflicts with Pakistani trespassers in 1999, the film follows the young army cadet as he gradually builds up his own integrity through his experiences. Stars Hrithik Roshan, Amitabh Bachchan and Preity Zinta.
Duel Masters: The Good, the Bad & the Bolshack In this anime series, young Shobu Kirifuda follows in his legendary sire's footsteps, becoming a Kaijudo master and the greatest duelist on the planet. With help from his mysterious mentor and chums Rekuta and Sayuki, Shobu harnesses the power of the Flaming Hand, learning many important lessons along the way. As Shobu's dueling skills grow, he vows to confront all challengers -- but can he defeat evil?
Little Caesar Noted for Edward G. Robinson's breakthrough performance, this gangster classic centers on Rico "Little Caesar" Bandelli (Robinson), who stages an all-out coup to become mob boss. After moving to the city, Rico and pal Joe (Douglas Fairbanks Jr.) join Sam Vettori's (Stanley Fields) gang. Rico rises quickly through the ranks, and his hit list expands -- but just when Rico needs his friend the most, Joe wants out. Glenda Farrell also stars.
The Barchester Chronicles The darker side of small-town life is revealed in this miniseries adapted from two Anthony Trollope novels. When church reform is threatened in Barchester, a clergyman (Donald Pleasence) faces a crisis of religious proportions. He butts heads with his archdeacon son-in-law (Nigel Hawthorne), and an all-out power struggle ensues with the arrival of a new bishop (Clive Swift), his pushy wife (Geraldine McEwan) and a devious chaplain (Alan Rickman).
Switch Killer A transvestite serial killer seeks revenge on the girlfriend who dumped him in this chilling horror film. After the woman he loves leaves him for another woman, a distraught young man undergoes a sex-change operation. Now a woman, the heartbroken maniac begins to murder his ex-lover's girlfriends in an attempt to win her back. Alixandra Agar, Cara Jo Basso, Eric Bishop, Jennifer Autry and Susan Blonsky star.
He Knew He Was Right Based on Anthony Trollope's novel, this 19th century tale centers on the troubled marriage of Louis (Oliver Dimsdale) and his feminist wife, Emily (Laura Fraser). The young couple's relationship deteriorates as Emily's struggle for independence emasculates gentle Louis and rumors run rampant about Emily's affair with Col. Osborne (Bill Nighy). Meanwhile, flirtatious vicar Gibson (David Tennant) pushes his luck with a pair of French sisters.
Men Behaving Badly: Series 1 Irresponsible roommates Gary (Martin Clunes) and Dermot (Harry Enfield) compete over leftover pizza and their attractive neighbor in this award-winning British comedy series. The lads pull hilarious stunts to impress new neighbor Deborah (Leslie Ash), and Gary goes as far as asking his girlfriend, Dorothy (Caroline Quentin), for an open relationship. (Problem is, she says "Yes"!) This collection includes all six episodes from the first season.
Bunny Lake Is Missing Director Otto Preminger's dark film portrays the horror that befalls Ann (Carol Lynley), a single mom recently transplanted to London who shows up one day at her daughter's nursery school to find she's completely disappeared. Nobody seems to know the girl's whereabouts, nor that she even exists, which leads the police (with Sir Laurence Olivier in the role of chief) to believe Ann is delusional. Can she convince everyone that she's not insane?
Men Behaving Badly: Series 2 Dermot moves out and Gary deals with a new roommate in the second season of this award-winning British comedy series. After interviewing all kinds of weirdos, Gary chooses Tony (Neil Morrissey) as his new flat mate. Tony keeps Gary on his toes, and the competition for attractive neighbor Deborah (Leslie Ash) heats up, landing the hapless roommates in some truly comical situations. Caroline Quentin, Ian Lindsay and Valerie Minifie also star.
The Petrified Forest Noted for Humphrey Bogart's breakthrough performance, this classic nail-biter teems with desperate characters in dangerous situations. When down-and-out Brit Alan (Leslie Howard) wanders into a remote diner, he charms the owner's daughter (Bette Davis), who dreams of living in Paris. Too unstable for love, Alan departs, but soon finds himself back at the diner, held prisoner -- along with several others -- by a desperado (Bogart).
America's Dream Home Box Office's trilogy of moving short stories (all penned by noted black authors) looks at black America in the 1930s through the '50s. John Henrik Clarke's "The Boy Who Painted Christ Black" starring Wesley Snipes chronicles a recalcitrant student artist. An overworked sharecropper (Danny Glover) faces marital woes in Richard Wright's "Long Black Song," and Maya Angelou's "The Reunion" follows an unstable jazz musician (Lorraine Toussaint).
Season of the Hunted Five friends -- including Steve (Timothy Gibbs), a New York City firefighter, and Frank (Muse Watson), a soldier -- finally get a chance to go on a hunting trip together, but wind up the hunted when their journey takes a gruesome and deadly turn. Apparently, Mitch (Matthew Cowls), the proprietor of the lodge where they're staying, is a cannibal, and he and his pack are hungry, ruthless and consumed by bloodlust!
MacGyver: Season 1 Meet ex-Special Forces agent Angus MacGyver (Richard Dean Anderson) -- the intrepid inspiration for the popular 1980s television series -- in this collection of episodes from the first season. No longer an official spy, the brilliant MacGyver still manages to be recruited to solve the toughest cases, relying primarily on his uncanny ability to extricate himself from any perilous situation using everyday materials to fashion weapons and tools.
Homicide: Life on the Street: Season 6 Homicide detectives investigate Baltimore's most brutal crimes in Season 6 of the award-winning realistic police drama executive-produced by Barry Levinson and starring Andre Braugher, Richard Belzer and Yaphet Kotto. This season, the detectives investigate crimes such as a series of rapes and the murder of a prominent family's maid. Guest stars include James Earl Jones, Benjamin Bratt, Vincent D'Onofrio, Carol Kane and Peter Gallagher.
Benny Hill: Complete and Unadulterated: The Naughty Early Years: Set 2 Bawdy British comedian Benny Hill scuttles, leers, smirks and satirizes in this collection of all 10 episodes of "The Benny Hill Show" from 1972 to '74. Hill's comic genius and outright silliness shine in characters such as affable dolt Fred Scuttle, snobby French filmmaker Pierre De Terre and linguistic misfit Mr. Chow Mein, while plenty of curvaceous co-stars bring out Hill's naughty nature. Extras include the A&E Channel's biography of Hill.
Something Short of Paradise Up-and-coming journalist Madeline Ross (Susan Sarandon) never thought she'd be swayed from her career goals by something as plebeian as romance, but when she meets theater owner Harris Sloane (David Steinberg), she just can't resist. Their path to happiness proves rocky, however, after the subject of one of Madeline's articles -- famed French actor Jean-Fidel Mileau (Jean-Pierre Aumont) -- enters the scene and complicates matters.
The Jamie Kennedy Experiment: Season 3 Prankster Jamie Kennedy goes out with a bang in this final season with yet another impressive collection of skits and hilarious hidden-camera moments. Kennedy takes his show on the road, making stops along the way at places he knows will score him guaranteed laughs, including Los Angeles, Philadelphia, New York City, Venice Beach and Las Vegas. Guests include Pauly Shore, Amanda Bynes, Nicky Hilton, Carmen Elektra and Kathie Lee Gifford.
Blue's Clues: Blue's Room: It's Hug Day Join curious pup Blue and some of her pals -- including Moona, Polka Dots, Fred and Roary -- as they hunt for clues and have a blast hanging out in Blue's room. The disc features one episode of "Blue's Clues," one installment of "Blue's Room" and two bonus episodes that will help preschoolers develop cognitive skills, stretch their creativity and have fun with Blue's blend of music, games, dancing, puzzles, drawing and wordplay.
The Opera Lover George Krikkos (Tom Bastounes) is a former playboy who knows he's past his prime in this unusual romantic comedy. Divorced and lacking direction, he sometimes takes respite by singing at a nearby watering hole -- where, one day, he runs into an ex (Monica Zaffarano) who's made it big as an opera singer. Remarkably, they hook up for one night and decide to sing together as a publicity stunt, but soon, old feelings begin to resurface. …
Off Limits Buck McGriff (Willem Dafoe) and Albany Perkins (Gregory Hines) have jobs that are among the toughest in the military: As plainclothes cops in Saigon, they're supposed to police other soldiers and help keep the peace in a violent city. So, when prostitutes start turning up dead, they're called upon to investigate. Unfortunately, their lives are on the line as they become increasingly aware that the perpetrator may be an American army officer.
Renegade: Season 1 Cop Reno Raines (Lorenzo Lamas) is unjustly blamed for his fiancee's death. Unable to prove his innocence to his superiors, he goes into hiding and resurfaces as bounty hunter Vince Black, who hunts at-large crooks with his equally rebellious colleagues, Bobby Sixkiller (Branscombe Richmond) and Cheyenne Phillips (Kathleen Kinmont). Watch the first season unfold as Black serves up his brand of justice while chasing the man who can vindicate him.
The Prize Fighter Washed-up boxer Ed Jones (Rob Boyd) thinks his dream of being a world champion is over, until he meets promoter Arliss King (Pat Richardson), who has Ed train with a retired title holder (Leon Spinks). When Ed starts winning, he goes on the road to chase down fame and fortune, but then tragedy strikes on the home front and he once again gives up. Will he overcome his demons to see his dream realized? Ice skater Tonya Harding costars.
Phone A vengeful ghost with a cell phone terrorizes anyone who answers its murderous ring in this twisty horror film. After exposing a sex scandal involving children, gritty reporter Ji-won (Ji-Won Ha) begins receiving disturbing phone calls. She changes her number, but the ominous calls continue. Ji-won's search for the source of the mysterious calls reveals a rash of unsolved murders -- and leads her straight to a serial killer.
Friday Nights in America America's exuberant and enduring passion for high school football fuels this documentary, which explores the phenomenon from true-blue team loyalty to long-standing rivalries between neighboring communities. The film offers an intimate look at the players, their families and fans, and spotlights Texas's Permian Panthers, California's De La Salle High, Florida's Pahokee High, Georgia's Hawkinsville High and Pennsylvania's Woodland Hills High.
Hysteria: The Def Leppard Story This VH1 biopic chronicles 1980s metal band Def Leppard from their small-town beginnings to superstardom. With help from their producer (Anthony Michael Hall), the Brits eventually top the charts despite axing their first guitarist and the alcoholism of band member Steve Clark (Karl Geary). But they hit the biggest roadblock when drummer Rick Allen (Tat Whalley) loses an arm in a car crash; his mates, however, won't let him toss in the towel.
Shaping Up with Weights for Dummies For years, fitness enthusiasts have extolled the benefits of weight training, not only for creating lean muscle and strengthening the body, but also for shedding excess pounds. But learning how to start and using the right equipment can be tough to figure out … until now. Tracy York leads this regimen comprising 12 upper- and lower-body exercises that can be done daily to slice inches off the waistline, tone flab and rev up the metabolism.
Yves St. Laurent: His Life and Times An expert at creating the finest in haute couture, Yves Saint Laurent is one of the fashion world's most celebrated designers. This documentary takes an in-depth look at St. Laurent's life via interviews with his mother, his partner Pierre Berge, friend Loulou de la Falaise and fan Lee Radziwill. From age 3 (when he noted to his aunt that her shoes and dress did not match) to his retirement in 2002, St. Laurent has enjoyed tremendous success. This disc includes the following segments: "His LIfe and Times" and "5th Avenue Marceau 75116 Paris."
Speakeasy Although Bruce Hickman (David Strathairn) and Frank Marnikov (Nicky Katt) meet after their involvement in a minor traffic accident, their relationship develops into a lasting friendship. Directed by Brendan Murphy, this movie was a runner-up to be the coveted first feature film selected by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck for the reality television show "Project Greenlight." Also stars Lake Bell, Stacy Edwards and Arthur Hiller.
Thomas & Friends: Hooray for Thomas Lovable Thomas and his locomotive friends star in three heartwarming episodes in this collection. In the first episode, Thomas helps a group of schoolchildren whose medals for Sports Day have been forgotten at the station. Next, Sir Topham Hatt is abducted by a hot-air balloon gone haywire, and only Skarloey can help save him. Then, watch as Gordon attempts to avoid the hoopla of an engine-decorating competition.
Murder in China Basin Musician George (Noel Harrison) is committed to making it in his industry but soon turns up dead in China Basin, historically a neighborhood where illegal Chinese immigrants have found sanctuary from government officials. Local cops suspect Steve (Chris Byrne) -- an entrepreneur that George's philandering wife, Allison (Jennifer Starr), had tried to recruit to murder her husband -- but Steve claims he's not responsible. So who is?
Downtown Former suburban cop Alex Kearney (Anthony Edwards) -- a newcomer to a tough Philadelphia precinct -- is greener than currency, but what he lacks in experience he more than makes up for in zeal. That doesn't always sit well, however, with his veteran partner, Dennis Curren (Forest Whitaker). When Kearney's ex-partner turns up dead, the straightlaced gumshoe finds he has much to learn from the street-wise Curren about cracking the case.
Death Hunt Charles Bronson and Lee Marvin star in this 1981 classic that follows a deadly tug-of-war between two powerful men: trapper Albert Johnson (Bronson) and Royal Canadian Mountain Police Sgt. Edgar Millen (Marvin). After rescuing a dog from a bloody bout arranged by an unscrupulous breeder, Johnson becomes a marked man accused of murder -- with Millen at his heels trying to arrest him. Angie Dickinson, Carl Weathers and Andrew Stevens costar.
How Arnold Won the West California's 2003 gubernatorial recall race pitted megastar Arnold Schwarzenegger against 135 candidates (including a porn star and 1970s child star Gary Coleman), all vying to unseat Gov. Gray Davis. This entertaining film follows the political circus -- from Schwarzenegger's "Tonight Show" candidacy announcement to his paparazzi-packed events and acceptance speech -- and features footage from the surreal game show "Who Wants to Be Governor?"
Doppelganger Kiyoshi Kurosawa directs this science fiction thriller about the ultimate evil twin. After being told that if he encounters his exact counterpart, or doppelganger, he'll die, scientist Michio Hayasaki (Koji Yakusho) comes face to face with -- who else? -- himself. Michio is able to get along with his doppelganger for a while, but his twin is so aggressive and so opposite of Michio that it eventually overtakes his life. Hiromi Nagasaku also stars.
The Turning Point Herbert Ross's classic drama from the 1970s stars Shirley MacLaine as DeeDee Rodgers, a former classical ballerina who cut short her rise to fame when she decided instead to settle down and raise children. But when her daughter, Emilia (Leslie Browne), shows promise as a ballerina, DeeDee is forced to confront the choices she made in the past and face off with Emma (Anne Bancroft), a famous dancer who longs for what DeeDee has.
The Bad Sleep Well Koichi Nishi (Toshiro Mifune) is distraught after his father's demise, which he blames on the cutthroat corporate environment in which he worked. Desperate to avenge his father's senseless death, Koichi begins to tamper with the sanity of each person who ever wronged the man. He starts with the cake at his very own wedding; per Koichi's instructions, the confection has been specially crafted to remind the attendees of their darkest secrets. …
With All Deliberate Speed A half-century after the United States Supreme Court's groundbreaking civil rights decision, Brown vs. Board of Education, this film looks at the unsung heroes in the struggle for desegregation in America. Intimate interviews, eyewitness accounts and original footage combine to tell the stories of students, teachers, lawyers and judges who raised their courageous voices and changed the nation.
Fall Supermodel Sarah (Amanda De Cadenet) seems to have it all -- beauty, a successful career and a wealthy husband (Rudolph Martin) she loves. But over the course of a few days, Sarah keeps running into sexy taxi driver Michael (Eric Shaeffer), and the two eventually wind up in bed together. Despite finding out that her husband lost interest in her long ago, Sarah decides to end it with Michael, even though he's convinced that they're soul mates.
The Best Way to Walk Director Claude Miller paints an unflinching portrait of the unlikely alliance that forms one summer between Marc (Patric Dewaere), a macho sports director at a boys' summer camp, and Philippe (Patrick Bouchitey), a music teacher who loves to dress in women's clothing. At first, their relationship is rife with tension as Marc persecutes Philippe for his feminine ways. Soon, however, it turns sexual as Marc realizes the root of his homophobia.
The Boyfriend School By any measure, cartoonist Gus Kubicek (Steve Guttenberg) is a nerd; he's bookish, shy and has a hard time meeting women. No wonder his romance-novelist sister (Shelley Long) wants to make him over so Gus can finally get a date … or maybe even a girlfriend. But when his hipper, cuter alter ego attracts the attention of lovely journalist Emily Pear (Jami Gertz), Gus wonders whether she'll stick around after she discovers who he truly is.
El Cid Rodrigo Diaz de Bivar (Charlton Heston), aka El Cid, unites warring factions and saves 11th century Spain from invasion by the Muslim hordes. Sophia Loren is ravishing as Jimena, the woman who loves Rodrigo despite the fact that he killed her father during an honorable duel. Anthony Mann directed and Miklos Rozsa wrote the vaulting score for this movie, which is based on real historical events and features some stunning battle scenes.
Mile Zero In this drama that's been a favorite in the film festival circuit, time is ticking for Derek Ridley (Michael Riley), a father desperate to recapture the idyll of his old life before he and his wife divorced and she took their son, Will, away from him. His plan? To spirit Will to the Rocky Mountains in search of a wonderland in the great outdoors. But Derek's rocky past soon catches up with him, turning an adventure into one horrific nightmare.
Anna Lucasta Based on the 1944 play by Philip Yordan, this drama follows the trials and tribulations of Anna Lucasta (Eartha Kitt), a young black woman who turns to prostitution after her father kicks her out of the house. When Anna's brother-in-law (Frederick O'Neal) concocts a plan to marry her off to a wealthy young man (Henry Scott) and then steal from him, Anna disappoints her greedy kin with plans of her own. Sammy Davis Jr. also stars.
One More Time It's another one for the road for Chris Pepper (Peter Lawford) and Charlie Salt (Sammy Davis Jr.) in this sequel to the uproarious film Salt and Pepper. Lawford pulls double duty as Chris' brother, Lord Sydney Pepper, a highbrow royal who's found murdered. To catch his killer, Chris must step into his sibling's identity -- which he does without informing his friend Salt. As is par for the course with this dynamic duo, hilarity ensues … and how!
Salt and Pepper Even though they're not the young hep cats they once were, Chris Pepper (Peter Lawford) and Charlie Salt (Sammy Davis Jr.) are convinced they still have what it takes to swing with the best of them. With their London bar in danger of closing, the two must find a way to attract more customers, but Salt and Pepper's efforts draw them into the dangerous world of global politics and espionage in director Richard Donner's slapstick comedy.
I Can't Sleep Based on a real-life crime spree that held all of France in a state of shock, I Can't Sleep follows the lives of Theo (Alex Descas), an immigrant from Martinique; his brother, Camille (Richard Courcet), who's exploring his burgeoning identity as a drag queen; and Daiga (Katerina Golubeva), a Lithuanian woman who came to Paris for a theater job. One of these characters could be behind the serial killings of elderly Parisian women … but who?
High Times' Potluck Middle-aged mobster Frank (Frank Adonis) learns about some top-notch Kentucky marijuana from punk-rock singer Jade (Theo Kogen). Housed in a suitcase, the high-quality reefer makes its way to Manhattan and is handled by countless people from all walks of life who buy, sell or steal the valuable luggage. The colorful group later descends on a pot legalization rally, bringing the film's quirky events full circle.
Unsolved Mysteries: Bizarre Murders Emmy Award-winning actor Robert Stack hosts this four-disc set of episodes from the TV show "Unsolved Mysteries." The collection of investigative stories about some of the most infamous murder cases in history features 32 compelling segments, including "Boston Strangler," "Murdered Heiress," "Backyard Bones," "World Leaders," "Plane Crash Sabotage," "Bordello Murders," "Whistle Blown," "Social Security Murders" and much more.
The White Seal / A Cricket in Times Square With two timeless tales about helping friends in need, this Chuck Jones animation double feature suits the entire family. In The White Seal (adapted from Kipling's story, voices by Roddy McDowall), a seal pup protects his family and friends from hunters. In the second tale, Chester Cricket goes to New York City, befriends Harry, Tucker and Mario and uses his musical talents to help Mario's family business (voices by Les Tremayne and Mel Blanc).
Unsolved Mysteries: Psychics Emmy Award-winning actor Robert Stack hosts this collection of revealing stories about people who have paranormal experiences such as premonitions, reincarnation, psychic powers and telepathy. The 4-disc set features 28 segments from the "Unsolved Mysteries" TV show, including "Life After Lightning," "Epilepsy Pooches," "Twins," "Bible Code," "Lottery Miracle," "Reincarnation," "Mother's Instincts," "After Death Visits," "Past Lives" and more.
Mowgli's Brothers / A Very Merry Cricket Two classic tales about what's really important in life make this Chuck Jones double bill an animation-fest for the entire family. An orphan learns about loyalty and love from his adopted wolf-family in Mowgli's Brothers (adapted from Kipling's <i>The Jungle Book</i>, with voices by Roddy McDowall). In the second tale, Chester Cricket helps his pals Harry Cat and Tucker Mouse find the true meaning of Christmas (voices by Les Tremayne and Mel Blanc).
Rikki-Tikki-Tavi / Yankee Doodle Cricket With two timeless tales of bravery, this Chuck Jones animation double feature suits the entire family. Orson Welles adds his voice to Rikki-Tikki-Tavi (adapted from Kipling's story), in which an intrepid mongoose battles a pair of cobras to protect his human family. In the second feature, Chester Cricket, Harry the Cat and Tucker the Mouse help Thomas Jefferson and Paul Revere ensure America's independence (voices by Les Tremayne and Mel Blanc).
Until September After missing her connecting flight in Paris, a forlorn American woman named Mo Alexander (Karen Allen) is forced to head back to her hotel, where she meets Xavier de la Perouse (Thierry Lhermitte), a wealthy French businessman who happens to be married. Regardless, the pair ignites a passionate affair seemingly destined to end in heartbreak. Will Mo relish her new relationship while it lasts, or will guilt get the best of her?
The Best of Classic TV Westerns Get along, little dogies! Jack Elam, a young Kurt Russell, Gene Barry, future Academy Award winner Henry Fonda and a passel of other familiar faces and household names appear in vintage installments of "The Deputy," "Judge Roy Bean," "Wagon Train," "Sugarfoot," "Bat Masterson" and "The Cisco Kid." They just don't make Westerns like these anymore … at least not made-for-television oaters.
Nobody's Fool Penned by Pulitzer Prize winner Beth Henley, this heartwarming romantic comedy stars Rosanna Arquette as Cassie, a waitress who graduated with honors from the school of hard knocks. After surviving a horrible relationship and losing custody of her child, she's gun-shy about trusting anyone -- until she meets Riley (Eric Roberts), a stagehand who seems to be a good catch. But will Cassie's doubts cause her to miss her one chance at happiness?
Sam the Man Sam Manning (Fisher Stevens) wants nothing more than to make it big as a writer and finally see his novel published. But he's not getting anywhere, so to deal with the threat of complete failure, he lets himself get roped into one sexual relationship after another, even as his devoted girlfriend, Cass (Annabella Sciorra), waits in vain for him to get his act together and finally commit to her. When he does, however, it may just be too late.
Jeremy Love blossoms for two teens at a New York City arts school in this romantic drama. After spotting Susan (Glynnis O'Connor) practicing ballet, talented cellist Jeremy (Robby Benson) falls hard for his classmate. His friend Ralph (Len Bari) tries to help him make a good impression, but Susan isn't impressed … until she hears Jeremy play the cello. The two begin a romance, but their love is put to the test when Jeremy's family decides to relocate.
Bloodspell Triple B-Header Demons, aliens and vampires headline Troma's triple B-movie fest. In Bloodspell, the spirit of a mad sorcerer possesses the body of his teenage son and goes on a killing spree at a home for troubled youths. A pregnant alien and her daughter flee from evil humans, but it turns out their hiding place is a vampire lair in Alien Blood. And in Drawing Blood, a young man finds nude models for his artist-vampire girlfriend, who feasts on their blood.
Paperback Romance This Australian comedy gem stars Gia Carides as romance novelist Sophie, who finds herself in a predicament straight from the pages of her books when she meets -- and falls in love with -- a cat burglar (Anthony LaPaglia) specializing in jewel heists. But before Sophie can give herself completely over to fate, she must conquer her insecurities … and edge out her paramour's firmly ensconced fiancée, Gloria (Rebecca Gibney).
Dog the Bounty Hunter: The Best of Season 1 There's no hiding from bounty hunter Duane "Dog" Chapman and his posse: Nothing stops them as they stalk and capture fugitives in this collection of seven of the hottest Season 1 episodes from the A&E Channel's reality series. Dog knows all the tricks when it comes to bringing in the bad guys, but cameras also chronicle his family life as he teaches son Leland the ropes. Meanwhile, Justin gets promoted after bagging a criminal.
Try to Remember: The Fantasticks When it opened in May 1960 at Greenwich Village's Sullivan Street Playhouse, no one foresaw that the musical "The Fantasticks" would grow to become a New York City institution spanning decades. This documentary, a loving reminiscence of the show's fabled run, features interviews with some of the biggest names to have passed through its hallowed curtains: Glenn Close, F. Murray Abraham, Ricardo Montalban and Jerry Orbach.
Grey Gardens Documentary pioneers the Maysles brothers (Gimme Shelter) capture poignant moments in the lives of Edith Bouvier Beale (Big Edie) and her middle-aged daughter, Little Edie -- relatives of Jackie O -- at their decaying estate, Grey Gardens. The ladies shut out their bleak present by recalling richer times and lost loves, and while Little Edie confides that she'd like to leave, the camera captures a co-dependency destined to continue.
Saved by the Bell: The New Class: Season 1 The hallowed and happening halls of Bayside High School welcome a fresh crop of students in this spin-off of the popular series "Saved by the Bell." Principal Richard Belding (Dennis Haskins) is back as the rigid administrator who tries to maintain control of the school even as the new faces follow the lead of their predecessors, engulfing themselves in questions of love, academic achievement and other issues that fuel teenage angst.
Shanghai Ghetto Actor Martin Landau narrates this riveting documentary about Shanghai's little-known Jewish ghetto, settled in the 1930s by Jews who fled Nazi Germany. The filmmakers head to Shanghai with two ex-residents, who relate tales of life in the squalid enclave. Through interviews, letters, archival and modern-day footage, and family photos, the saga chronicles the survivors' escape, relocation, life in Shanghai and ultimate exodus to the United States.
Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman: Season 5 Dr. Michaela "Mike" Quinn (Jane Seymour) deals with the pressures of being a working mother and battles a malpractice suit in Season 5 of the Emmy Award-winning series. Her Boston society days well behind her, Dr. Mike braves life on Colorado's open range with mountaineer husband Byron (Joe Lando) and three adopted children. Guest stars include Willie Nelson, Barbara Mandrell, Ray Walston, Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash.
Raising the Heights Cultures collide and crash with a vengeance in Crown Heights, a Brooklyn neighborhood where African Americans and Jews live in an intricate balance fraught with tension. When a perfect storm converges in the community, inciting violence and rage, a black teenager, Michael, and a Jewish reporter, Judy, find themselves facing choices that could determine the course of the rest of their lives. Stars Gilbert Glenn Brown and John Knox.
Sacrificio: Who Betrayed Che Guevara? In this fascinating documentary, Che Guevara's lieutenant, Ciro Bustos, speaks for the first time about the revolutionary leader's murder in Bolivia in October 1967. Bustos's version of those events, combined with interviews with historians, former CIA agents and Bolivian army officers, paints a stark picture and raises some serious questions about how history is written or rewritten. Directed by Erik Gandini and Tarik Saleh.
9 Souls Director Toshiaki Toyoda's engaging tale follows nine escaped prisoners who set out on a wild adventure and end up on a life-altering journey. The disparate criminals (including a pimp, a porn king and an assisted-suicide doctor) give teamwork a try as they hunt for hidden loot. But their plan goes awry, and the men ultimately come face to face with their troubled pasts. Yoshio Harada, Kôji Chihara, Mame Yamada and Ryuhei Matsuda star.
WWE: The Best of Intercontinental Championship Matches Some of the world's fiercest wrestlers go head to head in this best-of compilation of five classic Intercontinental Championship Matches from 1992-93. This DVD captures all the action and features ringside and birds-eye view footage of the most awesome Intercontinental Championship Matches ever fought, including Shawn Michaels vs. Crush, Shawn vs. Marty Jannetty, Shawn vs. Mr. Perfect, Shawn vs. Hacksaw Jim Duggan and Bret Hart vs. Skinner.
The Best of the Abbott and Costello Comedy Hour Hey, AAAAbbott! America's favorite slapstick comedy team -- Bud Abbott and Lou Costello, famed for their immortal routine "Who's on First?"-- is ready for their prime-time close-up. On this nostalgic disc, the duo appears with guest stars galore and performs their most hilarious bits while hosting television's celebrated "Colgate Comedy Hour." Your sides and your jaws will ache from laughing so hard.
Britney Spears: Innocent Beauty Britney Spears is the subject of in-depth analysis by a panel of experts who've studied the singer's music and achievements throughout the years. This wide-ranging documentary includes film footage of Britney, plus candid photos and revealing interviews with family, neighborhood friends and acquaintances. This disc, which aims to illuminate, is a definite (and welcome) departure from the usual loop of music videos and banal TV-show outtakes.
Marilyn Manson: Fear of a Satanic Planet Self-proclaimed "Antichrist Superstar" Marilyn Manson is the subject of this revealing documentary, which chronicles the rocker's life from childhood through his continuing success fronting a satanic band. The film includes unreleased footage and interviews with former band members Gidget Gein, Daisy Berkowitz and Olivia Newton Bundy; manager John Tovar; and the Reverend Stephen Johnson Layba (head of the Church of Satan), among others.
The True Story of Alexander the Great Considered the most successful warrior in recorded history, Alexander the Great conquered Asia by age 32. His innovative battle tactics remain a topic of endless fascination to scholars and military leaders. Actor Peter Woodward hosts this absorbing documentary that chronicles Alexander's life through ancient historians' narratives, interviews with contemporary scholars, state-of-the-art reenactments and tours of key historical sites.
Cold Feet: Season 1 It's tea instead of lattes in this dramatic UK counterpart of "Friends." The show follows the ups and downs of three young couples struggling with intimate relationships, parenting, financial fiascos and other challenges. In the first season, Adam (James Nesbitt) and Rachel (Helen Baxendale) move in together, but there's a problem: Rachel hasn't told Adam she's still married. John Thomson, Fay Ripley, Robert Bathurst and Hermione Norris costar.
Blink 182: Punk Poets Hard-driving rockers Blink 182 get the profile treatment in this unauthorized documentary, which shows how the band rose to the top to become true icons of the punk rock genre. The packed disc features the complete Blink 182 biography, more than 40 minutes of exhaustive band interviews, previously unseen footage, an interactive Blink 182 trivia quiz and a comprehensive Blink 182 discography.
Notes from Underground A civil servant (Henry Czerny) harbors extreme contempt for himself and the world around him. Using a video diary, he documents these feelings, enumerating his most troubling and tortured experiences -- from dinner with old friends to his relations with a prostitute (Sheryl Lee). Jon Favreau and Seth Green co-star in this adaptation of the novella by Fodor Dostoevsky. Directed by Gary Walkow.
Led Zeppelin: The Making of a Supergroup Seminal metal band Led Zeppelin endured resistance from music critics early in its career and eventually grew to become one of the most celebrated rock groups in music history. This DVD combines previously unreleased footage of the band, as well as extensive interviews with band members and associates, including members of the Yardbirds, Chris Dreja and Jim McCarty. Also features an interactive trivia game and a complete discography.
Dark Shadows: Vol. 16 In this volume of episodes chronicling the vampire Collins clan, Quentin Collins and servant Beth Chavez try to rescue Barnabas Collins from a chained coffin. In other action, King Johnny Romano arrives in Collinsport with a gang of gypsies, seeking revenge against Magda, and artist Charles Delaware Tate is stunned to recognize Amanda Harris as the fantasy woman he has painted. DVD extras include an interview with David Selby, who plays Quentin.
The Sky Is Gray A young boy named James (James Bond III) comes of age in 1940s Louisiana and grapples with what it means to be black during a time of racism and poverty. James's mother (Olivia Cole) accompanies her son to town to see about the boy's nagging toothache, and his journey soon becomes an eye-opening odyssey. Written by Ernest J. Gaines (author of <i>The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman</i>), this heartfelt tale is directed by Stan Lathan.
Lethal FBI Agent Ethan Marshall (Frank Zagarino) tracks a Russian mafioso in this taut thriller. Charged with nabbing arms smuggler Anatoly Federov (Lorenzo Lamas) before he steals military secrets, Marshall plans to bring him in dead or alive. But the job gets tougher when sexy bounty hunter Sam Stewart (Heather Marie Marsden) ends up with the classified documents and Federov abducts her sister, forcing Marshall and Sam to team up to save her sibling.
The House of Bernarda Alba Inspired by the work of acclaimed playwright Federico García Lorca, this engrossing drama stars Glenda Jackson as Bernarda Alba, an iron-willed widow and matriarch of a Spanish family on the verge of an emotional coup d'etat. But her reign of terror -- established when the clan's male leaders all passed away -- is about to end as other women struggle for control. Núria Espert and Stuart Burge handled the directing chores.
Sexmission Director Juliusz Machulski's bawdy comedy envisions a world where the only men left are Albert (Olgierd Lukaszewicz) and Maks (Jerzy Stuhr), two pals spared destruction because they were frozen as part of an experiment. When they awaken, the League of Women's Lib runs the planet, and their archeologists believe Albert and Maks are a species predating the female human race. Can the men repopulate the globe with their gender? Note: Contains nudity.
Nailing Vienna Vienna isn't a physical destination but rather a state of bliss for Peter (James Murray), Mickey (Daniel O'Meara) and Jez (Merryn Owen), three robbers who decide there's better money to be made in making a movie about a bank heist than in staging an authentic one. For the role of the villain, the trio casts a bona fide criminal and comes to regret it when he whips out a gun and threatens to shoot if they don't stick up the place -- for real.
Nomads and No-Zones This collection of indie shorts from West Coast filmmakers Greta Snider and Vanessa Renwick makes for a fascinating cacophony of images and themes, all investigating the notion of personal truth. Displaying talent in a wide range of genres that include drama and documentary, Nomads and No-Zones -- featuring Snider's buzzed-about opus, Hard Core Home Movie -- reveals the joys and miseries of everything from train hopping to the punk-rock scene.
Almos' a Man Dave (LeVar Burton) is a poor black teenager growing up in the Deep South in the 1930s. Spending his days working as a field hand, Dave becomes frustrated with how the local white folks look down on him and ponders buying a gun so people will give him the proper respect. Dave's mother (Madge Sinclair) expresses her disapproval at his decision to purchase the weapon, but her words falls on deaf ears. Peter Fonda narrates.
Victory / The Wicked Darling: Double Feature Lon Chaney stars in this horror-packed double feature. In Victory, directed by the legendary Maurice Tourneur, Chaney plays despicable, opportunistic Ricardo, who plans to steal his wealthy friend's riches and his ladylove (Seena Owen). Tod Browning helmed The Wicked Darling, which finds thug Stoop Connors (Chaney) forcing poor young Mary Stevens (Priscilla Dean) to steal against her will -- even if it means her life will be ruined forever.
Sammy Davis Jr.: One Cool Cat Legendary performer Sammy Davis Jr. is the subject of this affectionate documentary, which chronicles how the singer, dancer and actor broke through racial barriers yet still felt the sting of discrimination throughout his storied career. From his 1925 stage debut at age 3 to his years with Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack, the Candy Man's biography is conveyed through archival footage, photographs and interviews with friends and associates.
Flesh Eaters from Outer Space / Invasion for Flesh and Blood: Double Feature Aliens with a hankering for human flesh terrorize small-town America in this sci-fi horror double bill. In Flesh Eaters from Outer Space, some heavy-metal burnouts and a seductive psychic must save their New Jersey 'burb from a horde of carnivorous extraterrestrials. And when aliens try to take over Earth in Invasion for Flesh and Blood, a scientist turns a suburban mom into a cyborg killing machine; Marilyn Ghigliotti appears in a cameo role.
The Killer Must Kill Again A chain of increasingly gruesome crimes begins when an unscrupulous man named Mainardi (George Hilton) coerces a serial killer (Michel Antoine) into offing Mainardi's wife. After a young couple (Alessio Orano and Cristina Galbó) steals the murderer's car -- along with the fresh corpse in its trunk -- the killer sets off on a maniacal crime spree, staying one step ahead of the bumbling police in director Luigi Cozzi's <i>giallo</i>-genre thriller.
Andre the Giant Hall of Fame wrestler Andre the Giant takes center ring in this compilation of his greatest bouts. Hosted by Lord Alfred Hayes, the program features 10 of Andre's standout matches against fearsome opponents such as Black Gordman and Great Goliath (1976), Moondog Rex (1981), Sgt. Slaughter, Big John Studd and many more (in the 18-Man Battle Royal), Gorilla Monsoon with the Grand Wizard, the Masked Superstar, the Wild Samoans and many others
George Burns in Concert He may have played God in the movies, but legendary entertainer George Burns's humor was decidedly planted firmly on Earth, which is why he was beloved by audiences of all generations. This live concert taped in 1982 captures Burns at the top of his game (where'd he'd been for decades), as he exhibits the same wit, style and grace that made him one of the most famous comedians ever to hit the stage.
The Fiend Ann Todd, Patrick Magee and Tony Beckley star in this ghoulish 1972 mystery directed by thrill-meister Robert Hartford-Davis. Murder is sinful, but apparently not for a religious zealot who thinks he's serving his holy master by preying on young women and offering them up for sacrifice -- all in the name of piety gone mad. The killer has the city quaking under siege, worried about its female denizens. Can he be stopped?
Milky Way / Kid Dynamite: Double Feature Featuring two classic boxing comedies, this DVD packs a sidesplitting double punch. In The Milky Way, a milquetoast milkman (Harold Lloyd) rises to boxing fame in a series of rigged fights, but can he survive his final bout and win the girl? Adolphe Menjou and Lionel Stander costar. Kid Dynamite sees puerile bully "Muggs" McGinnis (Leo Gorcey) turn against his upstanding friend Danny Lyons (Bobby Jordan); can Danny whip Muggs into manhood?
Galaxy Fraulein Yuna Yuna is da bomb! She defends the galaxy on television (and even in real life, in her spare time) -- that is, when she's not crushing on Polyina. Add to this mix Yuna's best android buddy Yuri, Misaki (a new kid in class who's actually a spy) and the sinister Fraulein D -- who's using Misaki as a pawn to undercut Yuna -- and you've got one whirlwind of an anime movie with enough fascinating plot strands to keep you going for light-years.
Madigan's Millions In his first lead role, Dustin Hoffman portrays Internal Revenue Service agent Jason Fister. After deported mobster Mike Madigan (Cesar Romero) kicks the bucket in Italy, the U.S. Department of the Treasury sends Fister to retrieve the money Madigan owes in back taxes. But when Fister meets Madigan's daughter (Elsa Martinelli) in Rome, the two become the Mafia's prime target. Perennial big-screen gangster George Raft costars in this comic caper.
Orochi, the Eight-Headed Dragon Director Takao Okawara's adventurous anime feature, inspired by an old Japanese legend, follows the exploits of a young prince, Yamato, who's gifted with incredible powers that he's unfortunately finding difficult to harness. His mission is to tame an eight-headed beast that's threatening the safety of the planet, but before he can accomplish this mean feat, he must first learn how to put his skills to good use without creating more havoc.
Year of the Bull In this compelling documentary, high schooler Taurean Charles -- star player of the Miami Northwestern Bulls gridiron squad -- steers himself out of the inner city and toward a Division I collegiate football program. Filmmakers follow Charles for an entire year as the venerated All-American struggles with outside pressures, standardized tests and family problems, and worries about whom he can trust when it comes to protecting his interests.
Skeleton Coast A retired Army colonel attempts to rescue his imprisoned son in this action-packed thriller. To save his CIA operative son from terrorists, Col. Smith (Ernest Borgnine) and a group of mercenaries head to war-torn Angola's Skeleton Coast, where they must infiltrate an armed compound run by a sadistic East German officer before Smith's son is tortured to death. Robert Vaughn, Oliver Reed and Herbert Lom costar.
The Risk is Yours Humorous circumstances bring two filmmakers together in this Polish film. Lutek (Michal Milowicz), an actor in a popular soap opera, is jailed on the obscure suspicions of his hairdresser. Emil (Olaf Lubaszenko) simply sees jail as quiet place to work on his new script and hide from his four wives. Pooling their talents, they write a screenplay set in a foolish fantasy world that mirrors their dysfunctional realities. Marian Terlecki directs.
Toxic Crusaders: The TV Series: Vol. 1 Toxie and his team of supersized, toxic mutants fight to save Tromaville and the entire world from malevolent alien Dr. Killemoff in this collection of "Toxic Crusaders" episodes. Join the ecological crime-fighters as they clean the floors with the noxious Doc and his superstinky thugs from planet Smogula. The disc includes the animated show's first three installments, newly released footage, two bonus cartoons and plenty of other extras.
Cinderella Ballet choreographer Maguy Marin puts a decidedly different and charming spin on a timeless fairy tale with Cendrillon, a show that saw stunning success during its world tour. The breathtaking production is performed from the prospect of a child imagining a world infused with jealousy and deceit. Adding to Marin's evocative take on the classic tale are a startling dollhouse setting; blank-eyed, porcelain-faced dancers; and striking choreography.
X: The Unheard Music The 1980s Los Angeles punk-rock scene teemed with characters straight from the movies, and the band X figured prominently in the mix. No wonder director W.T. Morgan's 1986 documentary chronicling X's evolution is a thrill, giving music lovers not only a riveting history lesson but deep insight into the making of a revolution. The film features D.J. Bonebrake, Exene Cervenka, John Doe, Ray Manzarek, Billy Zoom and more.
Martin Luther King: I Have a Dream / Assassination of MLK In August 1963, against the iconic backdrop of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., Martin Luther King gave his "I Have a Dream" speech and transformed the civil rights movement in America. The eloquence and poeticism of the speech still echoes down through the generations, as reflected in this disc. A few years later, King (who had predicted his own martyrdom in the speech) was slain on a motel balcony in Memphis, Tenn.
Danger UXB London's intrepid bomb-disposal team hunts for unexploded bombs (UXBs) during World War II in this 13-episode "Masterpiece Theatre" series. Anthony Andrews stars as Brian Ash, who joins the Royal Engineers' UXB unit -- which is tasked with the perilous mission of defusing and disposing of undetonated German bombs during the blitzkrieg. As his team members die in the line of duty, Ash rises to lieutenant and falls for a lovely lass (Judy Geeson).
Lidsville: The Complete Series Catch all 17 episodes of "Lidsville," a children's television series that debuted in 1979 and features an unusual assortment of characters "brimming" with fun and energy: hats. Viewers discover this great new world with the help of Mark (Butch Patrick), who finds it through a magic talking hat that takes Mark there and introduces him to all his friends. Unfortunately, he meets the menacing Horatio W. Hoo Doo (Charles Nelson Reilly), too.
Marmalade Boy: Ultimate Scrapbook: Vol. 3 Yuu and Miki are together, but with all the obstacles in their path -- including Miki's tenacious admirers -- can the couple remain that way? Or will erstwhile friends, brand-new rivals, calamitous holidays and studying abroad conspire to separate Yuu and Miki? Meanwhile, Meiko has love troubles, and Ginta and Arimi find themselves on an emotional roller coaster in this engaging anime television series.
The Wedding Party One of director Brian De Palma's earliest movies, The Wedding Party features Robert De Niro and Jill Clayburgh in their film debuts. The offbeat comedy follows the misadventures of Charlie (Charles Pfulger), who's set to wed Josephine (Clayburgh). But things spiral out of control when the church organist tries to seduce him, his pal Cecil (De Niro) slams marriage, and the groom-to-be misses his bachelor bash. Will jittery Charlie take the plunge?
Absolution An angel visits Earth to live among humans and winds up involved in an international crime ring in this supernatural horror tale. After descending to Earth and inhabiting the body of a porn star, the angel finds himself in the middle of a terrorist plot. He yearns to put an end to the horrible scheme, but heavenly rules forbid him from interfering. Ultimately, his anger gets the best of him. Leah Schumacher, Jonas Moses and John Specht star.
MAPS Truth is worth more than life, at least for the heroic young boy at the center of this remarkable anime tale. Believing that a map outlining the position of all the stars holds the key to civilization's problems, the boy and his close friend embark on a journey through the galaxy to find the map, even if it means putting themselves on the line against greedy intergalactic monsters who are after the same thing.
The Rifleman: Collection 2 In this collection from the popular ABC series by Sam Peckinpah that aired between 1958 and 1963, Chuck Connors stars as Lucas McCain, a law-abiding rancher who protects his land with the help of his son, Mark (Johnny Crawford), his rifle and his well-tuned sense of justice. Episodes include "The Angry Gun" (with Vic Morrow), "The Sheridan Story," "The Money Gun," "The Mind Reader" (featuring Michael Landon) and more.
Church: Enmore Theatre Concert 1992 The Church's first DVD release showcases a legendary live performance -- the entire final concert of the Australian tour supporting their "Priest=Aura" album -- featuring departing member Peter Koppes with drummer Jay Dee Daugherty (Patti Smith Group). Tracks include "Aura," "Ripple," "Myrrh," "Metropolis," "Destination," "Fly," "Shadow Cabinet," "North South East West," "Sisters," "The Disillusionist" and many more.
Circle Jerks: Live at the House of Blues Twenty years after their first album, Southern California skate punks the Circle Jerks reunite onstage in this concert. Since their 1979 debut, the band's acidic lyrics and frenetic guitar have fueled mosh pits across the world and provided the perfect skateboarders' soundtrack. The Circle Jerks perform more than 25 songs at this House of Blues concert, which was shot with multiple cameras. The disc also features commentary.
AP Sports: Football: Vol. 6 Some of the National Football League's greatest icons are profiled via rare home movies and in-depth interviews with coaches, parents, close friends and players. Special footage shows the athletes strutting their stuff and coaches demonstrating offensive and defensive alignments through computer graphics. On this volume, host Bob Griese and narrator Roy Firestone shine the spotlight on legendary Miami Dolphins head coach Don Shula.
The Last Ride of the Dalton Gang A legendary outlaw gang of the Old West was born when the Dalton brothers (deputized by Judge Isaac Parker) discovered that stealing horses was more lucrative than chasing horse thieves. Faster than tumbleweed in a raging windstorm, the Daltons found themselves pursued across the Great Plains with a $25,000 price on their heads. Directed by Dan Curtis, this saga stars Cliff Potts, Randy Quaid, Larry Wilcox, Bo Hopkins and Jack Palance.
Shades of Soul: Beyond Borders This collection of short films accentuates the different shades of color that make up the African-American community. Comprising five stories that cover all walks of life, the line-up includes the tale of an African-American man in rural Japan who gets mixed up with two Japanese girls, and that of a charming young Creole woman who finally comes to accept her voodoo culture and participates in a ceremony to mark her womanhood.
Straight Tripping Talk about bringing down the house: Steve Harvey, Chris Rock, D.L. Hughley and Arsenio Hall are just a handful of the comedy greats who grace the stage in this compendium of some of the most brilliant and laugh-out-loud hilarious stand-up acts ever to hit the circuit. They're all in fine form here as they dish out their own particular brand of comedy. Watch as Chris Rock skewers the cops, Steve Harvey channels Oprah, and more.
Mozart & Schubert: Clemenza di Tito Overture Soloist Mikhaïl Rudy tickles the ivories in a program devoted to the genius of Mozart and Schubert. Christof Escher conducts the Orchestra della Svizzera Italiana as they perform Mozart's "Clemenza di Tito Overture KV 621," "Piano Concerto No. 21," "Rondo from the Piano Concerto in D major K 45" and Schubert's "Symphony No.3." Rudy is a frequent soloist in Europe and America and is artistic director of the Festival de St. Riquier in France.
Las Vegas Warrior A reporter uncovers the dark underbelly of martial arts competitions in this crime thriller. Assigned to cover a major fight in Las Vegas, journalist Chase Somete (Laurie Hanley) heads to the gambling mecca in the Nevada desert. Somete's story turns sensational when modern-day gladiator Suk (Suk Woo Nam) kills his opponent in the ring. Intent on getting the story behind the story, Somete digs into the underworld of violent ringside entertainment.
Back by Midnight Prison warden Jake Puloski (Rodney Dangerfield) feels dejected when the budget he's created for a grand prison renovation project is declined by his manager, Eli Rockwood (Randy Quaid). Unwilling to work in the dilapidated building any longer, Jake decides to turn the jail into a lavish country club instead. Will his risky plan work, or will he lose his job in the process? Kirstie Alley and Paul Rodriguez costar.
WOW Gospel 2005 This DVD, the 10th in a series that compiles performances and videos from some of the biggest acts in modern gospel music, features 17 fan favorites of the year from such entertainers as Fred Hammond, Third Day, Nicole C. Mullen, Donnie McClurkin, Deitrick Haddon, Casting Crowns, Pillar, Stacie Orrico and Tonex. Spiritual leaders Eddie Long and T.D. Jakes also make an appearance, as well as other musicians bearing witness.
AP Sports: Football: Vol. 5 Some of the National Football League's greatest icons are profiled via rare home movies and in-depth interviews with coaches, parents, close friends and the players. Special footage shows the athletes strutting their stuff and coaches demonstrating offensive and defensive alignments through computer graphics. On this disc, host Don Shula and narrator Roy Firestone shine the spotlight on linebacker Jack del Rio and tight end Brent Jones.
Formula One Review 2004 Racing saw driver Michael Schumacher dominate the 2004 Formula One season when he won 13 of 18 competitions and was crowned the FIA Formula One Drivers Champion for the seventh time. Catch all the season's excitement, which includes footage of Jenson Button starting what may be his best year with an impressive showing at Imola, Italy; Jarno Trulli's ups and downs on the streets of Monaco; Jacques Villeneuve's comeback; and more.
Debutante Detective Corps Five of Japan's wealthiest young ladies -- Miyuki, Reika, Youko, Nina and Kimiko -- find themselves in the crosshairs of a trio of merciless terrorists. Not to worry, though: These superendowed girls on the go use their expertise in electronics, camouflage, martial arts, modern weapons and coy flirting to prove they're not your run-of-the-mill, vapid debutantes. It's action-packed, D-cup anime as you've never seen it!
Scarface 4 Life Not for the faint of heart, this film tells the shocking (and true) story of some of the most notorious inmate slashings in New York City's infamous holding pen, Riker's Island. Documentary director Troy Reed trains his lens on the infamous correctional facility and explicitly captures some gruesome inmate slashings, police corruption and just plain survivin' that took place on the hardscrabble island during the late 1980s and early '90s.
Beausoleil: Live from the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival Cajun musicians BeauSoleil perform live at the 2002 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Fest in this concert video. The band dishes up their unique blend of spicy toe-tapping tunes, including "Newz Reel," "Happy One-Step," "Recherche d'Acadie," "Zydeco X," "Le Chanky-Chank Francais" and "Eunice Two Step." Extras include interviews with band members including Michael Doucet, music videos of "Bunk's Blues" and "Sophie" and more.
The Rifleman: Collection 1 Lucas McCain (Chuck Connors) is determined to run his 19th century ranch in New Mexico as best he can while protecting it from marauders and other predators swirling around it. With the help of his son, Mark (Johnny Crawford), his conscience and his rifle, which he's adapted to best fit his mission, Lucas rules with compassion and justice. Episodes include "Sharpshooter" (featuring Dennis Hopper), "Home Ranch," "End of a Young Gun" and more.
AND1: MixTape: Vol. 6 Renowned street basketballer Alimoe (aka the Black Widow) steals the spotlight in this action-packed DVD filled with incredible moves by the game's most awesome players. The disc includes vintage footage of Alimoe showing off the style that made him a playground legend, plus recent film of Al slam-dunking on court with the MixTape Players. Fabolous, Raekwon and other rap artists supply the sizzlin' soundtrack.
Mark Twain: Hal Holbrook Accomplished stage and screen actor Hal Holbrook portrays Mark Twain -- one of America's most treasured writers -- in this widely acclaimed monologue. Makeup and costume transform Holbrook's appearance, but it's his superb thespian abilities that bring Twain to life. Twain's sharp-witted observations transcend time, as Holbrook proves by serving up stinging commentary on politics, religion, patriotism, dachshunds, cigar smoking and more.
Kirov Celebrates Nijinsky Russia's renowned Kirov Ballet honors innovative dancer and choreographer Vaslav Nijinsky in this quartet of live performances at Paris' Théâtre du Châtelet. The Kirov dancers present "Sheherazade," "Le Spectre de la Rose," "The Polovtsian Dances" and "The Firebird," ballets closely associated with Nijinsky. Mikhail Fokine, chief choreographer to ballet impresario Sergei Diaghilev, choreographed the dances in these gala productions.
Holla! If I Kill You Washed-up comedian Hollaback (Mike Troy Smith) used to be the hottest performer on the stand-up circuit, but now he can't get a gig anywhere. Fame is fleeting, as they say, but this comedian's determined to revive his career -- and the more he hears "No," the angrier he gets. One by one, Hollaback takes revenge on anyone who stands in the way of his comedy comeback. Mike Yard, Wil Slyvince and Arnold Acevedo also star.
Cat Power: Speaking for Trees: A Film by Mark Borthwick Performer Cat Power (born Chan Marshall) stars in this quirky film by Mark Borthwick that blends music and images in what at first may appear to be an extended music video. Power sings her own tunes (such as "You Are Free" and "I Don't Blame You") and plays her guitar as she wanders through idyllic outdoor scenes that at once isolate the music and elevate it to poetry, making the movie a statement about the relationship between song and nature.
Blazing Stewardesses Those seductive stewardesses have turned in their Mile High Club frequent-flier miles for a sexy adventure on a dude ranch. But punchin' cows and breakin' stallions are the last things the ladies have in mind: These hotties try to earn their wings a different way -- by blazing a trail to the boudoir. Screen veterans Yvonne De Carlo, Don "Red" Barry and Bob Livingston add a dash of gravitas to the proceedings.
Scared to Death In this kitschy horror film, a mutant killer is unleashed on Los Angeles denizens after a botched DNA experiment. Baffled by a gooey substance at a murder scene, investigator Lou Capell (Jonathan David Moses) and his partner, Ted Lonergan (John Stinson), hunt for clues. At the site of another brutal slaying, a research assistant approaches them with shocking news: The murderer is a manmade monster abandoned by the scientists who created it.
Princess Tutu Young Ahiru wants to be a lovely ballerina, but her two left feet keep stepping on her aspirations. That changes, though, after she receives a mysterious pendant that transforms her into willowy dancer Princess Tutu. Still, all is not blissful for the pirouetting princess. Her dream man's heart is broken, and Tutu must gather its scattered shards to make him whole -- before another dancer steals his heart in this anime tale.
Temptation Two financially strapped erotic filmmakers uncover titillating footage of a famous television actress in this dark comedy. Idealistic Nora (Annette O'Toole) and her husband, Phil (Lyn Yaus), always said they weren't in it for the money, but when their mainstream sexy-movie business goes broke and they stumble upon salacious archive video worth a fortune, they must decide whether to cash in. Elizabeth Moss also stars.
FDR: Robert Vaughn One-Man Show Actor Robert Vaughn takes on writer Dore Schary's acclaimed one-man play, "Sunrise at Campobello," bringing to life one of America's most beloved and influential presidents: Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Focusing primarily on the political figure's battle with polio, this made-for-TV movie reveals the humanity and grace of the man who led the country through some of its toughest times, including the Great Depression and World War II.
AND1: MixTape: Vol. 5 Street basketball's best players hit the courts in an exciting combination of amazing hoops action and the hottest hip-hop music. MixTape Players Skip to My Lou, Headache, Main Event, HotSauce and Sik wit It shake up the courts with their unbelievable moves and innovative styles. The cagers get their groove on to the beat of scorching hip-hop jams from the likes of DJ Clue, Kurupt, Smif-N-Wessun and Kool G Rap.
Inside Deep Purple: 1969-1973 Take a critical look inside the cutting-edge band Deep Purple as their decisive years (1969-73) are covered. Examine the emotional departure of Ian Gillan and Ritchie Blackmore, as well as the excessive fighting within the group and how it affected the band and their music over the long run. Also included are insights from music critics and never-before-seen performances of "Concerto for Group and Orchestra," "Mandrake Root" and "Speed King."
Guinea Pig: Devil Doctor Woman A manga artist is consumed with fear after receiving proof of a young woman's gory murder in this docudrama from producer Satoru Ogura's graphically gruesome horror series. Based on real events, the story focuses on the artist's interpretation of the ghoulishness depicted in a package he receives containing a letter, photos and a video of torture and dismemberment. He hands the evidence over to the police, but the words and images haunt him. …
Nina Simone: Live Singer, songwriter and pianist Nina Simone shows off her versatile musical talents and lights up the house with her unique style of jazz improvisation in these two concerts from 1961 and '62. Tunes include "Sunday in Savannah," "I'll Look Around," "When I Was in My Prime," "For All We Know," "Strawberry Woman," "Crab Man," "I Loves You, Porgy," and "Zungo," a Nigerian chain-gang song Simone learned from renowned drummer Babatunde Olatunji.
Guinea Pig: Flower of Flesh and Blood This installment of producer Satoru Ogura's graphically gory horror series depicts a ritualistic slaying similar to samurai executioners' brutal killings in 16th century Japan. According to legend, a film, still photos and video of a young female's dismemberment were sent to an artist, who immediately turned the material over to the police. Ogura's unnerving docudrama recreates the shocking murder, which remains unsolved.
Grip Video: Vol. 3 A must for import car gear-heads. In this volume, a veritable video magazine, you'll have the best seat in the house for show coverage, celebrity interviews, hot girls and street-racing action -- all from the import car world. Travel to Tokyo for a peek at the newest cars and products and learn everything about aftermarket wheels. Plus, get to know American drifter Alex Pfeiffer and check out the scene in paradise (that's Honolulu, to you!).
Salsa Caliente Learn to dance the salsa and merengue and get fit at the same time with this step-by-step instructional video. Dance teacher Olga leads the lessons, which include "Merengue Warm-Up," "The Basic Steps," "The Salsa," "The Mambo," "The Rumba," "The Charanga," "Dancing with a Partner," "Salsa Turns," "Merengue Dance" and "Cool Down." The program features the hot and spicy music of Merengada and bonus tracks by Orquestra Aragon and Company Segundo.
AND1: Ball Access Basketball's hottest street players show off their best moves and creative styles all across the United States in this DVD that's loaded with action -- on the court and off. The hourlong film captures MixTape Players Skip to My Lou, HotSauce, Main Event, Shane the Dribbling Machine, AO, Headache, Sik wit It and others as their maverick maneuvers shake up courts in Boston, New Orleans, Dallas, Philadelphia, Atlanta and elsewhere.
Breakdance Step by Step Learn basic and advanced breakdance moves with this instructional 2-disc set. Master instructor Break Easy teaches beginners basic moves including Toprock, Footwork, Spins and Freezes, and Zulu Gremlin leads a live Master Class. Extras include interviews with old-school legends Kid Freeze, Lucky Strike, King Uprock and more. The Power Moves disc features advanced dance instruction, interviews and more than four hours of competition footage.
Bob's Job Presents: Bob's Many Jobs Children ages four and older will discover just what it's like to be a veterinarian, a homebuilder and a pilot thanks to this instructive, entertaining and Emmy Award-winning production. The 90-minute program shows youngsters the childlike -- and contagious -- enthusiasm that grown-ups have when they love their professions. And the show isn't only for little ones … adults will enjoy it, too!
Plan Colombia: Cashing in on the Drug War Failure Ed Asner narrates this documentary about U.S. involvement in Colombia's drug trafficking and civil unrest. The film examines the impact of chemical spraying and military funding and reveals alternate U.S. interests. Features interviews with Noam Chomsky, the late Senator Paul Wellstone, Colombian Presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt, Congressmen John Conyers and Jim McGovern, U.S. State Department officials, guerilla leaders and others.
Stereotypes Don't Just Disappear into Thin Air Talk about politically incorrect! This no-holds-barred movie pushes some touchy buttons by asking such questions as, "What makes one situation funny and another unfunny?" Or "Why are some jokes never told in mixed company?" It's a comedy insurrection that's sure to make offended politically correct pundits wince and head for the hills. For those who dare to remain, prepare to laugh yourself silly!
Springtime in Vienna: Vienna Symphonic Orchestra: Vol. 2 Heinz Wallberg conducts the world-class Vienna Symphonic Orchestra, soprano Sona Ghazarian and tenor Werner Hollweg in this concert featuring the works of Jacques Offenbach and Robert Stolz. Offenbach works include "Overture: Fair Helen," "Away She Flew, the Charming Dove," "Orpheus in the Underworld" and more. Stolz pieces include "Vienna Café," "Springtime Parade," "You Shall Be the Emperor of My Soul," "Two Hearts in Three-Four Time" and more.
Lonestar: Greatest Video Hits Country music group Lonestar pleases fans with a heady mix of their new releases and best-known chart-toppers, along with the videos that bring them to life on-screen. Songs include "Amazed," "With Me," "I'm Already There," "My Front Porch Looking In," "Not a Day Goes By" and "Mr. Mom."
Outkast: Dare to Be Different Atlanta's maverick musicians Big Boi and Dre shook up the hip-hop world with their first single, "Player's Ball," which hit No. 1 on the rap charts, and the band's melodious blend of Southern soul, hip-hop, rap and funk continues to reach the top. This insightful documentary chronicles Big Boi's and Dre's lives from childhood to their troubled adolescent years to their early rapper days to OutKast's phenomenal success and beyond.
The Naughty Stewardesses Follow these four sexy flight attendants as they live out their wildest fantasies in this erotic cult classic. Whether on the ground (in the apartment they share) or at cruising altitude thousands of feet in the air, these beautiful ladies know how to have fun -- and keep the pilots satisfied. B-movie legend Al Adamson directs this fun-filled 1970s romp that stars Connie Hoffman, Donna Desmond, Tracy King and Sydney Jordan.
Kimagure Orange Road: Summer's Beginning In this action-packed anime adventure, 19-year-old Kyosuke Kasuga leaps three years ahead after a monumental, near-miss accident. In the future, he's long considered dead, which propels him to prove his existence and find out for certain what caused the mishap that ended up classifying him as missing. Besides, he misses his beloved, Madoka, who, it turns out, still cares about him after all these years.
Baby Football Go long! Great for kids up to age 6, Baby Football will create an early interest in sports for your toddler that could lead to a lifetime of physical fitness, friendship and teamwork. This disc is geared toward teaching boys and girls self-confidence, a positive self-image, goal setting and personal achievement. Your child will love "Petey Pigskin," "Herbert Helmut" and the whole Tiny Tots gridiron gang.
Baby Basketball Great for kids up to age 6, Baby Basketball is no air ball! It will create an early interest in sports for your toddler that could lead to a lifetime of physical fitness, friendship and teamwork. This disc is geared toward teaching boys and girls self-confidence, a positive self-image, goal setting and personal achievement. You child will love "Jamaal Jammer," "Randy Roundball" and "Coach Hardcourt." This DVD's a slam-dunk!
Don Giovanni To commemorate the 200th anniversary of Mozart's death, Sir Charles Mackerras conducts this performance of "Don Giovanni" held in the restored Prague National Theatre (formerly the Ständetheater) -- the same venue where Mozart conducted the premiere performance of "Don Giovanni" on October 29, 1787. Features the Choir and Ballet of the Prague National Theatre; baritone Andrei Bestchastny sings the lead role.
Lee Aaron: Live in London This compliation captures international rock star Lee Aaron performing at two separate concerts in London. Trained in jazz but more renowned for her rock and pop renditions, Aaron proves that complexity and training do make a difference as the entertainer hits the stage. Watch as Aaron, known for such hits as "Small Day Tomorrow," "TV Is the Thing This Year" and "Why Don't You Do Right," whips the crowd into a frenzy with her singing.
Budo: The Art of Killing In Japan, the ancient practice called budo is considered combat in its purest style, a measuring stick by which to assess true warriors. That's because budo allows no weapons so that competition between opponents depends solely on their agility, strength and skill. Graceful but deadly, budo isn't for the faint of heart, as evidenced by this enlightening documentary that uncovers the secrets of the specialized form of martial arts.
Father Murphy: Season 2 John Michael Murphy (Merlin Olson) and his wife, Mae (Katherine Cannon), start life anew as a married couple in this second and final season of the hour-long dramatic series set in Gold Hill, a town on the brink of change in the American Wild West. All around them, in fact, change is in the offing, as the pair anxiously await the arrival of their first child and watch their neighbor grapple with theft, a suicide attempt and other challenges.
The Voyage of La Amistad: A Quest for Freedom Alfre Woodard narrates this moving documentary about the 1839 revolt aboard the slave ship La Amistad. News items, letters, drawings and dramatic readings by Charles Durning and Brock Peters chronicle the enslaved Africans who took over the <i>Amistad</i>, were captured off New York City's coast and then put on trial. Interviews include historian Cheryl Johnson-Odim and Clifton H. Johnson, director of Tulane University's Amistad Research Center.
AP Sports: Football: Vol. 3 Some of the National Football League's greatest icons are profiled via home movies and in-depth interviews with coaches, parents, friends and the players. Special footage shows the athletes strutting their stuff and coaches demonstrating offensive and defensive alignments through computer graphics. On this volume, host Don Shula and narrator Roy Firestone shine the spotlight on Hall of Fame wide receiver Jerry Rice and placekicker Jeff Jaeger.
Tough Guy Lovely young Olive (Heather Graham) is a nervous wreck after watching her husband murder her lover and then kill himself. As she tries to pick up the pieces of her shattered life, Olive also picks up strange men in bars … and soon finds herself the victim of a mysterious stalker. Trouble is, no one -- not even the police or her best friend -- believes her. Lisa Zane, Carrie-Anne Moss and Balthazar Getty costar in this hair-raising thriller.
Baby Baseball Batter up! Great for kids up to age 6, Baby Baseball will create an early interest in sports for your toddler that could lead to a lifetime of physical fitness, friendship and teamwork. This disc is geared toward teaching boys and girls self-confidence, a positive self-image, goal setting and personal achievement. Your child will love "Billy Baseball," "Sally Softball" and "Muddy Ball." Play ball!
S.S. Experiment Female inmates in a secret Nazi concentration camp are subjected to sadistic experiments in this disturbing World War II film. To achieve their aim of perfecting the Aryan race, Nazi leaders force women prisoners to mate with German soldiers and put them through cruel sexual tests. But after Sgt. Kruber (who falls for a lovely French detainee) is ordered to take part in a vile operation, he helps the ladies get revenge on their tormentors.
Bent Think of the great short stories or one-act plays you've read and seen. That's the kind of compressed drama -- where every detail must be telling -- that award-winning director Jason Santo brings to this diverse project. These tales are bound by the notion that the course of human life, like the path of running water, can be suddenly and unpredictably bent. Tina Krause, Gene Dante, Cassie Ross and Jennifer Irizarry star. Bridget Coulter narrates.
The Feral Man A string of troubling incidents brings a man to his knees in this psychological horror film. It's hard for Danny James (Brett Kelly) to imagine that things could get worse: His relationship with his girl (Mary MacPherson) is on the rocks, his job is the pits, and his dad dies. Emotionally exhausted, Danny suffers a mysterious attack at his father's funeral, setting off a series of life-altering events. Mark Courneyea and Steve Patterson costar.
MotoGP 2004 With this action-packed DVD, you'll experience heart-pounding thrills and spills as the world's top motorcycle racers tear it up in the 2004 MotoGP. In a surprise move from a Yamaha to a Honda, six-time world champ Valentino "The Doctor" Rossi battles rival Sete Gibernau in a nail-biting, 27-lap race on Australia's Phillip Island. The disc features highlights, practice sessions, races shot with trackside and bike-mounted cameras, and many extras.
Calexico: World Drifts In See Calexico live in concert at the Barbican in London, with special guests François Breut and Mariachi Luz de Luna. Also included on this packed disc are interviews with the band, Bill Carter's behind-the-scenes look at the making of "Feast of Wire," a documentary directed by Joey Burns, an on-the-road diary, music videos and an "El Kabong Rides Again" cartoon short subject. Everything Calexico fans could ask for!
Springtime in Vienna: Vienna Symphonic Orchestra: Vol. 3 Heinz Wallberg conducts the world-class Vienna Symphonic Orchestra, soprano Sylvia Geszty and tenor Adolf Dallapozza in this concert featuring the works of six master composers. The program features Franz von Suppé's "Overture: Poet and Peasant," Joseph Strauss's "Village Swallows from Austria," Johann Strauss's "Intermezzo from the operetta and more," Antonin Dvorák's "Three Slavonic Dances" and works by Karl Millöcker and Karl Zeller.
AP Sports: Football: Vol. 2 Some of the National Football League's greatest icons are profiled via home movies and interviews with coaches, parents, friends and the players. Special footage shows the athletes strutting their stuff and coaches demonstrating offensive and defensive alignments through computer graphics. On this disc, host Don Shula and narrator Roy Firestone shine the spotlight on cornerback Ronnie Lott, running back Rodney Hampton and punter Jeff Gossett.
Crystal Gayle: In Concert Country crooner Crystal Gayle wows audiences with her signature charm and elegance in this one-woman show recorded in Ontario, Canada. Displaying prodigious talent worthy of her numerous accolades (including Country Music Association honors and Grammy Awards), Gayle performs some of her best-known hits such as "Talkin' in Your Sleep," "Nobody's Angel" and fan favorite "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue."
Growing Up Wild: Vol. 1: Amazing Baby Animals This entertaining series from the Animal Planet channel teaches viewers about how little creatures, including lions, tigers and marsupials, survive against all odds. Some of the animals featured on the show (which also explores activists' efforts to save the endangered) were abandoned, set loose to manage on their own far earlier than they ordinarily would, and yet they find their way in the world and become strong and self-reliant.
Himsa: You've Seen Too Much Hard-core metal rockers Himsa perform live in their hometown of Seattle in this concert video filmed at the Graceland Theater. This electrifying performance capped off Himsa's U.S. tour for the album "Courting Tragedy and Disaster." The DVD features the hour-long Graceland Theater concert, candid backstage footage and previously unreleased director's cuts of two music videos -- "Rain to the Sound of Panic" and "A Girl in Glass."
Baby Soccer Get ready for that corner kick! Ideal for kids up to age 6, Baby Soccer will create an interest in sports for your toddler that could lead to a lifetime of physical fitness, friendship and teamwork. This disc is geared toward teaching boys and girls self-confidence, a positive self-image, goal setting and personal achievement. Your child will love "Sammy Soccer," "Katie Kicks," "Cosmo Keeper" and the whole Tiny Tots gang. Mia Hamm would be proud!
Shades of Hip Hop: The Cypher Out-of-control egos veer and crash in this unique look at some of hip-hop's biggest stars (DMX, Mos Def, Big Pun, Canibus, John Forte and Mic Geronimo) before they gained international fame. The high point is a battle of wits that can only be decided in a hip-hop rhyme session. It's just one of many classic battles that will help you better understand the competitive spirit that is at the nucleus of these extemporaneous artists.
DJ Dizzy's Dance Hizzy It's high energy all the way as kids learn the fun dance styles of hip-hop, break dancing, jazz, ballet, mambo, freestyle and more. Shake your booty along with world-class choreographers Evan Alekzander, Dan Nier and "The Groove Crew" as they show you how much fun exercising and learning can be. Learn to dance like 'N Sync, Justin Timberlake, Usher and other superstars who have the moves down pat.
The Devil's Music Consisting of 10 episodes, this animated, online series from screenwriter Cheo Hodari Coker follows rapper Shane McDaniel (voiced by Mos Def), who cuts a deal with Old Scratch in exchange for fame and fortune. Shane awakens to the dangers of gangsta rap after narrowly escaping death -- but the devil intervenes when the hip-hopper tries to turn over a new leaf. To regain control of his music and his life, Shane must battle evil forces.
Zizi Jeanmaire Dances Roland Petit Prima ballerina Zizi Jeanmaire pays homage to choreographer Roland Petit in this moving tribute. Petit's talents as a narrator, creator, choreographer and dancer are showcased as Jeanmaire performs three ballets: "Carmen," "Le Juene Homme et la Mort" ("The Young Man and the Death") and "La Croqueuse de Diamants" ("The Gold Digger"). The film also features Jeanmaire dancing on tour with Rudolph Nureyev, Dirk Sanders and Petit.
Sev Trek: Pus in Boots Commander Piker and the intrepid crew of the Sevship Enterforaprize must destroy a power-hungry zit while battling an enemy warship in this 3D animated spoof based on John Cook's popular campy cult comic strip. There's plenty of wry sci-fi humor as Piker's pimple detaches from its host and wreaks havoc aboard the Enterforaprize. Extras include audio commentary from Cook and animator Andrew Simpson and an original "Pus in Boots" cartoon.
Pietasters: Live at the 9:30 Club In this live concert video, innovative ska band the Pietasters strut their stuff in their hometown of Washington, D.C. Known for their distinctive blend of reggae, soul and punk, the seven-member group performs more than 15 tunes, including "Biblical Sense," "Drinkin' and Drivin," "Dollar Bill," "Freak Show," "Girl Take It Easy" and "Factory." The disc also contains two bonus songs ("Can't Stand It" and "D.C. Sniper") and a tour video.
Baby Golf Fore! Great for kids up to age 6, Baby Golf will create an early interest in sports for your toddler that could lead to a lifetime of physical fitness, friendship and teamwork. This disc is geared toward teaching boys and girls self-confidence, a positive self-image, goal setting and personal achievement. Your child will love "Gilbert Golfrey," "Danny Dimples," "Pammy Putter" and the whole Tiny Tots golfing crew.
Death in June: Live in Italy 1999 Rock group Death in June is renowned for such earth-shattering tunes as "Torture by Roses," "To Drown a Rose" and "Coal Black Smith." This DVD collects three of their music videos shot in Croatia and features the band's thrilling 1999 performance in Bologna, Italy. Cameras placed at various surprising angles capture the electricity and vibe of one amazing night, which has the group running through 20 of their signature goth-techno tunes.
AP Sports: Football: Vol. 4 Some of the National Football League's greatest icons are profiled via rare home movies and in-depth interviews with coaches, parents, close friends and the players. Special footage shows the athletes strutting their stuff and coaches demonstrating offensive and defensive alignments through computer graphics. On this volume, host Don Shula and narrator Roy Firestone shine the spotlight on All-Pro linemen Reggie White and Eric Allen.
Funky Meters: Live from the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival New Orleans's Funky Meters perform live at the 2000 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Fest in this concert video. The groovy funk band infuses blues and a distinct New Orleans flavor into their danceable tunes and shake up the stage with songs such as "Chug a Lug," "Africa," "Cissy Strut," "Saturday Night Fish Fry," "They All Ask for You," "Ain't No Use" and "Look-Ka Py Py." Extras include interviews with Art Neville and George Porter Jr.
Two's Company: Series 2 Cultures clash between a pushy American and her proper British butler in this witty sitcom set in London. In need of some help around her Chelsea townhouse, American thriller author and raging feminist Dorothy McNab (Elaine Stritch) hires refined manservant Robert (Donald Sinden). The laughs ensue as brazen Dorothy and self-composed Robert go after one another in a well-matched battle of wits. All eight episodes from Series 2 are included.
Shades of Soul: Too Much Drama This ensemble of short films is geared toward the often underrepresented African-American cinema viewing audience. "Next Afternoon" stars rapper Heavy D as the wrongful recipient of stolen goods; in "Blow from the Past," two friends get caught up in a dark scene; "Wooden Nickels" follows two lovers beset by addiction; in "Open the Sky," a thriving writer heads home to give thanks; and in "Gamepoint," skills on the court are put to the test.
Mysteries, Magic & Miracles: Season 1 Join host Patrick MacNee as he visits the four corners of the globe in search of the planet's most baffling tales and inexplicable events. Season 1 of the top-rated television show (which originally aired on the Sci-Fi Channel), brings back all the fascinating stories from authentic cases and real incidents. Well-known myths are put to the test as the program attempts to answer questions about the unsolved and the unexplained.
Grip Video: Vol. 5 A must for import car gear-heads. In this fifth volume, a veritable video magazine, you'll have the best seat in the house for show coverage, celebrity interviews, hot girls and street-racing action -- all from the import car world. Travel to the 2003 International Auto Salon and the Import Extreme Showdown, have an enlightening chat with Ernie Fixmer, Benson Hu, Nina Roxanne and RJ Devera and check out an array of new products and manufacturers.
Lambada Me: The Forbidden Dance Spice up your life by learning to dance the forbidden Lambada with this instructional video set to a blend of reggae, samba and salsa music. A fusion of merengue, tango, whirling, twisting and shuffling dance movements, the Lambada is a romantic, exciting dance that inspires freedom of expression in those who dare to dance it. This DVD lesson provides easy, step-by-step instruction to mastering the forbidden dance.
AP Sports: Football: Vol. 1 Some of the National Football League's greatest icons are profiled via rare home movies and in-depth interviews with coaches, parents, close friends and the players. Special footage shows the athletes strutting their stuff and coaches demonstrating offensive and defensive alignments through computer graphics. On this disc, host Don Shula and narrator Roy Firestone shine the spotlight on all-star quarterback Brett Favre and defenseman Jim Lachey.
Tanya's Island Man and beast vie for a beautiful woman in this tropical island adventure. With city life's stress behind them, Tanya (Vanity) and her artist boyfriend, Lobo (Richard Sargent), settle into their new home: a deserted isle. But they're not alone; Tanya soon encounters and befriends a blue-eyed gorilla, creating a rivalry between the mercurial Lobo and the primate. As the ape develops human traits and desires, Lobo begins acting like a wild animal.
Grip Video: Vol. 4 In this fourth volume, a veritable video magazine, you'll have the best seat in the house for show coverage, celebrity interviews, hot girls and street-racing action -- all from the import car world. Travel to Japan for a firsthand look at the hot and happenin' phenomenon of "mountain drifting," check out Fumiaki Komatsu's "Drifter X Freestyle" and witness the TechArt Porsche twin turbo GT-Street. This disc will really get your motor racing!
Kottonmouth Kings: 10 Years Deep Sit back and enjoy a documentary-based journey into the life of the talented musicians that make up the Kottonmouth Kings. Learn the amazing true story of the Kings from what has to be the ultimate source -- the band members themselves. Included on this packed disc are special features such as interviews with band members, fans, artists and more, plus a liberal dose of video clips and photos.
Soneros de Verdad: Sounds of Cuba The stars of the hit film Buena Vista Social Club -- Pio Leyva, Guillermo Rubalcaba and Julio Fernandez -- perform live in this zesty concert video. The godfathers of Cuban music dish up their spicy blend of traditional Latin sounds mixed with Afro-Cuban rhythms. Songs include "Chan Chan," "Francisco Guayabal," "Danzon y Son," "A Buena Vista Barrio de la Habana," "Instrumental y Bolero," "Pena me da" and "El Cuarto de Tula."
Paul Robeson: James Earl Jones One-Man Show James Earl Jones turns in a commanding performance as charismatic actor and singer Paul Robeson in this one-man show. In Jones' expert hands, Robeson springs to life, relating how he became one of the first black stars (appearing in films such as The Emperor Jones and Show Boat) who dared to speak out against racism. Robeson was also enmeshed in other controversial issues and found himself blacklisted for siding with Russia during the Cold War.
Tension & Release: Springing the Blues 2003 Recorded at Florida's annual Jacksonville Beach Blues Festival, this illuminating film captures performances by talented blues musicians and features intimate conversations with the artists. Musical acts such as Jimmy Thackery, the Otis Taylor Band, the John Hammond Band, Johnnie Marshall and others provide insight into how they live the blues and how the structure of "tension and release" inspires their passionate performances.
Lost in the Game The urban drama offers a no-holds-barred look at the cutthroat world of hip-hop musicians trying to make their way to the top. Music manager Playboy T wants to ensure the success of his rapper client, Nitetrain. So, when the Vill (MC Ren), a street thug with deep pockets, finishes serving his jail sentence, T offers him a chance to produce Nitetrain's debut album in exchange for cash. But T soon comes to regret his decision.
Guinea Pig: Mermaid in a Manhole In this disturbing feature from producer Satoru Ogura's gruesomely graphic horror series, an art teacher stumbles upon a dying mermaid in a sewer and brings her home. Unable to help her, he can only watch as she slowly dies -- but before she expires, she tells him how to improve his artwork. Police later arrest the man for brutally dismembering a young woman, and the only words the almost-comatose killer can mutter are "beautiful" and "mermaid." Extras include the bonus feature He Never Dies.
The Flesh Merchant A team of L.A. detectives hunt down the ringleaders of a sex-slave operation in this thriller. The number of kidnapped girls is increasing, and when Detective Darleen Paxton's (Margaret Romero) sister is snatched by sex-slavers Jack Valentino (Neil Delama) and Delambre (Don Stroud), she disobeys Capt. Jameson's (Joe Estevez) orders and, using herself as bait, sets up a sting operation with the help of her partner. But Paxton's plan goes awry. …
Gone With the apocalypse imminent, three lawyers are sent to Manila to defend a multinational corporation, but instead meet their fate during the Final Days. As the legal eagles come to terms with the world (and their place in it), humanity and, finally, God, events come to a stunning conclusion at the foot of the world's largest cross, located on the Bataan peninsula across from the Philippine capital. Tim Chey directs this Christian-oriented film.
Grip Video: Vol. 1 In this premiere volume, a veritable video magazine, you'll have the best seat in the house for show coverage, celebrity interviews, hot girls and street-racing action -- all from the import car world. The single-minded gear-heads on this disc introduce you to the most comprehensive import content around. Special features include outtakes, interviews, shop and manufacturer profiles, event coverage and more.
The Method Sean Patrick Flanery, Tyrin Turner, Natasha Gregson Wagner and Nicholas Sadler star in this thriller about four actors who take their talents to risky new heights. Cast in a play as bank robbers, the young thespians can't find a connection to their criminal characters … until they try method acting. With loaded guns in hand, the actors immerse themselves in their roles -- and turn in the performances of their lives as fiction becomes fact.
Guinea Pig: Devil's Experiment In this grisly film from producer Satoru Ogura's shockingly explicit horror series, Tokyo's police force investigates a video so gruesome that they can't believe the disturbing tape is real. After receiving a letter about a brutal endurance test performed on humans and a graphic videotape titled "The Devil's Experiment," the cops try to determine whether the footage is a hoax or authentic -- and who's responsible for it. Not for the squeamish. Extras include a bonus feature Android of Notre Dame.
