"Patton" (PG) released November 2
starring George C. Scott and Karl Malden; directed by
Franklin J. Schaffner
REVIEW
The same-day release of "Saving Private Ryan" may get more
attention, but "Patton" achieves equal greatness as one of
the finest epics about World War II, and one of the greatest
screen biographies ever made. In addition to presenting the
late George C. Scott's crowning achievement as controversial
WWII General George S. Patton (a performance that earned
Scott an Academy Award he didn't accept), this milestone
film arrives on DVD with a behind-the-scenes documentary, an
audio essay on the famous "Patton speech" that so memorably
opens the film, and an isolated audio track for Jerry
Goldsmith's Oscar-winning score.
"The Thin Red Line" (R) released November 2
starring Sean Penn, Nick Nolte, and Jim Caviezel; directed
by Terrence Malick
REVIEW
Two decades after his previous film "Days of Heaven,"
mysterious maverick director Terrence Malick returned to
create this hypnotic World War II epic based on the novel by
James Jones. A philosophical war film revolving around the
battle of Guadalcanal, it simultaneously addresses life,
death, God, faith, courage.... Let's just say this is as
unconventional a war film as you're ever going to see from a
major American film studio. Not for all tastes, but a
masterpiece for those who tap into Malick's artistic
intentions.
"Big Daddy" (PG-13) released November 2
starring Adam Sandler; directed by Dennis Dugan
REVIEW
Taking a giant step down on the ladder of sophistication,
"Big Daddy" gives Adam Sandler fans what they want: a lot
of potty humor, multicolored junk-food vomit, a variety of
mischievous pranks, and enough good-natured humor to make
the juvenile stuff barely tolerable. Sandler plays a slacker
who adopts a little kid to impress his girlfriend, only to
discover that fatherhood is harder--and more wonderful--than
he imagined. A good movie for when you really need a
no-brainer comedy--and hey, the DVD even comes with a "Big
Daddy" baseball cap, free with all DVD orders for a limited
time.
"Notting Hill (Collector's Edition)" releases November 9
starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant; directed by Roger
Michell
REVIEW
If you're looking for an irresistible dose of
wish-fulfillment fantasy, you can't go wrong with this
popular romantic comedy in which normal-guy bookstore owner
Hugh Grant falls into an altogether unlikely romance with
A-list movie star Julia Roberts (playing a role only
slightly removed from her own reality). Not only is the
British humor (and Grant's delightful supporting cast)
spot-on hilarious, but the stars are in peak form, and the
portrait of fame as a golden burden is altogether accurate.
The DVD includes audio commentary by director Roger
Michell, producer Duncan Kenworthy, and writer Richard
("Four Weddings and a Funeral") Curtis; deleted scenes; a
travel guide to the Notting Hill district of London; and
more.
"Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me" releases November 16
starring Mike Myers, Heather Graham, and Verne Troyer;
directed by Jay Roach
REVIEW
The smash-hit comedy sequel of 1999, this is the joyfully
juvenile romp that brought us such instant cultural icons
as Mini-Me, Fat Bastard, and the mystery of Austin
Powers's missing mojo. You've seen it once (or twice, or
three times), and let's face it, the movie's just flat-out
funny. It's now poised to repeat its success on DVD,
arriving with deleted scenes, commentary by Mike Myers,
behind-the-scenes features, music videos, and DVD-ROM
features. Go on... admit it.... You want this DVD.... It just
might... complete you. Shhhhh! Yeah, baby, yeah!
"The Iron Giant" (PG) releases November 23
starring the voices of Jennifer Aniston, Eli Marienthal, and
John Mahoney; directed by Brad Bird
REVIEW
The most critically acclaimed non-Disney animated film of
the 1990s was a box-office disappointment due to the
lackluster promotional efforts of Warner Bros., but the
studio has recognized its error and is giving this splendid
all-ages adventure renewed life on video and DVD. The
movie's about a young boy in the cold war 1950s who
befriends a gigantic alien robot that crash-lands on Earth
and is soon discovered by fearful military officials, with
potentially tragic results. A funny, charming, and
altogether triumphant family entertainment with a gentle
message about the danger of weaponry, this delightful
animated feature deserves to be considered a classic. The
DVD includes deleted scenes, filmmaker commentary, a
behind-the-scenes featurette, and DVD-ROM features.
"Labyrinth" (PG) released October 12
starring Jennifer Connelly and David Bowie; directed by Jim
Henson
REVIEW
Muppet master Jim Henson directed this mesmerizing fantasy
in which Jennifer Connelly plays Sarah, a young woman whose
little brother is kidnapped into the labyrinthine City of
Goblins. With its glorious production and supporting cast of
elaborate puppets--not to mention David Bowie as the Goblin
king--this imaginative adventure has captivated audiences
around the world. The DVD includes a behind-the-scenes
documentary, "Inside the Labyrinth."
"Army of Darkness: Special Edition" (R) released October 12
starring Bruce Campbell and Embeth Davidtz; diretced by Sam
Raimi
REVIEW
Before he went "legit" with films like "A Simple Plan" and
"For Love of the Game," director Sam Raimi earned his
reputation as a master of gonzo horror, as evidenced by
"Army of Darkness," the over-the-top sequel to Raimi's
previous pair of "Evil Dead" extravaganzas. Befitting its
cult status, Anchor Bay has issued the gruesome
thriller-comedy as a two-disc DVD special edition, chock
full of extras such as full-screen and widescreen viewing
options, commentary by Raimi and star Bruce Campbell, a
full-length director's cut, and a behind-the-scenes
documentary.
"10 Things I Hate About You" (PG-13) released October 12
starring Julia Stiles and Heath Ledger; directed by Gil
Junger
REVIEW
The teen-movie trend of the late '90s continues unabated,
and this contemporary spin on Shakespeare's "The Taming of
the Shrew" is one of the more agreeable entries. Following
the Bard's lead, the romantic comedy begins when a brooding
cool guy (Heath Ledger) is appointed to thaw the ice queen
Kat (Julia Stiles). It's a paying gig that turns
surprisingly romantic as Kat's hard exterior gives way to
reveal the nice girl within. Like "Cruel Intentions" and
"She's All That," this is a pretty good slice of
entertainment, and the two young stars are wonderfully
matched.
"Melvin and Howard" (R) released October 12
starring Paul Le Mat, Mary Steenburgen, and Jason Robards;
directed by Jonathan Demme
REVIEW
A modern American classic, "Melvin and Howard" posits an
affectionate what-if scenario based on the true story of
Melvin Dummar (Paul Le Mat), who allegedly picked up
hitchhiker Howard Hughes in the Nevada desert and later
produced a will naming him sole heir to the Hughes fortune.
Perfectly cast and directed, this whimsical slice-of-life
comedy became one of the most critically acclaimed films of
the '80s, and the DVD includes commentary by Demme and
production designer Toby Rafelson.
"The Matrix"
starring Keanu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss,
and Hugo Weaving; directed by Larry and Andy Wachowski
REVIEW
From its opening screen menus ("Welcome to the *real*
world...") and the computer-green glow of the Warner Bros.
logo, it's immediately clear that the DVD of "The Matrix" is
going to be something special. As with several of their
top-flight DVD releases, Warner Bros. has turned "The
Matrix" into a digital archive of tantalizing bonus
features, including several behind-the-scenes documentaries
and detailed examinations of the film's innovative special
effects. A variety of DVD-ROM features make this a fully
interactive DVD--you never know... it might just warp your
concept of reality.
"Excalibur" (R) released September 21
starring Nicol Williamson, Nigel Terry, and Helen Mirren;
directed by John Boorman
REVIEW
John Boorman's exquisite production of "Excalibur" brings
the Arthurian legend vividly to life, like no other movie
before or since. Featuring early roles for Helen Mirren,
Gabriel Byrne, and Liam Neeson, this visually stunning film
has gained a loyal following since its 1981 release, and now
the DVD format will introduce Boorman's masterful rendition
to a new throng of admirers.
"Deliverance" (R) released September 21
starring Burt Reynolds, Jon Voight, Ned Beatty, and Ronny
Cox; directed by John Boorman
REVIEW
James Dickey's great novel provides the basis for John
Boorman's timeless thriller "Deliverance," about four men
who set out for an enjoyable weekend of river rafting, only
to endure a deadly struggle for survival that will change
their lives forever. A film about primal instinct and man's
futile attempt to tame Mother Nature, this 1972 classic
hasn't lost a bit of its forceful intensity.
"Local Hero" (PG-13) released September 21
starring Peter Reigert and Burt Lancaster; directed by Bill
Forsyth
REVIEW
One of the most critically acclaimed films of the 1980s,
"Local Hero" is a fish-out-of-water tale, but you won't find
any routine Hollywood formula in its story about a young oil
executive (Peter Reigert) who travels to a tiny Scottish
village to swindle the locals out of their drilling rights.
As time passes, he has a change of heart and convinces his
boss (Burt Lancaster) that some idyllic coastal fishing
villages are better left alone. A magical film filled with
rich humor and emotional undercurrents, "Local Hero" has
since gathered a loyal following, and its soothing
cinematography is sure to look great on DVD.
"Analyze This" (R) released August 17
starring Robert De Niro, Billy Crystal, and Lisa Kudrow;
directed by Harold Ramis
REVIEW
What does a Mafia kingpin do when he gets an acute case of
anxiety? If you're Robert De Niro in "Analyze This," you
clandestinely hook up with a New York psychiatrist (played
by Billy Crystal) to work through your guilt, anger, and--
dare we say it--familial issues. One of the best comedies
of 1999, this witty variation on mob movies was a critical
and box-office hit. It's now available on DVD with some
tantalizing extra features, including two commentary
tracks--one with De Niro and Crystal and one with director
Harold Ramis--and a gag reel of outtakes that are almost as
funny as the movie itself.
"EDtv--Collector's Edition" (PG-13) released August 17
starring Matthew McConaughey, Jenna Elfman, Woody Harrelson,
and Elizabeth Hurley; directed by Ron Howard
REVIEW
Ron Howard and the producers of "EDtv" needn't have worried
about this breezy comedy being compared to "The Truman
Show"--they're very different movies. Matthew McConaughey's
just right in the title role of an everyday Joe who becomes
an instant celebrity when he agrees to let his life become a
24-hour-a-day TV show. Universal's done their usual fine job
on the Collector's Edition DVD, with a bevy of bonus
features including deleted scenes, outtakes, an alternate
ending, and an exclusive behind-the-scenes featurette.
"Frankenstein" (NR) released August 17
starring Boris Karloff, Mae Clark, and Colin Clive; directed
by James Whale
REVIEW
Not many movies can claim a permanent hold on our collective
imagination, but Universal's classic 1931 version of
"Frankenstein" is just such a film, and Boris Karloff's
portrayal of Dr. Frankenstein's monster provides the most
famous icon in the history of cinematic horror. Based on
Mary Shelley's novel, it's a stupendous, timeless classic,
directed by James Whale (immortalized in "Gods and
Monsters"). Befitting a film of this stature, the
"Frankenstein" DVD includes a wealth of supplementary
materials, including an exclusive documentary by horror
expert David J. Skal and an informative audio commentary by
film historian Rudy Behlmer. Consider this one a must.
"The Rocketeer" (PG) released August 17
starring Bill Campbell, Jennifer Connelly, and Timothy
Dalton; directed by Joe Johnston
REVIEW
Joe Johnston, who scored a sleeper hit with "October Sky"
and was recently chosen by Steven Spielberg to direct
"Jurassic Park 3," made his directorial debut with this
delightfully nostalgic throwback to the charm of 1930s
superhero adventures. Based on Dave Stevens's splendid comic
books, it's about a daredevil flyer who discovers a top-
secret rocket pack, and uses his newfound flying skills to
battle the Nazis on the eve of World War II. Underrated at
the time of its release, "The Rocketeer" has since gained a
loyal throng of admirers, and it's sure to be dazzling on
DVD.
"Go" (R) scheduled for release August 24
starring Katie Holmes, Sarah Polley, Jay Mohr, and Scott
Wolf; directed by Doug Liman
REVIEW
Director Doug Liman's follow-up to "Swingers" was this hip,
outrageous black comedy that tells the same story from three
overlapping perspectives, about the nocturnal misadventures
of a group of slackers, dopers, and assorted renegades who
get into--and sometimes out of--plenty of high-energy
trouble. Essentially a showcase for a zesty ensemble, this
indie hit owes a debt to Tarantino while venturing into its
own invigoratingly fresh territory.
"Titanic" (PG-13) scheduled for release August 31
starring Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio; directed by
James Cameron
REVIEW
James Cameron's Oscar-winning blockbuster is a global
phenomenon, and its bestselling release on DVD--scheduled
for August 31--has enthusiasts drooling. You know the story:
Boy meets girl, girl dumps fiance, ships hits iceberg, and
millions of teenage girls go berserk at the box office. Now
you can relive the passion and the disaster that captured
audiences around the world.
"The Nightmare on Elm Street Collection" (R) scheduled for
release September 21
starring Robert Englund; directed by Wes Craven, Chuck
Russell, Stephen Hopkins, Renny Harlin, and others
REVIEW
And you thought Freddy Kruger was dead? You should know
better--horror icons never die; they just get respectable.
That would appear to be the case with this lavish eight-DVD
boxed set, collecting all seven of the "Nightmare on Elm
Street" movies--each accompanied by lavish bonus features--
along with an exclusive eighth DVD-ROM disc containing the
"Nightmare Series Encyclopedia." Pre-order this massive
Freddyfest--and watch out for those finger-blades.
"There's Something About Mary" (R) released August 3
starring Cameron Diaz, Matt Dillon, and Ben Stiller;
directed by Peter and Bobby Farrelly
REVIEW
It's better than hair gel made of baby batter! Yes, folks,
the comedy smash of 1998 is finally here on DVD, and it
comes with some hilarious outtakes and a worthwhile
commentary track by codirector siblings Peter and Bobby
Farrelly, the gross-out wizards responsible for "Kingpin"
and the outrageous dumbing-down of great American movie
comedy! But is that a bad thing? You decide--that is, if you
can stop laughing long enough to formulate a coherent
thought.
"Raising Arizona" (R) released August 3
starring Nicolas Cage, Holly Hunter, John Goodman, and
William Forsythe; directed by Joel Coen
REVIEW
With all due respect to the Farrelly brothers, we prefer
wildly inventive comedy along the lines of "Raising
Arizona," the breakthrough hit (after cult favorite "Blood
Simple") of cinematic siblings Joel and Ethan Coen, who
later advanced to the pure genius of "Miller's Crossing"
and "Fargo." Here they tell the tale of repeat-offender Hi
(Cage) and his "barren" wife Ed (Hunter), who go to
extremes in their attempt to raise a family, kidnapping an
infant and thus beginning one of the craziest chase epics
in the history of movies. Don't forget the Huggies, Hi!
"Cruel Intentions" (R) released August 3
starring Sarah Michele Gellar, Ryan Phillippe, and Reese
Witherspoon; directed by Roger Kumble
REVIEW
You've got to admit there's a stroke of genius in the notion
of transferring the devious plot of "Les Liaisons
Dangereuses" from 18th-century France to the chic teen scene
of present-day New York City, where the story's devilish
mind games are played by rich, ne'er-do-well stepsiblings
(Gellar, Phillippe), who go about breaking hearts and
ruining lives for the sheer sport of it. Maybe director
Roger Kumble will use his audio commentary to explain why he
undermined this still-compelling tale with a few too many
plot twists.
"Welcome to the Dollhouse" (R) released August 3
starring Heather Matarazzo; directed by Todd Solondz
REVIEW
With just two brilliant, controversial films--"Welcome to
the Dollhouse" and "Happiness"--writer-director Todd Solondz
has single-handedly mastered the art of "geek cinema,"
examining human behavior in such unflinching light that
everyday behaviors, no matter how hidden or painful to
scrutinize, take on a universal depth of understanding.
"Welcome to the Dollhouse" may be the finest movie ever made
about intensely awkward adolescence, with Heather Matarazzo
perfectly cast as the hapless seventh-grader fated to
experience the horrors of junior high school. Funny, sad,
and truthful, this indie hit signaled the arrival of Solondz
as a fresh new talent.
"The Alfred Hitchcock Collection" (NR) released August 3
REVIEW
Universal has given the boxed-set treatment to their
superior DVD Collector's Editions of "Psycho" and "Vertigo,"
and to make the package even more tantalizing (and
exclusive), a third disc is included, containing four
episodes from the classic TV series "Alfred Hitchcock
Presents" that were directed by Hitchcock himself. If you're
a die-hard Hitchcock fan, one-stop shopping doesn't get any
better than this.
"Titanic" (PG-13) scheduled for release August 31
starring Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio; directed by
James Cameron
REVIEW
What more can you say about "Titanic"? James Cameron's
Oscar-winning blockbuster is a global phenomenon, and its
bestselling release on DVD--scheduled for August 31--has DVD
enthusiasts drooling. You know the story: Boy meets girl,
girl dumps fiance, ship hits iceberg, and millions of
teenage girls go berserk at the box office. Now you can
relive the passion and the disaster that captured audiences
around the world... a film that truly has a life of its own,
long after the massive ship sunk to the bottom of the icy
Atlantic.
"Shakespeare in Love" (R) scheduled for release August 10
starring Gwyneth Paltrow, Joseph Fiennes, Geoffrey Rush, and
Ben Affleck; directed by John Madden
REVIEW
The race for the 1999 Oscars was a close call between
"Shakespeare in Love" and "Saving Private Ryan," and
although "Ryan" may be a fine film, the multiple Oscars for
"Shakespeare in Love"--including Best Picture--were a
delightful and deserving surprise. In addition to its sheer
entertainment value, "Shakespeare in Love" is also one of
the most intelligent and cleverly written love stories in
many a year. The DVD includes deleted scenes.
"Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels" (R) scheduled for
release August 10
starring Jason Flemyng and Dexter Fletcher; directed by Guy
Ritchie
REVIEW
When Tom Cruise saw this dazzling British crime thriller in
a Hollywood screening room, he reportedly stood up and
shouted, "This movie ROCKS!" and proceeded to secure the
rights for an American remake. Cruise's enthusiasm is well
justified, because writer-director Guy Ritchie's feature
debut is the kind of audacious, full-throttle joy ride that
begs to be given your fullest attention. It may look like
Ritchie's intruding on Tarantino territory, but this film--
about a bunch of cockney Londoners trying to shake their
debt to a criminal kingpin--is so chock full of stylistic
flair that Ritchie deserves ample credit. This is the kind
of movie that revitalizes old plots with new ideas... and
yes, it rocks!