There are a number of fun movies included in this week's roster of releases. There are surprise hits and big summer films, emotional tearjerkers and expanded editions of previously released favorites. Not to mention this week brings a few more James Bond collections and a sequel to a film that probably does not need it. The big question is which one comes out on top, and you have two choices: go back and read the title that you may have skipped, or read on to find out which DVD made the cut.
The lucky pick this week is none other than — drum roll, please — okay, I'll stop. The pick is The Devil Wears Prada. It was a surprise hit this past summer and features a deliciously evil performance from Meryl Streep. This was a movie that I was not expecting to like, much less really like. On the surface it is an ugly duckling story about a girl overcoming the odds to prove everyone wrong. If you dig beneath the surface, you will find a movie that falls a little more to the subversive side. It really shows you how someone can get you to drink the Kool-Aid without you ever really knowing it; it's a story of manipulation. Watch as Streep gets Hathaway's character to change herself and conform to what Streep wants her to be. It is quite an amazing little movie.
The DVD release looks pretty good as well. It includes a number of deleted scenes, commentary with participants such as director David Frankel, producer Wendy Finerman, costume designer Patricia Field, and a couple of featurettes highlighting the production. It may not be as elaborate as some other films, but it still looks pretty good to me. All told, this is a movie that I very much recommend; it is well worth spending a couple of hours with (unless you are my mother, who was bored by it).
Also out this week:
- Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby. This was a rather funny Will Ferrell vehicle, and it was also my first formal introduction to Sacha Baron Cohen, who would later grace the screens as Borat. This one is a definite rental opportunity.
- James Bond Ultimate Edition Vol. 3 (Goldeneye, Live and Let Die, For Your Eyes Only, From Russia With Love, On Her Majesty's Secret Service). The one thing I wish for these sets is that they were done chronologically. Sure, these give nice cross-sections, but I always like chronological collections. This set does include some of my favorites, especially From Russia with Love and to a lesser extent On Her Majesty's Secret Service.
- James Bond Ultimate Edition Vol. 4 (Dr. No, You Only Live Twice, Octopussy, Tomorrow Never Dies, Moonraker). Not quite as strong as Volume 3, but this does include the first of the series in Dr. No.
- The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe - Four Disc Extended Edition. I liked the movie, but I am not sure that I want four disks of it, especially since I passed on the original two-disk edition.
- Barnyard: The Original Party Animals. Steve Oedekerk, the mind behind Kung Pow, turns his eye towards animation. The film had good theatrical legs, but I can't say that it particularly excited me.
- World Trade Center. This was a powerfully moving film, and perhaps one of Oliver Stone's most straightforward outings yet. The content and subject matter will bring a tear to your eye and a small curl of a smile. Nicolas Cage's long face holds plenty of emotion for us all. Definitely worth seeing, although I prefer United 93.
- Voltron: Defender of the Universe - Collection Two. I loved this series as a kid, which reminds me, I still need to get the first set. Nothing quite like a group of young people flying robot lions that form a big robot to battle the forces of evil.
- The Fox and the Hound 2. Did we really need this? I liked the original as a child, but not so much now; not sure I need this.
- Stacked: The Complete Series. For some reason I liked this lame excuse for a series. Who had the bright idea of putting Pamela Anderson in a bookstore?
- Masters of Horror: Fair Haired Child. And the horror series keeps on rolling. I have only seen a couple, but the concept of this series is brilliant.
- The Cave of the Silken Web. Old school Shaw Bros. action. This one has a group of adventurers trapped in a cave with a group of seductresses intent on eating flesh to gain immortality.
- The Kumite. Looks kind of like Bloodsport or maybe Mortal Kombat; whatever it is, it looks loaded with action.
- Running on Karma. This is a fun film starring Andy Lau in a ridiculous muscle suit and the adorable Cecilia Cheung. Been a while since I saw it, but I remember liking it an awful lot.
What are you getting this week?
Article comments
1 - LL
Running on Karma is a drama, NOT a fun movie. It's a religious subject, not a comedy :/
2 - Chris Beaumont
Only comedy's can be fun? Granted, it has been awhile since I've seen it, but I do remember enjoying it, and I have no qualms saying I had fun with it.