This is the only place to go each week to see what the number one new release is. Well, you can at least see what I am most interested in getting each week, plus some of the other releases.
This weeks pick is also one of the best movies to have been released this year. The DVD you must see is Batman Begins. This is, hands down, the best filmed version of the legendary superhero. Christopher Nolan had already proven himself with the incredible Memento and the excellent Insomnia. Now it was time for him to step up to another level and see if could craft a fine superhero flick. First thing he did was get a good comic book adaptation writer in David Goyer (Blade). Then he got a first rate cast including Christian Bale, Morgan Freeman, Liam Neeson, Ken Watanabe, Gary Oldman, Cillian Murphy, and Katie Holmes. Hard to argue with names like that.
Together they brought the finest version of the Bat ever realized. Action, drama, strong characters, it is just fantastic. Even if you are not a fan of superheroes, you will like this.
It is being released in two versions, a single disk and a two disk special edition. I cannot wait for the two disk version.
Also coming out this week:
- The Adventures of Superman: The Complete First Season. The first season of the 1950's George Reeves era.
- Batman: The Complete 1943 Movie Serial Collection. Original shown as shorts in theaters, here is the entire 1943 series in one volume.
- Batman: The Motion Picture Anthology 1989-1997. Here is the collection of the four Bats films in new two disk editions. Batman, Batman Returns, Batman Forever, Batman & Robin. They are also available separately.
- Batman vs Dracula. An animated film based on the recent The Batman series.
- The Big Lebowski: Collector's Edition. Who doesn't like the Dude?
- Bruce Lee Ultimate Collection. In newly remastered editions, here are The Big Boss, Fist of Fury, Return of the Dragon, Game of Death, Game of Death II.
- Elektra: Unrated Director's Cut. Not sure what is different here, or if it makes it a better movie, but I am interested.
- Land of the Dead. George Romero's latest zombie effort. I liked it, not sure where it will end up in the pantheon of Romero zombies, time will tell.
- He-Man and the Masters of the Universe: Season One, Vol 1. I have the power! Who else loved this half hour toy commercial?
- Mad Hot Ballroom. This is a wonderful documentary about inner city kids in a ballroom dancing competition. The positive effect is great.
- Samurai 7: Vol. 2. Haven't watched the first volume yet, but I like the concept.
- Saw: Uncut Edition. This is actually shorter than the theatrical release by a touch. It tightens up the editing and adds some gore back, or so I'm told.
Article comments
1 - Scott
Friggin' awesome. Even my wife liked this Batman movie, which is really saying something. I will be picking this up today. Oh yes.
2 - Tan The Man
"Gotham isn't beyond saving."
3 - Pacze Moj
The Dude trumps Batman any week of the month! The bat is out of his element in the presence of Lebowski.
That being said, I'm not even sure what's new in the re-release of The Big Lebowski. But Batman Begins is overrated -- at least in the opinion of this superhero non-fan.
Not a lot of choice this week.
4 - Liam Gallagher
Batman Begins was an awesome movie--the best of the summer. I am really looking forward to the sequel, although three years seems like a hulluva long time to wait. Cheers.
5 - El Bicho
I can't believe you left off the actual DVD pick of the week.
My Canadian brothers from Ontario and beyond might remember the brilliant kid's show, The Hilarious House of Frightenstein.
It was a cross between Sesame Street, Laugh-In and a Universal Monster movie. Billy Van played most of the characters and Vincent Price did intros for some of the scenes. Spooky, but never to scary. Pure insanity and they even played rock songs. I'm curious if they obtained the music rights.
My favorite character was a creature called the Grammar Slammer Bammer. Whenever Igor used bad grammar like, "that was my bestest meal," the voice of the Grammar Slammer would show up and correct him while the GSB wanted Igor to keep erring so he could give him a pounding.
I've already ordered mine.