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Published weekly by DVD Direct 4 Less, the online source for DVD Discounts & Deals
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In This Issue
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February 13, 2005
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We don't often designate a "top pick" in the DVD Dossier, but if we did this week's Director's Cut of "Donnie Darko" would be it.
"Donnie Darko," written and directed by Richard Kelly, is a strange and incredibly original cult film (first released in 2001) that combines so many different genres, it really can't be classified easily. Is it a teen comedy? A horror film? A warm and fuzzy family drama? A sly and cynical cultural satire?
Well, yes, it's all that and a bag of chips. And highly entertaining to boot.
During the presidential election of 1988, a teenager named Donnie Darko (Jake Gyllenhaal) sleepwalks out of his house one night, and sees a giant, demonic-looking rabbit named Frank, who tells him the world will end in 28 days, 6 hours, 42 minutes, and 12 seconds.
He returns home the next morning to find that a jet engine has crashed through his bedroom. As he tries to figure out why he survived and tries to deal with people in his town, like the school bully, his conservative health teacher, and a self-help guru, Frank continues to turn up in Donnie's mind, causing him to commit acts of vandalism - and worse.
The new Director’s Cut of "Donnie Darko" includes a production diary of the film (with optional commentary by Director of Photography Steven Poster), a storyboard to screen featurette, the Director’s Cut theatrical trailer, "They Made Me Do It Too – The Cult of Donnie Darko" and "The #1 Fan: A Darkomentary."
The press materials for "Into the Sun" insist that "only one man can stop the Yakuza"... surprisingly, that man turns out to be Steven Seagal. He's back this week in this rather drab action thriller in which he plays a former CIA agent who goes after evildoers and in the process uncovers a plot to detonate a nuclear device in the U.S.
The film is not very exciting, but the special effects are quite good. In fact, in one scene they actually make it seem like Seagal is acting!
(Yes, yes, I know... I've used that joke before when speaking of action stars Jean Claude Van Damme, Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger. But we have a lot of new readers and I simply couldn't resist. Please forgive me.)
Also out this week is the violent and disturbing "Saw" starring Cary Elwes, Danny Glover, Monica Potter and Leigh Whannel (who also wrote the screenplay for this mess of a psychological thriller).
The plot - about a deranged, sadistic serial killer and the morally corrupt people whom he challenges - stretches credibility from the very start. Mr. Whannel might want to keep his day job. And if his day job is acting, he may wish to consider alternate forms of employment.
And "Taxi" comes to DVD this week, with enthusiastic performances from Jimmy Fallon and Queen Latifah, but very few laughs.
Dave Chappelle, on the other hand, is quite funny in "Half Baked," being released this week in a new Special, er, I mean "Fully Baked" Edition. Watch for cameo appearances by Snoop Dogg, Jon Stewart, Willie Nelson, Tommy Chong, Janeane Garofalo, Steven Wright, Bob Saget and Clarence Williams III.
If you're a preteen girl - or know one - you'll want to pick up a copy of "Raise Your Voice" starring Hilary Duff. All others will probably want to steer clear of this formulaic flick.
John Ritter gave his last performance in a film called "Manhood: A Guide For Serial Womanizers," which also stars Nestor Carbonell and Janeane Garofalo. It arrives on DVD this week, as does "Frostbite," a silly little snowboarding adventure that we wouldn't even be talking about except for the presence of Traci Lords in the cast.
"The Motorcycle Diaries" stars three of today's hottest young actors: Gael García Bernal, Rodrigo de la Serna and Mía Maestro. Based on the inspiring real-life story of a brave trip across a continent on a motorcycle, the film follows the life-changing journey of two young men, Ernesto Guevara de la Serna and Alberto Granado, all across Latin America.
Surprising and exciting destinations await the two best friends - one of whom, Ernesto, later became known to the world as "El Che" Guevara. Executive-produced by Robert Redford, "The Motorcycle Diaries" is one of last year's most critically acclaimed films.
With pokerfaced impersonation as their weapon, and World Trade Organization officials as their target, "The Yes Men" pull off one bold prank after another in an effort to raise political consciousness. And when their outrageous stunts are actually swallowed – hook, line and sinker – "The Yes Men" must up the satirical ante and push the art of public spectacle to new heights.
"The Yes Men" is a very funny political documentary.
A new fitness disc is out this week: "Just My Size: Yoga With Megan Garcia," as well as the usual crop of popular television shows: Series 3 of "Ballykissangel," the Seventh Season of "Little House on the Prairie," the Fifth Season of "Angel" and Season One of "The Greatest American Hero."
"The Greatest American Hero" is the 1981 dramedy starring William Katt as a mild-mannered high school teacher whose close encounter with aliens leaves him with a super-power suit that only he can control. (Unfortunately, he loses the instruction manual.) But his girlfriend (Connie Seleca) and an FBI agent (Robert Culp) help him straighten up and fly right.
Included are all 8 episodes from Season One, the 2 hour pilot, plus the unaired pilot for a proposed "Greatest American Heroine" spin-off series and 75 minutes of brand new interviews with Katt, Selleca, Culp and series creator Stephen J. Cannell.
That's it for this week. Happy Valentine's Day, everybody!
We'll see you again next week with more DVD news, announcements and reviews.
Regards,
DVD Direct 4 Less
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| This Week's New DVD Releases - Street Date: February 15, 2005 |
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Visit us online to see a comprehensive list of new DVD releases for the next six weeks.
Links above are for Region 1 (USA) Editions. Availability and release dates elsewhere may vary.
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"Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind," "The Cat Returns" and "Porco Rosso" will each be available separately in 2-disc sets on February 22nd.
The three animated films are being released by Walt Disney Home Entertainment and Studio Ghibli and each film includes a new all-star English language soundtrack (as well as the original Japanese language track), storyboards, making of featurettes and more.
The milestone films feature a unique blend of entertaining storytelling, compelling characters, exotic settings and stunning animation presented with a digital picture for the best possible viewing experience.
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"Nausicaä" takes place a thousand years after a great war in a seaside kingdom known as the Valley of the Wind, one of the few areas that remains populated. Led by the courageous Princess Nausicaä, the people of the Valley are engaged in a constant struggle with powerful insects called ohmu, who guard a poisonous jungle that is spreading across the Earth.
Writer/Director Hayao Miyazaki, one of the most celebrated filmmakers in animation - often called “the Disney of Japan” - has created a timeless story about courage and compassion in the face of danger. Actors on the English voicetrack of "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind" include Alison Lohman, Patrick Stewart, Uma Thurman and Edward James Olmos.
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Also from the creators of the Academy-Award®–winning “Spirited Away” (Best Animated Feature, 2002) comes the visually impressive "The Cat Returns," an animated journey to a world of magic and adventure.
Haru, a schoolgirl bored by her ordinary routine, saves the life of an unusual cat, and suddenly her world is transformed beyond anything she’s ever imagined.
Her good deed is rewarded with a flurry of presents, including gift-wrapped mice, and one very shocking proposal of marriage.
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The English language version of "The Cat Returns" features the voice talents of Anne Hathaway, Cary Elwes, Peter Boyle, Elliott Gould, Andy Richter, Rene Auberjonois, Tim Curry, Judy Greer, Andrew Bevis, Kristen Bell, Kristine Sutherland and Katia Coe.
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“Porco Rosso” is a valiant World War I flying ace whose face has been transformed into that of a pig by a mysterious spell. When he infuriates a band of sky pirates with his high flying heroics, the pirates hire Curtis, a rival pilot, to “get rid” of him.
On the ground, the two pilots compete over the affections of Gina, a beautiful cabaret singer.
But it is in the air, with Fio, a young and talented airplane engineer and designer, where Porco’s true battles are waged.
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From its Mediterranean Sea settings to its dazzling aerial dogfights, "Porco Rosso" is another exhilarating animated adventure from Hayao Miyazaki.
The English language version of "Porco Rosso" features voice performances by Michael Keaton, Brad Garrett, Susan Egan, Kimberly Williams and David Ogden Stiers.
You can preorder any of the titles in the "Miyazaki Collection" now and save 30%...
Each of these magical and mystical worlds will enchant and delight audiences of all ages!
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| Which DVD Loves Ya, Baby? |
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Season One of "Kojak" comes to DVD March 8th.
Telly Savalas won two Golden Globe®Awards for his unforgettable portrayal of the tough, wisecracking but compassionate cop Lt. Theo Kojak in the show, which aired on CBS from
The multiple Emmy®-nominated hit, which People Magazine dubbed "a TV classic: slick, well-plotted and entertaining," features Savalas as a brash, stylish, streetwise detective who battles criminals on the gritty streets of 1970s New York.
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This new boxed set includes all 22 episodes from the First Season of the Top-10 rated series. In addition to Savalas as the lollipop-loving sleuth, the season features memorable guest appearances by Harvey Keitel, James Woods, John Ritter and Dabney Coleman.
Preorder "Kojak" on DVD now and save 30%.
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"The SpongeBob Squarepants Movie" comes to DVD March 1st.
This over-the-top animated comedy-adventure marked the big-screen debut for the undersea sensation and features the celebrity voice talents of Alec Baldwin, Scarlett Johansson and Jeffrey Tambor, with a live action David Hasselhoff (as himself).
SpongeBob Squarepants (voiced by Tom Kenny) takes leave from the town of Bikini Bottom in order to track down King Neptune's stolen crown. Sponge meets world for the very first time and a hero rises when he undertakes a mission to save the future of Bikini Beach.
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Preorder "The SpongeBob Squarepants Movie" now and save 35%.
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"Spanglish," the sophisticated romantic comedy starring Adam Sandler, Téa Leoni, Paz Vega and Cloris Leachman arrives on DVD April 5th.
Sandler plays a devoted dad whose skills as a chef have afforded his family a very upscale life, including a summer home in Malibu and a breathtaking new housekeeper.
The housekeeper has recently emigrated to L.A. from Mexico and is trying to find a better life for her daughter, who is rapidly embracing the American way of life.
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When the housekeeper and daughter move in with the family for the summer, the housekeeper has to fight for her daughter’s soul as she discovers that life in a new country is perilous… especially when you’re being embraced by an affluent eccentric American family.
Included in the DVD’s bonus material are deleted scenes, behind-the-scenes featurettes, commentary with director /producer James L. Brooks, Sandler and Leoni, previews and more.
Pre-order "Spanglish" now and save 30%. |
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"Ladder 49" celebrates the ordinary men who put everything on the line to become heroes.
The film, the DVD of which goes on sale March 8th, stars Joaquin Phoenix and John Travolta and contains thrilling true to life fire rescue scenes. "Ladder 49's" supporting cast includes Robert Patrick, Morris Chestnut and newcomer Jacinda Barrett.
The story concerns Baltimore firefighter Jack Morrison (Phoenix) as he grows from inexperienced rookie to seasoned veteran, coping with a risky, dangerous job that often shortchanges his wife (Barrett) and kids.
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He relies on the support of his second family: Captain Mike Kennedy (Travolta) and the men of the firehouse. When Jack becomes trapped in the worst blaze of his career, the firefighters of "Ladder 49" learn that the greatest fight they face will be saving one of their own.
DVD bonus materials for "Ladder 49" include: deleted scenes, “Everyday Heroes” featuring real stories from real firefighters, a “Making of Ladder 49” featurette, “Shine Your Light” music video performed by Robbie Robertson and audio commentary from Director Jay Russell and Editor Bud Smith.
The DVD also features the "Enhanced Home Theater Mix," a dynamic audio-sensory experience, designed specifically for home theater systems.
Pre-order "Ladder 49" today and save 30%. |
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| Preview of Next Week's Releases - Street Date: February 22, 2005 |
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In addition to the Miyazaki titles, next week brings several Special Editions: "Get Shorty" (John Travolta, Gene Hackman, Rene Russo, Danny DeVito), "Heat" (Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Val Kilmer), "On a Clear Day You Can See Forever" (Barbra Streisand, Yves Montand) and the "Funny Girl / Funny Lady" boxed set (Streisand, James Caan, Omar Sharif).
From TV comes the Second Seasons of "Ellen," "At Home With the Braithwaites" and "Family Business" (available separately), the History Channel biography of "Ben Franklin" and The Complete Third Season of "The Shield," starring Michael Chiklis in one of television's hardest-hitting cop dramas.
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Please note: all DVDs were available for sale as of the original publication date of this newsletter. Some may no longer be in inventory at the present time and preorder savings may not be in effect. If you're you're having difficulty finding a particular title, you can search current availability for any DVD here.
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The DVD Dossier is a free weekly newsletter that contains objective information about new DVD releases that has been researched and written by the editors at DVD Direct 4 Less, as well as advertisements and promotional information provided by movie studios.
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Savings percentages quoted apply to preorder purchases from amazon.com and were in effect at the time of publication; preorder savings may vary at other online merchants.
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