DVD Round-Up
We review some of the latest hot DVD's out there. Our round-up includes Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle, Whale Rider, Millennium Actress, Finding Nemo, Sleeping Beauty: Special Edition, Holes, Lion King: Platinum Edition and t.v. hits "Taken", "Xena: Season II", "Hercules: Season II", "Smallville: Season I". Enjoy!
From Columbia-Tristar Home Entertainment
Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle
Hot Angels Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore and Lucy Liu must confront angel Dylan's past and battle a powerful but sizzlin' angel-gone-bad (Demi Moore) in this popcorn flick.
This DVD looks and sounds great!
Special Features: Loaded!
Probably because Director McG is a DVD nut, but this new release is loaded! The DVD says "Unrated" on the cover but this isn't for hot babe scenes, just more fight scenes with a tiny bit of blood this time. On his commentary track, McG tells inside jokes, chats all about the special effects and shots he's not really happy with. He occasionally uses a telestrator to circle parts of the screen. There is humorous commentary by the writers (is this a writer's movie??). You might miss an over-picture commentary by the three Angels and Demi but they do comment on some fun bonus features like "Turning Angels into Pussycat Dolls", a stunt round-up called "Rolling with the Punches" and a hot feature on the motocross bike stunts with accompanying footage of course. McG chats about the vehicles used in the film and very cool is a costume feature on "the look" of the Angels. I liked the Full Throttle Jukebox which provides clips of 11 songs used in the film and McG and the music supervisor chatting about why they were picked. Pink's music video "Feel Good Time" is fun as well.
The DVD-ROM "Shop the Scene" feature allows you to search for a character's outfit or gadget then you can buy it online. There is an online game and the usual website links.
Overall, this is mindless fun with tons of extras to browse through. McG is everywhere and a little of him goes a long way with me but it is his picture and he does provide some good info. This DVD is well-worth your money.
Whale Rider
In New Zealand, a young Maori girl comes of age and leads her community to alter their age old traditions and embrace new ways of thinking; including the premise that girls can certainly be leaders! Based on a popular novel.
This film looks great in widescreen and sounds great! The images of whales are wonderful and the soundtrack is haunting and clear.
Special Features:
I love this mystical film so I don't even need special features but hey, you get some really nice ones on this DVD. "Behind the Scenes" featurette is really the history of the story and the book with scriptwriter/director and all actors talking about characters and how they came to the project. Little star Keisha Castle-Hughes is just as luminous as she is in the film. You learn about the beached whale scene and the effects used to pull it off convincingly without real whales.
The haunting music is discussed as well and you can listen to a bit of the soundtrack. In a "Building the Canoe" feature, you learn about the history of these big boats in Maori culture and see how one was constructed from scratch and decorated for the film. You learn that local villagers manned the oars. Art and Storyboard Galleries are fun and also feature Native art and touches. The eight deleted scenes are all quite good and commentary tells us that omitting each was a heart wrenching decision for the producer and writer/director Niki Caro. Director Commentary is a helpful track.
Overall, I have no complaints here. The film itself is a wonder with great acting and empowerment for girls with a little mythology and a touch of magic and the supernatural thrown in. This isn't really the kind of film you watch for outtakes and bloopers so they aren't missed. Run out and buy this one now!
From Dreamworks Home Entertainment
Taken
This Steven Spielberg t.v. mini-series for the Sci-Fi Channel follows three families though 50 years of UFO sightings and close encounters. Young Dakota Fanning, soon to be seen in Cat in the Hat, is featured as a young girl with alien powers.
The Emmy-nominated series is presented in a five disc set, giving you all ten episodes which look much crisper here than they appeared on my t.v. set.
Special Features: On an extra disc you get "Inside Taken" a behind-the scenes featurette including commentary from Spielberg, the cast and other crew and advisors who let you know if, like Fox Mulder, they "believe" or not. In feature areas like The Story, Human Center, Mixing Fact and Fiction and Consulting the Experts, topics discussed are the origin of the idea, why Spielberg loves sci-fi so much, efforts to be true to UFO mythology and screen writer Les Bohem on the daunting task of writing 20 hours of t.v. like a novel. This feature is concentrated on the story aspects.
In "Cast of Taken" the mini-series cast plus Spielberg give you more about the story origins, possible government cover-ups, favorite scenes. Etc. All well-illustrated.
"A New Reality" is the true behind-the-scenes featurette that gives you a more "techie" look into the creation of the aliens as producer and special effects supervisor talk you through their re-creation of several time periods, combining blue-screen and live action, production design based on real science, etc. A very interesting feature.
"A Singular Vision" Several of the mini-series directors, including horror classic director Tobe Hooper, talk of their unique challenges making their episodes.
"TimeWarp"provides more on production design, the "look" of recreating several time periods in Vancouver. Includes age make-up on actors, etc.
Overall, a excellent DVD for your collection, especially if you are a Spielberg collector or a Sci-Fi buff like me. Unfortunately, Spielberg continues his tradition of rarely, if ever, doing complete voice-over commentaries for DVD's and some of the Special Features are repetitive and could easily have been combined but, all-in-all, this is a "must-have" for many fans.
Millennium Actress
Award-winning Anime film about the life of a famous Japanese actress who vanished at the height of her career. A reporter is out to discover the secrets of her destiny and final fate.
This DVD looks great! All the subtle colors and pastels and incredible detail of the animation came out beautifully on my screen.
Special Features: The DVD offers interviews all in Japanese with subtitles featuring anime director Satoshi Kon and various animators and crew members talking about the origin of the story, their struggle to balance true Japanese history and the look of different eras with a touch of fantasy. We learn that 400 years of history and 100 years of Japanese film history is explored in detailed research. Filmmakers seem ultra-apologetic for stretching the truth. A section in which filmmakers scout locations, take pictures, then do research by putting on Samurai Armor in a prop warehouse, etc. is interesting. There is a short U.S. trailer included.
Comments are made on the costumes, character drawings, choices to use black and white at times or emphasize details and, as Disney artists do, using a real model in action to aid animators. You get a look at storyboards, casting the voice actors and choosing the music.
Overall, the film itself looks great and special features are interesting but they lose a lot in translation to English as the filmmakers dwell on each tiny detail. I chalk this up to cultural differences and still find the features interesting. Whether you do or not, Millennium Actress is an interesting and beautifully drawn addition to your anime or animation collection.
From Buena Vista Home Video
Holes
In this family film, a teen is sent to a desert boot camp when he is unjustly accused of stealing. There he makes friends with the other "lost boys" and finally uncovers a long lost treasure and mystery.
Picture was again sharp and easy to watch. Colors are deep and sound is very well mastered.
Special Features: In "The Boys in D Tent", viewers meet the cast. You see auditions and the director talks about the talented kids chosen. The young guys talk about their training for the tuff desert shoot "like shooting on Mars" and face dirt twisters and all-too-real hole digging. We find out that the lizards used were painted and are actually not poisonous..thank God. Jon Voight and Sigourney Weaver interact with the guys in some behind-the-scenes footage and chat a bit about their roles.
"Digging the First Hole" is a more detailed look at the novel that inspired the film.. a from novel to final script tour with the writer and actors. More book and script differences are brought up and you see more on-set clips with actors.
The "Gag Reel" is very short and silly..most of the stuff is actually in the film and there are no actual line flubs.
"Deleted Scenes" are six very short shots but some of them illustrate a couple of very nice pieces of work on the actors' part.
The "Music Video" the kids shoot is also fun but very short..not the whole song.
Voice-over commentaries from the actors are hilarious as the kids rib and make fun of each other. They talk about extras on the set, cut scenes, locations and even sing a bit.. really enjoyable. Commentary from the filmmakers is more formal but still a nice addition.
Overall, this film is an odd mix of fantasy, past and present but it has a lot of heart and humor. The DVD is well worth adding to your collection.
Sleeping Beauty: Special Edition
The classic animated fairy tale about a cursed princess and the handsome prince who breaks the evil spell, awakens her with a kiss and battles a sorceress to restore her kingdom and live happily with her ever after.
Disney restored the original film and it looks terrific on this DVD. Much better than I remember it ever presented before.
Special Features: It's a two disc set and disc one offers standard or widescreen versions of the movie. Bonus items on the first disc include an audio commmentary on the widescreen version with a bunch of original filmmakers from the 1950's; Eyvind Earle, the art director; Mary Costa, the voice of Aurora; Ollie Johnston and Marc Davis, two supervising animators; Frank Armitage, a background painter; Mike Gabriel and Michael Giaimo, two Disney artists; and hosted by Jeff Kurtti, a Disney historian.
Disc two contains tons of extras divided into lots of categories (maybe too many) There are two main categories, "History and Behind the Scenes" and "Games, Music & Fun." Among the many extras in the first group are "Once Upon a Dream: The Making of Sleeping Beauty," "The Peter Tchaikovsky Story," part of a Disneyland television broadcast of 1959 and "Grand Canyon," the 1959 Academy Award winner for Best Live-Action Short Film. This is a very cool nature film set to music with lots of desert animals, etc. that was shown in theaters with the original film. There is a section about the music and the design of the film, a unique look at why the style was attempted. There are lots of photo galleries and some 3-D tours of various sets. Among the extras in the second group are lots of games, a "Rescue Aurora" interactive game; a "Princess Personality Game"; a "Sleeping Beauty Ink and Paint Game" and a "Disney's Art Project" all a lot of fun for younger viewers. You might enjoy the "Once Upon (Another) Dream" music video by girl pop group No Secrets; and a "Once Upon a Dream" sing-along song.
Overall, This DVD is loaded although some of the areas might have been combined for easier access. The set works best for younger viewers or baby boomers who saw the movie in theaters as children. It is nice to see that some of these classic Disney animators are still with us! If you are collecting the Disney classics, this is the DVD to add. You won't see the film more beautifully restored.
The Lion King: Special Platinum Edition
Simba, the lion cub, has growing pains, suffers tragedy, runs away and grows up to return home as a young adult taking his rightful place as "king" of his pride.
This DVD looks great and has been restored (even though it was only made in 1994). Colors are eye-popping and the sound offers an enhanced mix that is great. All the wonderful Hans Zimmer and Elton John music is crystal clear!
Special Features: Tons!
On Disc one, Zazu takes you through the various special features. The set contains two versions of the film, the special edition (featuring the new song "Morning Report") and the original theatrical release. Next, there's an audio commentary with producer Don Hahn and directors Rob Minkoff and Roger Allers on the theatrical release only. You learn that, originally The Lion King was a "B" picture at Disney until they realized what they had! You can check out the making of the new song "Morning Report" and play a lot of simple games. Watch the new "Circle of Life" music video sung by a load of Disney t.v. stars including Hilary Duff and Raven Symone of "That's so Raven". It's very well done. Elephant Graveyard offers several deleted scenes or abandoned ideas.. a new version of "Hakuna Matata" and "Can You Feel the Love Tonight". Also interesting.
Disc two's menu is a little complicated. It's divided into five major categories, then sub-categories and by Continents so you can check out the same material! I got lost but then got back on track. In "Animals Journey" we see how real African animals were used as inspiration. "Story Journey" talks about some of the origins and African influences behind the tale of The Lion King. My favorite section is "Stage Journey" which goes over the entire conception and execution of the wonderful "Lion King" Broadway musical. Really cool visuals of costumes, etc. "Film Journey," is more on the making of the film. "Music Journey," reviews the music of The Lion King with Elton John, lyricist Tim Rice, composer Hans Zimmer, and others. "Virtual Safaris" is also a cute and fun feature for the whole family. Timon and Pumbaa take you on some interactive tours. Some look much like the Jungle Cruise at Disneyland and are shown from a "driver's POV" as if you were piloting a boat or driving a jeep through various perils. Very cute.
Overall, once you get the hang of navigating this special edition, you'll enjoy a great many of the features. There is something for teens and young kids alike and the whole family will enjoy the beautiful looking and sounding film and addition of a cute new song.
Finding Nemo
Little Nemo, a clown fish, is swept from his watery home in a net and ends up a prisoner in an aquarium. While Nemo plans his escape, his dad enlists the help of other ocean dwellers to find and rescue his son.
Wow! The colors are fantastic on this DVD. Both widescreen and regular versions look great. Very crisp, clear and downright beautiful!! The sound is better than average as well.
Special Features: Again... tons!!
Disc one contains the widescreen version of the movie, a brief introduction with the filmmakers and a visual commentary with co-directors Andrew Stanton and Lee Unkrich and co writer Bob Peterson. You get deleted scenes and tons of cool, neverbefore-known facts like did you know that the story team would go on road trips for six hours when they had writers' block and talk out the story in the car! And animators looked closely at dogs to help them design fish (both have no eyebrows). There is also a twenty-minute documentary, "Making Nemo," that goes into more tech detail about the film's creation by Pixar and might be more popular with older teens and adults. You get design galleries showing all of the art, characters and watery "sets". I really enjoy the "Virtual Aquarium", a series of animated screen-savers that provide a lot of different peaceful ocean settings with watery sounds. They relaxed me so much that I almost fell asleep on the couch!
Disc two is more friendly to kids, teens and younger teens and contains the full-frame presentation of the film. Among extras are a seven-minute featurette called "Exploring the Reef," with Jean-Michel Cousteau, Nemo, and friends and it's hilarious as the fish keep interrupting the famous ocean explorer with their own versions of reef lore. This makes a possibly dry, teaching documentary both educational and super cute. You get the 1989 Pixar animated film, "Knick Knack" that I loved seeing in the theater. (you know, the little snowman in the globe who just can't escape no matter what).
You get a Sneak Peek at Pixar's next film The Incredibles and a "Fisharades" game, where the player has to guess what shapes a school of silverfish are forming, "Mr. Ray's Encyclopedia" facts about real fish; a "Storytime Fun for the Young" read-along of "Nemo Goes to School"; and a "Behind-the-Scenes" segment that consists of interviews with the actual animated characters voiced by the actors. A tour of Pixar studios is guided by young Alexander Gould (voice of Nemo) and lets you see how the film is put together while featuring crazy workers goofing off, then blowing off stress by throwing an "ugly contest" where they wear bizarre make-up and animators act out their scenes etc.
Overall, nothing on this disc sux! The film itself looks and sounds great and the extras are very entertaining in themselves. I'd say this one is a must have!
From Warner Home Video
Smallville: The Complete First Season
When an alien boy's ship crashes near smalltown Smallville, he is found and adopted by a loving husband and wife who live on a farm. As Clark Kent matures, his powers become obvious and he meets future nemesis Lex Luthor as he struggles with first love, other normal teen problems with a little added complication... budding super powers!
The episodes here look colorful and are in widescreen unlike a lot of t.v. series DVD's. Sound is at least as good as on your t.v. when the episodes were broadcast.
Special Features:
This six disc set presents all 21 first season episodes of the show. Extras include audio commentary by series creators Alfred Gough and Miles Millar, as well as director David Nutter, on the pilot episode. There's also a second commentary on the episode "Metamorphosis" by the creators. This isn't super snappy but there are some in-crowd secrets and lots on the Superman myth and character motivations. You also get 8 deleted scenes some of which show nice character development that had to be cut for time. There's a storyboard montage for the opening sequence of the pilot episode and it's fun to see the boards and actual finished product side by side.
You get an interactive tour of Smallville that shows you each set and how it is involved in the story.. There's a t.v. spot for Smallville, as well as promos for the WB shows "Fearless" and "Tarzan" .
Overall, the DVD should be satisfying to show fans but it is a super bummer that there are absolutely no audio voice/over or video commentaries by any of the actors!! I'm sure we all want to hear their take on various key scenes as we watch them. Also, a gag or blooper reel would have been a great addition. Season one was a little too much monster of the week but did lay the groundwork for Clark's growth from a teen into a young adult. If you're a fan, you've gotta have it!
From Anchor Bay Entertainment
Xena: Season II
Season II continues the story of the warrior princess who set out on kick-butt revenge when her village was destroyed but finally turned to a life of fighting for the underdog with her best gal pal Gabrielle.
Some fans have complained of sound and audio problems but I found none. Episodes are visually clear and I could hear the tracks well.
Special Features:
All 22 episodes are included. Special features are a little spread out. The photo gallery contains some large, clean and colorful shots and is on Disc one. Director/Actor bios and series trivia are on the CD-Rom feature. The best extra in my opinion is the Video commentary (audio is also included) with Lucy Lawless and Renee O'Connor in which the girls sit watching a large screen plasma t.v. and have a blast recalling various exploits on and off camera with a lot of humor. Fans should eat this up. Producer Rob Tapert also appears on one commentary. Regrettably these fun comments are only included on 3 episodes. (Lucy and Renee alone are on two). I'm sure fans would love to have much more of this.
Overall, quality is fine but where is the blooper reel? These things are available to fans. Why not include one? Fans of the show will certainly want to have this complete second season set since it contains some of their favorite episodes so, extras won't matter. However, more would have been a lot merrier.
Hercules: Season II
In this send-up of Greek mythology, Hercules is the son of Zeus but his mom was a mortal. This gives Herc superhuman strength, and compassion along with a lot of half brothers and sisters who are Gods. With his best buddy and companion Iolaus, he fights monsters and Gods for the underdog.
I had no problem with the picture and sound. Although some fans have reported trouble with their Bonus discs, I had none.
Special Features:
24 episodes are included on a seven disc set. You get audio and video commentary by Kevin Sorbo and assistant director Wayne Rose but only on four episodes and one is audio only. Again, very funny as Kevin tries to remember old shows, blushes at his love scenes and launches all kinds of funny comments over the action.
On the CD-Rom disc you get director and actor bios, series trivia, "Hercules" Chronicles, a photo gallery, a screensaver, "Your Guide to the Gods".
The real treat for fans in this set is a Bonus Disc that contains a 60-minute interview with executive producer/director Rob Tapert which is a great overview of the planning of the second season, story and production problems and other insider info you might not have known. Lots of episode footage is shown to illustrate various points. Also added is Kevin's guest shot on the Regis and Kathie Lee show... hilarious as he tries to teach Regis to sword fight. And Yes! There is a blooper reel. The film transfer isn't very clear but you get line flubs, lots of fight action gone wrong, etc. Great Stuff! On a SPFX reel you are walked through a before and after sequence that includes a lot of actors fighting with nothing until skeletons are CGI'd in. There is one hilarious take with stuntmen wearing numbered tee-shirts skirmishing with Kevin. A little goes a long way but still interesting. The so-called costume design gallery has only 3 costumes and no voice-over explanation at all so it could have been omitted.
Overall, this set with the Bonus disc is much more satisfying than the Xena: Second Season set and a must for Herc fans!
