CHUCK: THE COMPLETE FOURTH SEASON
Release date: September 6, 2011
Synopsis: Operation Wedded Bliss: will Chuck and Sarah finally become
Mr. and Mrs. Superspy? Season Four’s 24 laugh- and action-filled episodes
include the duo’s romance from proposal to planning to the big day. Yes,
Chuck’s in love, but he has more than romance (and the Intersect) on his
mind. His mom comes in from the cold, escaping the evil control of an
international arms dealer to become part of the Nerd Herder-turned-spy’s
life – and making it even tougher for Chuck to keep his professional and
personal worlds separate. On some days, Chuck outwits assassins and
out-martial-arts hordes of black-clad bad guys. On others, he pursues Sarah
and prepares to become a doting uncle. On most days, he does it all!
REVIEWS
There are dozens of DVDs coming out each month. I have divided them into
several types -- regular entertainment, family and WB Archives. Information
about regular DVDs can be found at DVDs. Looking for movies
you can watch with your children? I have moved many of the family-oriented
DVDs to a Family
DVDs page. Here you will find wonderful DVDs you can enjoy with your entire
family -- no matter the age. You will find background information about the
DVD, but there are clips as well from Warner Bros. Warner Home Video has
provided me with old videos that they are restored and made available over
time. Those can now be found in the WB Archives.
Enjoy!
TOP GEAR: SEASON ONE Release date:
August 2
Top Gear, races across the pond with the first season of the U.S.
version of the world’s most popular car entertainment show. Coming to DVD
this July, Top Gear: The Complete First Season, produced by BBC
Worldwide Productions, includes all 10 episodes and exclusive DVD extras. The
debut 3-disc DVD set features comedian Adam Ferrara, champion rally car and
drift racer Tanner Foust and racing analyst Rutledge Wood. The intrepid trio
packs the first season with super-cars, extreme stunts and challenges, car
reviews, celebrity interviews and, of course, the Stig, Top Gear’s silent
and mysterious racing driver. The show is chock-full of high-adrenaline action
entertainment as it tracks the colorful history of the automobile as well as
the eccentric adventures of its hosts with Top Gear’s customary wit and
humor.
In this series, Ferrara, Foust and Wood take on extreme challenges including a
moonshine run along a Prohibition route in the Deep South, teaching a blind
man to drift a Nissan 370Z and racing a HALO jumper in a Hennessey VelociRaptor
across the Arizona desert. The Stig also appears to set definitive “Power
Laps� and the team tests some of the world’s fastest cars including a
Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR, a Porsche Panamera Turbo, an Aston Martin V12 Vantage
and more.
Celebrity guests take the wheel in the “Big Star, Small Car� segment
including astronaut Buzz Aldrin, actors Ty Burrell (Modern Family) and Dominic
Monaghan (Lost), musician Bret Michaels and skateboarder Tony Hawk. Arriving in
stores on July 19, Top Gear: The Complete First Season is fully loaded
with special features including audio commentary, webisodes and more.
Review: Top Gear UK is a very tough act to follow. James, Jeremy and Richard are
irreplacable. They are awesomely funny. Adam, Tanner and Rutledge are still
solid hosts and perhaps they will grow more into the roles as the series
continues. Tanner is a professional Rally Car driver and stunt car driver that
could have been The American Stig. Rutledge is very funny as he is on Speed
Channel's NASCAR coverage. Adam completes the trio and just like his co-hosts
is funny. The US is more "politically correct" than the UK version.
Unfortunately, the humor suffers as a result of that. Still, if you like cars
and you love seeing beautiful scenery, this is the show for you. It is a
perfect match for the UK version. Perhaps it will become your second favorite
TV show -- behind the UK version.
V: THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON Available on
DVD: October 18, 2011
BURBANK, CA (July 14, 2011) – Earthlings, prepare for the return of the
Visitors! Queen Anna and her alien followers hatch their secret plan as Warner
Home Video (WHV) releases V: The Complete Second Season on DVD and Blu-rayâ„¢
on October 18, 2011, for $39.98/$49.99 SRP. Known for its stunning special
effects, the sci-fi series’ second season is filled with hovering spaceships
and jaw-dropping moments of the Visitors morphing into reptilian forms. In
addition to all 10 episodes, the two-disc set Blu-rayâ„¢ includes an extra hour
of bonus content including two behind-the-scenes featurettes: “The Arc of
the Story: Mining the Human Emotion� and “A Visual Masterpiece for the
Small Screen.� Described as “darker, funnier, faster than last
season� by Entertainment Weekly Online, V’s surprising second season
reveals Queen Anna’s (Morena Baccarin - Firefly, Serenity) master plan to
claim Earth as her own. Meanwhile, FBI Counterterrorism Agent Erica Evans
(Elizabeth Mitchell - Lost), conflicted Visitor Ryan Nichols (Morris Chestnut
- Ladder 49, Boyz n the Hood), disillusioned priest Father Jack Landry (Joel
Gretsch - The 4400) and others join an underground unit of resistance fighters
called the Fifth Column that are attempting to put a stop to the Visitors
before it’s too late! Season two also stars Logan Huffman (America), Laura
Vandervoort (Smallville), Charles Mesure (Xena: Warrior Princess) and Scott
Wolf (Everwood). “Warner Home Video is happy to bring the final
installment of V to DVD and Blu-ray for both fans of the series as well as new
audiences to enjoy,� said Rosemary Markson, WHV Vice President, TV and
Special Interest Marketing. “V’s stunning visuals coupled with a gripping
plot makes this season one that shouldn’t be missed.�
CHRISTINA Release date: September 6, 2011
CAST: Stephen Lang (Fox’s Terra Nova, Avatar, Conan, Gettysburg, Public
Enemies) Nicki Aycox (TNT’s Dark Blue, CBS Cold Case, WB’s
SuperNatural, Jeepers Creepers) Jordan Belfi (HBO’s Entourage,
Surrogates, ABC’s Shark, CBS the Mentalist)
Review: I like a good story -- and
this movie is a prime example of one. It reminded me more of a play, set in a
single room with only a few cast members. The exchange between the three main
characters is intense, particularly as the story comes to a close. Steven Lang
is powerful as the inspector trying to do his duty and haunted by suspicions of
wrong doing. Set in 1945, you are aware of the death and destruction in Berlin
following the war -- is a fitting backdrop for this story, matching the extreme
emotions between duty and love. It drags a little in the middle, but the ending
is well-worth it.
Starting this July, Warner Bros. Digital Distribution begins its celebration of the DC 75th Anniversary by
bringing dozens of films and animated / TV series inspired by your favorite Comics (Batman, Superman,
Watchmen…) FOR DOWNLOAD and ON DEMAND.
Download DC Favorites on Amazon On Demand, WBshop.com and on the all-new DC iTunes Experience page:
http://bit.ly/WB_DC75
STRANGE NEW WORLD
Release date: May 18, 2010
Synopsis:
Cult icon John Saxon (Enter the Dragon) battles clones, barbarians, beasts and more in this startling sci-fi
adventure based on concepts developed by Gene Roddenberry, the visionary creator of Star Trek. After 180 years
in a cryogenic freeze, a trio of astronauts returns to Earth, only to find giant asteroids have devastated the
planet. Roaming across America’s vast wastelands, they encounter weird new cities, strange civilizations and
bizarre descendants of Earth’s distant past. Co-written by Academy Award® winner* Walon Green (The Wild Bunch),
Strange New World features foxy film femmes Martine Beswick (Thunderball), Catherine Bach (The Dukes of Hazzard)
and 1974 Playmate of the Year Cynthia Wood (Apocalypse Now) in an otherworldly thriller where Earth itself is
the final frontier.
Director: Robert Butler
Cast: Ford Rainey, James Olson, John Saxon, Kathleen Miller, Keene Curtis, Martine Beswick, Reb Brown
Important Note: This film has been manufactured from the best-quality video master currently available and has
not been remastered or restored specifically for this DVD and Digital Download release.
LOUIE L'AMOUR COLLECTION
Release Date: May 19, 2010
Western lovers! Have I got a deal for you. Warner Bros. has three classics to fill out your Western collection.
The Louis L'Amour Collection: THE SACKETTS, CONAGHER and CATLOW. Featuring Acclaimed Actors Including Tom Selleck,
Sam Elliott, and Yul Brynner.
"Known as 'America's Storyteller,' Louis L'Amour brought the American Frontier to life through his novels and we are
proud to share his work through these terrific films," said Rosemary Markson, WHV Vice President, TV and Special
Interest Marketing. "Following our successful Tom Selleck and Sam Elliott Western collections and just in time
for Father's Day, The Louis L'Amour Collection is one we are confident Western fans will treasure and enjoy."
THE SACKETTS - Tom Selleck, Sam Elliott and Jeff Osterhage play brothers who migrate west to make their fortunes
in cattle-herding and gold prospecting. Each aims to make it on his own - but each also stands up for the other
when the going gets tough. And their guns blaze a name for themselves in untamed New Mexico territory.
CONAGHER - He conquered the range. She conquered his heart. Sam Elliott and Katharine Ross star as a cowhand and
a widowed ranch owner who are drawn to each other when ruthless rustlers threaten his livelihood and her homestead.
CATLOW - A renegade outlaw wants to pull off a gold heist but finds it hard because he's such a wanted man - by
the Mexican Army, his hellcat girlfriend, an Indian war party, a vengeful killer and several hotheaded cowpokes
from his former gang. Yul Brynner, Richard Crenna and Leonard Nimoy star.
REVIEW
I love a good Western and here you have a number of them. Babylon 5 fans will recognize the name of Doug Netter on the
production side of the Sackett videos. These videos harken back to another time when Westerns were all over the TV.
THe stories were rich and full; the scenery was marvelous and rustic. It was easy to identify to good guys -- they
didn't necessarily wear white hats, but they talked and shot straight. Having grown up with Roy Rogers, Gene Autry,
The VIrginian and others, these movies brought back good memories and a yearning for something similar today. Where
have all the westerns gone?
NIP/TUCK: THE SIXTH AND FINAL SEASON
Release date: June 8, 2010
19 episodes on five discs
Featurette: Tell Me What You Don't Like About Yourself--The Psychology
Sex. Seduction. Liposuction. Find them all in the fearless Nip/Tuck, the award-winning series that's the scalpel's
edge of entertainment...and the spark for debate about what cosmetic surgery can or cannot bring to a patient's
life. Dylan Walsh and Julian McMahon play plastic surgeons/best friends whose glamorous South Beach practice is
a revolving door for Season 4's hot-button issues (including a terrifying story arc about an organ-harvest ring)
and human foibles (a ventriloquist wants to look like his dummy). Guest stars include Jacqueline Bissett, Larry
Hagman, Alanis Morissette, Mo'Nique, Rosie O'Donnell, Brooke Shields and more. Thrills, surprises, shocks, stars
abound in this 5-disc set. And all it takes is a little Nip/Tuck.
SPACE STATION:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WARNER HOME VIDEO BLASTS OFF WITH THE
MOST SUCCESSFUL IMAX® SPACE FILM OF ALL TIME
NARRATED BY TOM CRUISE
SPACE STATION
REVIEW:
With the successful launch and return of the space shuttle this week, the arrival of the I-MAX film SPACE STATION is very timely.
This is a terrific video that takes you on your own personal tour of the international space station. You ride along with the
astronauts as they bring the space station new supplies and bring up new crew members.
This video provides you with a hint of what it would be like to work and live in space. Quarters are small and I would guess
that team work is paramount. Everyone has to pull together and that is a good lesson to learn for all of us.
If you want to know more about the international space station -- this video is definitely for you. The presentation is wonderful
and it is packed of wonderful video segments showing the astronauts getting ready for sleep, moving supplies from shuttle
to station and much, much more.
This is a good one for the kids as well. If they are curious, especially given the recent shuttle flight, this video will give them
a lot more information about what it is like to live in space.
Be sure to visit the Space Station page for all the information
on this DVD -- including videos received directly from Warner Bros.
LOIS & CLARK: THE NEW ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN
This show was on for four seasons from 1993-1997. The actors involved in this adaptation of an old classic SUPERMAN really made this
series. The chemistry between Dean Cain and Teri Hatcher was terrific. I have always been a huge fan of SUPERMAN. George Reeves was
wonderful as the first Man of Steel (I actually met him when I was about 8 years old). Christopher Reeve will always remain tops in my book
as far as men who have taken on this lead role. However, Dean Cain was very believable and enjoyable to watch. In addition, Lane Smith
was perfect as Perry White.
This set has some wonderful extras, including interviews with Dean Cain and Terri Hatcher.
A double bonus in the DVD Smallville episode "Crusade".
If you are a fan of Superman, this is a DVD set you should seriously consider adding to your collection. The series was well done
with a mix of drama and comedy.
Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman
Season 1 Episode List
1: "Pilot"
2: "Strange Visitor"
3: "Neverending Battle"
4: "I'm Looking Through You"
5: "Requiem for a Superhero"
6: "I've Got A Crush On You"
7: "Smart Kids"
8: "The Green, Green Glow of Home"
9: "Man of Steel Bars"
10: "Pheromone, My Lovely"
11: "Honeymoon in Metropolis"
12: "All Shook Up"
13: "Witness"
14: "Illusions of Grandeur"
15: "The Ides of Metropolis"
16: "The Foundling"
17: "The Rival"
18: "Vatman"
19: "Fly Hard"
20: "Barbarians at the Planet"
21: "The House of Luthor"
DVD Features:
Available subtitles: English, Spanish, French
Available Audio Tracks: English (Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo)
21 episodes on six discs, including the two-hour pilot
Commentary on the pilot by Dean Cain, executive producer Deborah Joy LeVine, and director Robert Butler
From Rivals to Romance: series retrospective documentary
"Taking Flight: The Visual Effects of Lois & Clark"
Original pilot presentation introducted by Deborah Joy LeVine
Interviews with Dean Cain and Teri Hatcher
Limited-quantity commemorative bonus disc containing the never-before-released-on-DVD Smallville
episode "Crusade"
Number of discs: 6
WONDER WOMAN, SEASON THREE
During this season, Wonder Woman got two new outfits -- one for riding her motocycle and one for under water. These
were new to the character we found in the comic book, but fit with the modernization of the character.
I have always loved Wonder Woman -- from the comic books through the TV series. Now looking back, I can't believe
she wore glasses like that! And it is sort of retro -- watching people dial telephones with rotary dialers. However, the
stories still hold up pretty well. It is the traditional good versus evil -- and you know Wonder Woman always prevails.
The special features on this set were very different from those found on the Second Season set. Lynda Carter had
much more to say about her character and how she became Wonder Woman as soon as she donned ther head piece.
Others commented on Wonder Woman's influence on the feminist movement. Here was a strong character, a role
model that did not exist before.
Lynda Carter's parting comment says it all -- she hopes that this DVD will introduce the character to a new generation.
WONDER WOMAN, SEASON TWO
Another great collection from Warner Bros. If you are looking for entertainment that your kids will enjoy, here is a
collection that you can consider. Here's an example of one episode:
A magician has developed a process for turning lead into gold. One problem -- it only lasts for two days. He makes a
deal with an oil producing country -- oil for gold. Sound familiar? The laboratory set where the gold is transformed into
gold would make Frankenstein envious. The special effects are good -- especially when you consider when this series
was made. Of course, good prevails and Wonder Woman brings the evil magician to justice.
The special feature on this one is very good. It includes brief comments from Lynda Carter, Douglas Cramer and the
artists who brought Wonder Woman to life -- as a comic book character and as a TV personality. Lynda Carter "is"
Wonder Woman and she brought a certain grace and poise to the character that everyone remembers. When she would
put on that costume, you just believed she was Wonder Woman.
WEST WING: FOURTH SEASON
The West Wing is one of those shows that is so full of talent you don't know where to look first. In the fourth season,
President Bartlet is fighting for re-election, against a foreign government dangerous to the U.S., and MS. Over the
course of this year, you see characters change and grow stronger. Each and every cast member contributes to this
masterful work.
My only quibble about this DVD set is the special commentary. I'm not a fan of the voice-over style, where the
commentary is added to the actual footage of the episode being reviewed. While in some instances it can add
valuable insight into how the scene was developed, it can also be confusing as you are trying to figure out what is
being said -- along with what actions are taking place on the screen. Watching the scene for "Twenty Five" where
Toby and Leo sit in a dark room following the birth of his twins -- this is a very poinient moment. To then have
Aaron Sorken ando thers talk over the scene, despite the relevance, leaves me scratching my head. I would have
preferred to have been shown the seen and then have the discussion follow.
Otherwise, this is a terrific DVD set. The packaging is minimal, but you still get enough information to easily find
the episode you most want to watch -- or the commentary you would like to listen to.
BABYLON 5 DVDS
CRUSADE
This series had it all -- a good cast, terrific writing, wonderful production values -- and a good story. Unfortunately,
in today's world of show business, that's not always enough. J. Michael Straczynski started out to create a
totally different universe from the one first brought into being with Babylon 5. He continued to give us characters
we cared about -- but this time around, he gave us different worlds to visit, different problems to solve. In the quest
for a cure for the Drakh plague, the crew of the Excalibur could seek out new civilizations and go where many
feared to tread. The series ended after only 13 episodes, but it was imaginative and represented some of the
best science fiction of the time period -- and still ranks up there when compared with what we have to watch
today.
The DVD set is divided into 4 disks. There are two different sets of commentaries. The first features director Janet
Greek, Fiona Avery, Carrie Dobro and Peter Woodward as they talk through the episode "The Well of Forever". At
first it was a little disorienting - watching the action and just hearing their voiceover of their comments. But very
quickly I found that it is like having someone whisper in your ear little tidbits that make the episode more
enjoyable. All four people obviously loved making this episode - Fiona Avery wrote it with a very definite feel for
the character of Galen and technomages. Janet Greek directed a number of Babylon 5 episodes so she had
an advantage in knowing the general story and environment around Babylon 5. While Crusade was different in
nature, the production crew was much the same and their care in visual storytelling is most apparent. I had the
good fortune of actually seeing this episode being made at Babylonian Productions in California. It was amazing
to see the end product on film when you know how tiny the studio facility was and how large it looked - especially
with all the talking & walking segments throughout the series. This exchange between the four is very intelligent --
and a delight to listen to.
The second set of commentaries begins with "The Making of Crusade". J. Michael Straczynski, John Copeland,
Doug Netter, John Iacovelli and others go over casting, set design and story concepts. Getting insights
from Marjean Holden (Dr. Sarah Chambers) and hearing from David Brooks (Max Eilerson) that he knew his
character was headed for a fall were interesting. Like many good actors, they created a total environment for
their characters - one in which they had fun and were able to share their talents with everyone.
All in all, watching the CRUSADE DVD is like meeting an old friend again after an extended absense. I still can't
say I like the music, but perhaps I've matured enough to appreciate it a bit more than I did when the series began.
Peter, Marjean, Carrie and David are lovely people and a joy to work with - on and off the set. I've run into them at
conventions and we share some very fond memories of CRUSADE. Joe Straczynski, John Copeland and Doug Netter
did a phenomenal job on this series - too bad it didn't reach the heights it could have reached.