‘The Big Lebowski’ 10th Anniversary Edition
One of the Coen Brothers’ best efforts, Jeff Bridges stars as The Dude, a professional slacker, whose life is turned chaotic in a case of mistaken identity. With a backdrop of bowling and avant-garde art, the quirky comedy-thriller also stars John Goodman, Julianne Moore, Steve Buscemi, and John Turturro. The twin-disc presentation offers new bonus features such as The Lebowski Fest; The Dude’s Life; Flying Carpets and Bowling Pin Dreams as well as Jeff Bridges’ photo book. (Universal)
‘The Forbidden Kingdom’ 2-Disc Special Edition
This is the first film to bring together martial arts stars Jackie Chan and Jet Li. Choreographed by Woo-Ping Yuen (“Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”), here is a tale of two archrivals who unite to challenge a warlord in a battle of good versus evil to free the imprisoned Monkey King. Special features include The Kung Fu Dream Team; Discovering China; Filming in Chinawood; a blooper reel as well as a digital copy of the feature film for ITunes and Windows Media. (Lionsgate)
‘Joy House’
A classic tale of intrigue, seduction and murder from French director Rene Clement. Jane Fonda, Alain Delon, and Lola Albright star in this thriller that was originally released theatrically in America in 1964. Set along the French Riviera, Delon portrays a notorious playboy and con man who soon finds himself on the run after a mobster learns his wife had an affair with the Euro pretty boy. Thinking he has found refuge at a posh villa working for a beautiful American widower (Albright) and her niece (Fonda), Delon couldn’t have been more wrong ... and more in trouble. Enhancing this 1960s cool picture is a brilliant music score by celebrated composer Lalo Schifrin. (Koch Lorber)
‘The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning’
Here is an exploration of the mischievous mermaid’s oceanic adventures in the magical kingdom of Atlantica. Joining Ariel are her friends Sebastian and Flounder and her six sisters along with the wicked villainess Marina Del Rey. Supplements include a song sing along, deleted scenes, and the use of dance in the animation creation. (Disney)
‘The Simpsons’ 11TH Season Limited Edition Collector’s Box
The most recent DVD product from one of America’s favorite animated families of all-time, comes with a cool three-dimensional cover, a special Krusty The Clown themed box that contains a surprise insert for the die hard fan. Guest stars include Mel Gibson, Kid Rock, Willie Nelson, and Britney Spears. In addition to all 22 episodes, this collection also includes animation showcases; deleted scenes; a Krusty segment; a special introduction by creator Matt Groening and footage of The Simpsons receiving their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. (Fox)
‘Globetrekker: South America’
The intrepid hosts of this popular travel series take viewers off the typical tourist tracks. Spread out over seven discs, this comprehensive box set includes visits to the glaciers of Patagonia, tango clubs in Buenos Aires, exploration of the Amazonian rainforest, and the mysteries of Bolivia, the cradle of the amazing Incan Empire. Known for exploring areas not often serviced by packaged tours, here’s an arm-chair adventure that takes you deep south of the border. (Globetrekkertv.com)
‘Married With Children’ Complete Ninth Season
The Bundy clan (Ed O’Neill, Katey Sagal, David Faustino and Christina Applegate) return for more twists on domestic bliss. Storylines revolve around strip clubs, prom dates, driving schools and TV commercials with all 28 episodes in a three-disc set. The series’ 200th episode special “Get the Dodge Out of Hell” is included.(Fox)
‘Horatio Hornblower’ Collector’s Edition
The swashbuckling Emmy-winning series based on C.S. Forester’s novel, follows the course of Mr. Hornblower who joins the British Royal Navy at the outset of the Napoleonic Wars. The eight-disc adventure takes us through the West Indies and the African coast. The treasure chest of extras include an interactive 3-D naval cannon, nautical terms and a guide to royal warships. (A&E)
Randy Williams can be reached at writtenbyrw@yahoo.com
