Greenberg Roger Greenberg (Ben Stiller) is single, fortyish and deliberately doing nothing. In search of a place to restart his life, he agrees to house-sit for his successful/married-with-children brother in L.A. and tries to reconnect with his former bandmate (Rhys Ifans) and ex-girlfriend (Jennifer Jason Leigh). But old friends aren't necessarily still best friends, and Greenberg soon finds himself forging a connection with his brother's much younger personal assistant, Florence (Greta Gerwig), an aspiring singer and also something of a lost soul. Over the course of several weeks, and despite his best attempts not to be drawn in, Greenberg and Florence manage to form a tentative and wonderfully vulnerable connection, and he comes to realize that he may at last have found a reason to be happy. It's an examination of how funny, and terribly unpredictable, love in the modern world can be. Vitals: Director: Noah Baumbach. Stars: Ben Stiller, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Rhys Ifans, Greta Gerwig, Chris Messina. 2010, CC, MPAA rating: R, 108 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $3.923 million, Universal.
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THIS WEEK'S DVD RELEASES:
The Backyardigans: Operation Elephant Drop (2010) Four new-to-DVD episode of The Backyardigans, in which five high-spirited neighbors meet in their adjoining backyards and use their imaginations to transform themselves into different locations for epic adventures; $16.98. (Nick/Paramount).
Bounty Hunter, The (2010) Jennifer Aniston, Gerard Butler, Christine Baranski, Jeff Garlin, Gio Perez, Joel Garland, Jason Kolotouros. Extras: Three featurettes: "Making of The Bounty Hunter." "Stops Along the Road: Hunting Locations" and "Rules for Outwitting a Bounty Hunter." Also available on Blu-ray Disc, which adds movieIQ+sync, BD-Live and a digital copy. (Sony).
Caillou: Caillou's Fun Outside (2010) Four new-to-DVD episodes featuring 14 fun-filled outdoor adventures; $14.99. Extras: Interactive games, music videos, parents' information, coloring pages. (Paramount/PBS Kids).
Caught in the Crossfire (2010) Chris Klein, Adam Rodriguez, 50 Cent, Christine Lakin, Michael Matthias. Two detectives investigating a gang-related crime find themselves targeted by both gang members and crooked cops. Extras: Outtakes. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Lionsgate).
Chloe (2010) Director: Atom Egoyan; Stars: Julianne Moore, Liam Neeson, Amanda Seyfried, Max Thieriot. Extras: Commentary by Amanda Seyfried, director Atom Egoyan and writer Erin Cressida Wilson ; deleted scenes; "Introducing Chloe: The Making of Chloe directed by Atom Egoyan." Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Sony).
Diary of a Nymphomaniac (2008 -- Spanish) Belen Fabra, Geraldine Chaplin. A young woman's quest for sexual fulfillment brings her to unimagined heights, as she beds countless strangers, becomes mistress to a man in a committed relationship, then the kept woman of a rich businessman, and ultimately a high-priced prostitute who may have found true love at last. (IFC Films).
The Film Noir Classic Collection Volume 5 Legendary Hollywood tough guys and femme fatales collide in eight smoldering suspense classics, all new to DVD in the latest Film Noir four-disc set. Titles include "Cornered" (1945) with Dick Powell; "Desperate" (1947), directed by Anthony Mann and starring Steve Brodie; "The Phenix City Story" (1955); "Dial 1119" (1950); "Armored Car Robbery" (1950), directed by Richard Fleischer; "Crime in the Streets" (1956), directed by Don Siegel and starring John Cassavetes; "Deadline at Dawn" (1946) and "Backfire "(1950), directed by Vincent Sherman and starring Gordon MacRae, Edmond O'Brien and Virginia Mayo. $49.92. (Warner).
Girl by the Lake (2007 -- Italy) Toni Servillo, Denis Fasolo, Nello Mascia. The body of a young woman is found in a small and quiet town in North Italy and a detective from the nearby main city is called upon to solve the mystery. Based on Karin Fossum's series of award-winning mystery novels. (IFC Films).
The Greatest (2009) Carey Mulligan, Aaron Johnson, Pierce Brosnan, Susan Sarandon, Johnny Simmons. A grief-stricken couple whose family has been pushed to the breaking point by the accidental death of their oldest son, Bennett, are forced to explore the depths of their empathy when a young woman shows up a few months later announcing that she's pregnant with Bennett's child. Extras: Interviews with director Shana Feste and actors Pierce Brosnan, Susan Sarandon and Johnny Simmons. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (National Entertainment Media).
Greenberg (2010)Director: Noah Baumbach; Stars: Ben Stiller, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Rhys Ifans, Greta Gerwig, Chris Messina. Extras: "A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Greenberg" featurette, "Greenberg Loves Los Angeles" featurette, "Noah Baumbach Takes a Novel Approach" featurette. Also available on Blu-ray Disc, which adds BD-LIVE, pocket BLU and Socal BLU. (Universal).
How to Make Love to a Woman (2010) Josh Meyers, Krysten Ritter, Ian Somerhalder. After sex one night, Andy, a music executive with no idea how to satisfy his girlfriend, turns to advice from his fellow musician pals as well as adult film legend Jenna Jameson (playing herself), but finds time running out when his girl's handsome childhood friend appears. But even with the help of his friends, a bombshell porn star and tantric experts, Andy continues to stumble in the bedroom ... until he discovers the L word. (E1 Entertainment).
Middle of Nowhere (2008) Susan Sarandon, Anton Yelchin, Eva Amurri, Justin Chatwin, Scott A. Martin, Willa Holland. Melodrama about two teenage girls, trapped in a small town and under the thumb of their dysfunctional mother (who squanders one of the daughters' chances to go to college by running up credit cards in the girl's name, wrecking her credit) who enter into dysfunctional relationships with two rich boys. Extras: Making of "Middle of Nowhere" featurette, cast and crew interviews, deleted scenes. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Image Entertainment).
Mystery Science Theater 3000: Volume XVIII. Collectible four-disc box set with "Lost Continent," "Crash of the Moons," "The Beast of Yucca Flats" and "Jack Frost." $59.97. Extras: Four limited-edition mini-posters by artist Steve Vance, "Mystery Science Theater Hour" wraps, "No Dialogue Necessary: Making an 'Off-Camera Masterpiece'," "Coleman Francis: The Cinematic Poet of Parking," stills gallery, more. (Shout! Factory).
My Year Without Sex (2009 -- Australia) Sacha Horler, Matt Day, Jonathan Segat, Portia Bradley. Facing tight finances, uncertain jobs and wild kids, a married couple find themselves in a strange predicament when the wife's doctors advise her that a medical condition will prevent them from having sex for an entire year. (Strand Releasing).
Nickelodeon: First Day of School (2010) Five episodes from Nick series: "Dora the Explorer: First Day of School," "Go, Diego, Go!: Linda the Librarian," "Blue's Clues: Blue Takes You to School," "The Wonder Pets!: Off to School/Save the Pangaroo" and "Ni Hao, Kai-lan: Lulu Day"; $16.99. (Paramount).
Our Family Wedding (2010) Forest Whitaker, Carlos Mencia, Lance Gross, America Ferrera, Regina King, Diana-Maria Riva, Shannyn Sossamon, Charlie Murphy. Extras: Deleted scenes, the director's cut ending, extended scene, "Til Dads Do Us Part" featurette, gag reel. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Fox).
Ozu: The Only Son/There Was a Father: Two Films by Yasujiro Ozu These rare early films from Yasujiro Ozu ("Tokyo Story") are considered by many to be two of the Japanese director's finest works, paving the way for a career among the most sensitive and significant in film history. "The Only Son" (1936) and "There Was a Father" (1942) make a graceful pair, bookending a crucial period in Japanese history. In the former, Ozu's first sound film, made during a time of intense economic crisis, a mother sacrifices her own happiness for her son's education; the latter, released in the midst of World War II, stars Ozu stalwart Chishu Ryu as a widowed schoolteacher trying to raise a son despite financial hardship. Extras: New video interviews with Japanese film scholar Tadao Sato and film scholars David Bordwell and Kristin Thompson, authors of "Film Art"; booklets featuring essays by film scholar Tony Rayns and reprints of pieces by actor Chishu Ryu and scholar Donald Richie. (The Criterion Collection).
Parasomnia (2008) Cherilyn Wilson, Dylan Purcell, Jeffrey Combs. Laura Baxter suffers from a bizarre medical condition that keeps her in an almost constant dream state, literally sleeping her life away. While confined to her hospital bed, art student Danny Sloan falls in love with her, unaware that a terrifying mass murderer is attempting to take possession of her mind. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (E1 Entertainment).
Psych: The Complete Fourth Season (2009-10) Four-disc set with 16 episodes, $59.98. (Universal).
Saint John of Las Vegas (2009) Steve Buscemi, Sarah Silverman, Romany Malco, Peter Dinklage, John Cho, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Tim Blake Nelson. A compulsive gambler (Steve Buscemi) has finally beaten the habit, started a new life, and said farewell to Las Vegas for good ..or so he thought ... until his new boss sends him back to Sin City to investigate a shady insurance claim, putting all the chips back on the table in this indie comedy. (Vivendi Entertainment).
Saving Grace The Final Season (2009) Five-disc set with 19 episodes, $49.98. (Fox).
Saving Marriage (2006) Documentary about the struggle to legalize same-sex marriage in Massachusetts. $24.98. (E1 Entertainment).
SpongeBob SquarePants: Triton's Revenge (2010) Seven SpongeBob episodes, featuring "The Clash of Triton," in which SpongeBob's attempt to humor King Neptune at his 5,000th birthday celebration at the Krusty Krab goes awry. $16.99. (Nick/Paramount).
Street Hawk: The Complete Series (1985) Four-disc set with all 12 episodes, plus the pilot episode, $39.97. Extras: Never-before-aired pilot featuring different Street Hawk firepower; "Street Hawk, The Making of a Legend" new documentary featuring Rex Smith, Joe Regalbuto and Jeannie Wilson; stills galleries; episode synopsis; eight-page collectors booklet. (Shout! Factory).
The Super Hero Squad Show: Quest for the Infinity Sword! Volume 1 (2009) First six episodes from the first season of this action-packed animated series featuring super-stylized versions of Marvel Comic's popular characters (including Captain America, Silver Surfer, Thor, Hulk, Wolverine and Iron Man) with a comedic twist. $14.93. Extras: A new interview with Stan Lee , hero and villain character profiles. (Shout! Factory).
Thomas & Friends: Creaky Cranky (2010) Four new episodes featuring the railroad gang from Sodor: "Creaky Cranky," "Tickled Pink," "Steamy Sodor" and "Early Bird," $14.98. (HIT Entertainment/Lionsgate).
2:37 (2006 -- Australia) Teresa Palmer, Frank Sweet, Sam Harris. Moving back and forth in time to present repeated scenes from various characters' points of view, this drama covers one awful day at an Australian high school: An unidentified student has been found dead in a restroom, an apparent suicide, and the movie then unfolds to reveal what led up to the tragedy, focusing on six students who each harbor a secret, including a popular jock, an awkward outcast, a fragile beauty, an academic overachiever and a closet homosexual. (IFC Films).
Vivere (2007 -- Germany) Esther Zimmering, Kim Schnitzer, Hannelore Elsner. A romantic drama about three women on the run, saving each other, and, ultimately, saving themselves. On Christmas Eve, Francesca sets out for Rotterdam in order to find her little sister, who has run off with her musician boyfriend. On the way, she picks up Gerlinde, a heartbroken older woman at the end of her rope. (E1 Entertainment).
White Collar Season One (2009-10) Four-disc set with 14 episodes, $69.99. Extras: Cast and writer commentary, gag reel, deleted scenes, three behind-the-scenes featurettes. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Fox).
Zift (2008 -- Bulgaria) Zahary Baharov, Tanya Ilieva , Vladimir Penev. Bulgarian film noir. It's the 1960s and a Bulgarian man known as Moth has been paroled after serving time for a murder he didn't commit. Shortly after Moth was sent to prison, Bulgaria fell under Communist rule, and now, as this hard-luck brawler emerges from captivity, he no longer recognizes his hometown. Sofia is a city in decay, brought low by 20 years of totalitarianism. Moth, a sort of 20th-century Eastern European Rip Van Winkle, must make his way in a strange and disorienting land, a shadow world of killers, con men, agents, outcasts, old partners and a former lover turned femme fatale. (IFC Films).
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