Can you guess which of these movies has timed its DVD release for Oscar consideration? That's right. Fantastic Four. For Best Makeup. Seriously, have you seen Michael Chiklis as The Thing?
Cinderella Man
You remember that movie this summer that everyone said you should see (and, by "everyone," I mean the critics) and it seemed like you probably should see it but in that "eating your vegetables" kind of way so you went to see The Fantastic Four instead? Well, it's out on DVD now. (And, in some places, back in theaters).
Truth is, you really should see it. It's quite good. Maybe not A Beautiful Mind good (they share a writer, director, and lead), but still way up there. The scene where Russell Crowe as depression-era boxer/icon Jim J. Braddock begs for change from his former colleagues is proof enough that he's still got it, phone-chucker or no.
The regular edition includes plenty of extras, including three separate commentaries (one director, two writers), deleted scenes, and numerous featurettes on things like casting and boxing history. If you splurge for the Collector's Edition you get even more deleted scenes and featurettes, including footage of the original Baer/Braddock fight that serves as the film's climax.
Fantastic Four
I'm hard pressed to find anyone who really liked this movie, but (aside from critics) I'm hard pressed to find anyone who really hated it, either. Regardless, this film rode that wave of "meh" to blockbuster status in a summer of underperformers, so it must have done something right. Right?
The most frightening extra is an exclusive look at the making of X-Men 3, which is now under the watchful eye of Brett "Red Dragon" Ratner. Talk about "meh."
The Dukes of Hazzard (Unrated Widescreen Edition)
You'll find plenty of people who didn't like this adaptation, including ex-Cooter Ben Jones (but his protest actually makes the film look pretty good). Still, this movie and all the press surrounding it managed to remind us that Jessica Simpson did, in fact, have a great body. Because we were in serious danger of forgetting that. Perhaps in the spirit of reminding us once more, an Unrated Edition is now available, although I'm going to rate the chances of seeing Daisy's Dukes as highly unlikely. You do, however, get a featurette that teaches you how to make your own pair of Daisy Duke shorts. Seriously. They don't think you can figure that out on your own.
The West Wing: The Complete Fifth Season
With the abrupt departure of creator/writer Aaron Sorkin and perennial director Thomas Schlamme at the end of Season Four, The West Wing faced a crossroads: Would it suck completely now, or just a little? They erred toward "completely."
Article comments
1 - elsa
Cinderella Man? Paul Giametti was incredible. And the dialogue (particularly for his character) was far superior to what is usually offered.
2 - visualsimplicity
Gargoyles: Season 2 and Thundercats? It's Gen X childhood throwback week!