DVD Releases Tuesday August 10, 2010

This Week's Top Pick:
Date Night Steve Carell and Tina Fey star as a sensible, loving couple with two kids and a house in suburban New Jersey. Their typical date nights include a run-of-the-mill evening with little to no romance, but one night they decide to reignite the spark by going to Manhattan's hottest new restaurant ... without a reservation. They get more than they bargained for when a case of mistaken identity hurtles them into an incredible adventure involving corrupt cops, a mob boss and a crazed cab driver. Vitals: Director: Shawn Levy. Stars: Tina Fey, Steve Carell, Mark Wahlberg, James Franco, Mila Kunis, Common, Taraji Henson, Leighton Meeste. 2010, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 88 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $95.334 million, Fox.



THIS WEEK'S DVD RELEASES:

Clone Hunter (2009) Ben Thomas, Angela Funk, David Ian Lee. In a future world where the wealthy can have their brains implanted in clones so they can be immortal, a bounty hunter is called in to track down a rogue clone. (Lifesize Entertainment).

Crumb (1995) Terry Zwigoff's landmark 1995 film is an intimate documentary portrait of underground artist Robert Crumb, whose unique drawing style and sexually and racially provocative subject matter have made him a household name in popular American art. Zwigoff candidly and colorfully delves into the details of Crumb's incredible career, as well as his past, including his family of reclusive eccentrics, some of the most remarkable people you'll ever see on-screen. At once a profound biographical portrait, a riotous examination of a man's controversial art, and a devastating look at a troubled family, "Crumb" is a genuine American original. New, restored high-definition digital transfer, approved by director Terry Zwigoff. Extras: Two audio commentaries, one from 2010 with Zwigoff, and one from 2006, featuring Zwigoff and critic Roger Ebert; outtakes and deleted scenes; stills gallery; booklet featuring an essay by critic Jonathan Rosenbaum. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (The Criterion Collection).

Date Night (2010) Tina Fey, Steve Carell, Mark Wahlberg, James Franco, Mila Kunis, Common, Taraji Henson, Leighton Meeste. Extended edition. Extras: Gag reel, extended car chase, "Directing Off Camera" featurette, "Date Night" PSAs (three versions), "Directing 301 With Shawn Levy," commentary by Levy. Also available on two-disc Blu-ray, which adds deleted scenes, extended scenes, disaster dates with the cast, Steve and Tina camera tests, live lookup digital copy. (Fox).

Death at a Funeral (2010) Martin Lawrence, Tracy Morgan, Chris Rock, Zoe Saldana, Loretta Devine, Danny Glover, Regina Hall, James Marsden, Columbus Short, Luke Wilson, Ron Glass, Keith David, Peter Dinklage. Extras: Commentary by director Neil LaBute and co-producer-star Chris Rock, deleted scenes, behind-the-scenes featurettes "Family Album," "Death for Real" and "Death at a Funeral: Last Rites, Dark Secrets." Also available on Blu-ray Disc, which adds movieIQ+sync and BD-Live, digital copy of the film. (Sony).

The Diplomat (2009) Dougray Scott, Rachael Blake, Jeremy Lindsay Taylor, Richard Roxburgh, Claire Forlani, Don Hany. Scotland Yard Commander Julie Hales has discovered that British diplomat Ian Porter has dangerous ties to a notorious Russian trafficker in heroin. But the stakes are raised when an attempt on Porter's life leads Hales to a terrifying new discovery: a nuclear bomb previously belonging to the Soviet Union is missing and in the hands of the enemy. Now, with time running out, a life-and-death race is on to uncover Porter's true involvement in a global conspiracy and to prevent a nuclear annihilation. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Vivendi Entertainment).

The Good Heart (2009) Brian Cox, Paul Dano, Stephanie Szostak. When Jacques, the curmudgeonly owner of a gritty New York dive bar that serves as a home to a motley assortment of professional drinkers, meets Lucas, a homeless young man who has already given up on life, he takes Lucas under his wing, schooling him in the male-centric laws of the alcoholic clubhouse: no new customers, no fraternizing with customers, and absolutely no women. However, when Lucas insists they help a distraught and beautiful young woman who shows up at the bar seeking shelter, their unlikely friendship is put to the test. (Magnolia Home Entertainment).

Helen (2009) Ashley Judd, Lauren Lee Smith, Goran Visnjic. Judd shines as a talented music professor forced to come to terms with her debilitating depression; she finds solace through her friendship with Mathilda, a kindred spirit struggling with bipolar disorder. (E1 Entertainment).

The Joneses (2010) Demi Moore, David Duchovny, Gary Cole, Glenne Headly, Amber Heard. Extras: Deleted Scenes, Steve's job interview, Steve's post lifeimage career. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Fox).

Just Say Love (2009) Robert Mammana, Matthew Jaeger. In this intelligent love story that journeys from bliss to devastation, gay Guy becomes involved with Doug, a construction worker, and believes he has found "the one" ... until their no-strings relationship comes to an agonizing end when Doug reveals he has a wife ... and baby on the way. (E1 Entertainment).

Letters to God (2009) Ralph Waite, Bailee Madison, Robyn Lively, Maree Cheatham.(Vivendi Entertainment).

Looney Tunes Super Stars: Bugs Bunny Hare Extraordinaire. Fifteen newly remastered shorts featuring everyone's favorite carrot-crunching,"wascally wabbit." Included is "Lumber Jack-Rabbit," which was directed by Chuck Jones and is the only Warner Bros. cartoon short produced in 3-D. Other shorts are directed by such legendary animators as Friz Freleng, Bob Clampett, Chuck Jones, Robert McKimson and Frank Tashlin. $19.98. (Warner).

Looney Tunes Super Stars: Daffy Duck Frustrated Fowl. Fifteen newly remastered shorts devoted to that smart-aleck duck. Included is "People Are Bunny," which parodies Art Linkletter's show "People are Funny." Also featured is "This Is a Life?" which is a spoof the classic TV series "This is Your Life," where Elmer Fudd parodies host Ralph Edwards. A parody of Edward R. Murrow's TV series "Person to Person" is also featured on a short titled "Person to Bunny." Because the Daffy Duck shorts featured here are not edited for content, it is more suited for the adult collector than for young viewers. $19.98. (Warner).

Louie Bluie (1985) "Crumb" director Terry Zwigoff's first film is a treat: a documentary about the obscure country blues musician and idiosyncratic visual artist Howard "Louie Bluie" Armstrong, member of the last known black string band in America. As beguiling a raconteur as he is a performer, Louie makes for a wildly entertaining movie subject, and Zwigoff honors him with an unsentimental but endlessly affectionate tribute. New, restored high-definition digital transfer, approved by director Terry Zwigoff. Extras: Commentary featuring Zwigoff; outtakes and deleted scenes; illustrations by Howard Armstrong; stills gallery; booklet featuring an essay by film critic Michael Sragow. (The Criterion Collection).

Manuela & Manuel (2007 -- Puerto Rico) Humberto Busto, Elena Iguina. When her best friend Coca gets pregnant and needs a male to act as her fiance, Manuela -- born a man but living as a woman -- is persuaded to put on her former male persona and pretend to be the father-to-be of Coca's child ... but switching back and forth between her masculine and feminine sides is far more difficult than she expected. (E1 Entertainment).

Max Headroom: The Complete Series (1987-88) Five-disc set with all 14 episodes, $49.97. Extras: "Live on Network 23: The Story of Max Headroom" featurette; "Looking Back at the Future" roundtable discussion with stars Amanda Pays, Jeffrey Tambor, Concetta Tomei and Chris Young, moderated by Max Headroom superfan and creator of "The Middleman" Javier Grillo-Marxuach; "The Big-Time Blanks" featurette with Morgan Sheppard and Concetta Tomei; "The Science Behind The Fiction" featurette; "Producing Dystopia" featurette; "The Writers Remember" featurette. (Shout! Factory).

My Name Is Khan (2009 - India) Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol. Bollywood romance about an Indian man with a unique way of looking at the world who moves to San Francisco and meets a vivacious single mother; they form a special bond and fall in love against all odds, but fate and tragedy conspire to tear them apart. Extras: "Changing the Face of Bollywood" featurette, "Working Together" featurette, "The Music of My Name Is Khan," "The Story of My Name Is Khan," Sajda music promo, Tere Naina music promo. (Fox).

Numb3rs: The Sixth Season (2009) Four-disc set with the last season's 16 episodes, $57.99. Extras: "Coming Full Circle: Numb3rs Season 6," "Pixel Perfect: The Digital Cinematography of Numb3rs," "The Women of Numb3rS," production photo gallery with Nicolas Falacci. (Paramount).

Say Goodnight (2008) Aaron Paul, Carly Pope, Shannon Lucio, Smith Cho, Rob Benedict, David Monahan, Christopher Gessner. Three guys tell the stories of how they met the loves of their lives, and how they managed to completely screw up the relationships. (MTI Home Video).

Tapped (2009) Is access to clean drinking water a basic human right, or a commodity that should be bought and sold like any other article of commerce? From the producers of "Who Killed the Electric Car" comes this behind-the-scenes look into the unregulated and unseen world of an industry that aims to privatize and sell back the one resource that ought never to become a commodity: our water. A couple of eye-opening facts about the business of water in our country: Each year, Americans buy 29 billion single-serve bottles of water. To transport that water we use over 18 million barrels of oil. And, in 2007, water was an $11.5 billion business. $19.98. Extras: Additional featurettes: "Central Valley and Agriculture," "Chemicals in the Water," "Infrastructure," "OC Water," "Oil and Water," "Privatization" and "World Water Crisis." (The Disinformation Company).

Trauma: Season 1 (2009-10) Four-disc set with 18 episodes, $39.98. (Universal).

Triage (2009) Colin Farrell, Juliet Stevenson, Paz Vega, Jamie Sives. Exploration of guilt, forgiveness and love that unravels the shocking tale of a battle-scarred war photographer who returns from covering the fighting in Kurdistan -- without his colleagues -- an entirely different person. (National Entertainment Media).

Under the Mountain (2009) Tom Cameron, Sophie McBride, Oliver Driver, Leon Wadham, Sam Neil. Teenage twins battle dark forces hidden beneath Auckland, New Zealand's volcanoes. Based on the novel and TV series. Extras: Commentary by director/co-writer Jonathan King and co-writer Matthew Grainger; making-of documentary. (Lionsgate).

Three New Candidates File Papers for Delta By-Election

A call to the Corporation of Delta City Clerk's office has revealed that three more candidates have filed their nomination papers to run in the upcoming Delta by-election. Kathleen Higgins, Maria Devries, and Art Harms have officially entered the race for the seat left vacant by the late George Hawksworth. Higgins, who lost in the last general election, and Devries, best known for relinquishing her provincial Liberal nomination to Wally Oppal, let their intentions be known prior to the nomination period. Art Harms, on the other hand, has entered the race in relative anonymity. This brings the list of official candidates up to four as Sylvia Bishop was first to declare on Tuesday. Other people who have declared their intention are Sandeep Pandher, Ian Paton, and Amy Ghuman Sara. They have until August 13th to file their nomination papers.

Delta Free Press 2010 Candidate Challenge

What Would Elvis Do? DELTA BY-ELECTION

Well 'silly season' is upon us. That's right! Nomination papers for the council seat made vacant by the unforeseen passing of George Hawksworth can be filed starting today and candidates must have their papers filed by August 13th.

The list of 'would be' councilors continues to grow with six already declaring their intentions and a few 'usual suspects' still lurking on the sidelines.

I have had a number of emails come in inquiring about my opinion on the candidates and asking if I was going to publicly support any single candidate. In all honesty I didn't put too much thought into it. It's true, I have some pretty strong views but I never considered that people would make up their minds based on my opinions.

I was flattered when I was recently voted the "BEST local citizen you would like to see in office" in the 2010 South Delta Leader contest. Let me be clear on something, "I am not running for office!" That being said, I am going to do something I have never done before. It is with great pleasure and anticipation that I introduce:

The Delta Free Press 2010 Candidate Challenge.

On August 16th I will send a questionnaire out to each of of the candidates to fill out and return. Based on interest and schedules, I will invite each candidate to an interview. Then, on August 20th I will publicly declare who I am going to vote for and why.

But it doesn't stop there. The winner of the challenge will get the following:

• Free advertising on the Delta Free Press for the duration of the by-election. (subject to election rules)
• $200 personal campaign donation
• Prime real estate on my front lawn for an election sign (up to 4' by 8')
• and my vote

I will post the returned questionnaires of all the candidates as I get them and I would encourage feedback from the general public. As a disclaimer I should state that this is not an exercise in democracy and the winner will be chosen solely by myself.

Bishop First Out of the Gates... Again.

News Desk - It came as no surprise to see Sylvia Bishop at Delta City Hall on the official opening day for nominations in the September 18, 2010 by-election. Bishop was the first declared candidate, announcing her intentions almost 3 months ago in May and now she is also the first official candidate in the race with the filing of her nomination papers. When asked about being the first to file her papers, Bishop said, "I have been campaigning since May. Filing today felt
satisfying after all of my hard work these past months.”

Bishop said she looks forward to the upcoming weeks of the campaign. “I learn a lot from the people I meet door knocking in the community. People really care about their neighborhoods, which have their own issues alongside the larger issues all of Delta faces.”

Citing the potentially crowded field of candidates for one council seat, Bishop said, ”Nothing is better for an election than a good race. It brings people in and gets them involved in the issues we all care about.”

The race for the seat left vacant by the late George Hawksworth has no shortage of players contending for it. There have been six people publicly declare their intentions to run in the by-election, with a few more suspected to file by the end of the nomination period.

Sylvia Bishop is the only official candidate at the moment, but declarations to run have been made by Sandeep Pandher, Kathleen Higgins, Ian Paton and Maria Devries. Former five-term councilor and mayoral hopeful Krista Engelland is the only potential candidate to publicly declare she is not running, opting instead to endorse Sylvia Bishop in her run. It is still unclear whether Mike Reilly will choose to run in this election.

Delta Police Secure Charges in Tidewater Pub Fire

Sgt. Sharlene Brooks - Delta Police secure charges in the arson of the Tidewater Pub located in the 10100 block of River Rd.

Incident: On May 28th 2010 at approximately 1:52 a.m. the Delta Police and Fire Departments responded to a structure fire. On arrival the Tidewater pub was fully engulfed. The loss estimated to be approximately $2.6 - $3 million.

Delta Police Major Crimes Section embarked on a criminal investigation and as a result of their investigative efforts, Bradley Thomas ANTROBUS 27yrs of Surrey is charged with Arson and Break and Enter relating to this incident.

ANTROBUS, who was in custody at the time charges were laid on unrelated matters with another agency, remains in custody and his next court appearance is scheduled for August 16,2010.

DVD Releases Tuesday August 3, 2010

This Week's Top Pick:
The Ghost Writer When a gifted ghostwriter (Ewan McGregor) is hired to write the memoirs of former British Prime Minister Adam Lang (Pierce Brosnan), he quickly finds himself trapped in a web of political and sexual intrigue. Lang is implicated in a scandal over his administration's harsh tactics, and as the ghostwriter digs into the politician's past, he discovers secrets that threaten to jeopardize international relations -- as well as his life. A taut and shocking thriller. Vitals: Director: Roman Polanski. Stars: Pierce Brosnan, Ewan McGregor, Tilda Swinton, Tom Wilkinson, Kim Cattrall, Olivia Williams, Jim Belushi, Eli Wallach, Timothy Hutton. 2010, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 128 min., Thriller, Box office gross: $15.5 million, Summit Entertainment



THIS WEEK'S DVD RELEASES:

After.Life (2009) Liam Neeson, Christina Ricci, Justin Long. After a car accident, a young woman (Ricci) is seemingly caught between life and death and a funeral director (Neeson) who appears to have the gift of transitioning the dead to the afterlife, but who also just might be intent on burying her alive. Extras: Commentary by co-writer/director Agnieszka Wojtowicz-Vosloo, "Delving Into The After.Life: The Art of Making a Thriller" featurette. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Anchor Bay).

Curious George: Back to School (2010) Eight episodes of the PBS KIDS TV series in which George discovers that you can learn new things at school, at home and everywhere in between. $16.98. (Universal).

Days That Shook the World: Season Three (2005) Two-disc set with 10 episodes of the BBC/History Channel series that looks at landmark events in history; episodes include the gunfight at the OK Corral, the broadcast of "The War of the Worlds," the St Valentine's Day Massacre, the flight of the last Iranian Shah, Mohammed Reza Pahlavi, and the execution of former Romanian president Ceausescu. $29.98. (BBC/Warner).

Deathsport/BattleTruck Collector's Edition (2009) Double feature: "Deathsport" (1978, starring David Carradine, Claudia Jennings, Richard Lynch and William Smithers) is being presented in a widescreen format for the first time; "BattleTruck" (released theatrically as "Warlords of the 21st Century" in 1982) is released to DVD for the first time. Part of the Roger Corman's Cult Classics collection. Extras: "Deathsport": Commentary by co-director Allan Arkush and editor Larry Bock; interviews with actor Jesse Vint; original theatrical trailers; still gallery; trailer and TV spots. "BattleTruck": Commentary by director Harley Cokliss, trailers. (Shout! Factory).

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Cheesiest Edition (2010) Zachary Gordon, Robert Capro, Rachael Harris, Steve Zahn. Extras: "Greg's Deleted Diary Pages," which bring the diary to life with all-new, never-before-seen moments not included in the film, commentary by director Thor Freudenthal and writer Gabe Sachs. Also available on Blu-ray Disc, which includes a digital copy. (Fox).

Dora's Big Birthday Adventure (2010) Music-filled, movie-length adventure has Dora and Boots on a whirlwind adventure through Magic Storybook Land, with guest stars Rosie Perez as La Bruja (the witch), John Leguizamo as the Flying Monkeys and Hector Elizondo as the Wishing Wizzle. Includes two other episodes and a DVD game. $16.99. (Nick/Paramount).

The Dungeon Masters (2008) Documentary -- set against the backdrop of crumbling middle-class America -- about three struggling adults (two men and a woman) who devote their lives to Dungeons & Dragons, the storied role-playing game. One player is a sanitation worker who lures friends into a "Sphere of Annihilation." Another is an evil "drow-elf" displaced by Hurricane Katrina. And one is a failed supervillain who starts a cable access show involving ninjas, puppets and a cooking segment. But the baroque fantasies of these three clash with their mundane real lives, and they gradually come to realize that the game's imaginary triumphs can't completely mask the very real disappointments of life. $19.98. (FilmBuff/MPI Media Group).

Eclipse Series 23: The First Films of Akira Kurosawa. Years before Akira Kurosawa changed the face of cinema with such iconic works as "Rashomon," "Seven Samurai" and "Yojimbo," he made his start in the Japanese film industry with four popular and exceptional works, created while World War II was raging. All gripping dramas, those rare early films: "Sanshiro Sugata" (1943) and "Sanshiro Sugata, Part Two" (1945), a two-part martial arts saga; "The Most Beautiful" (1944), a portrait of female volunteers helping the war effort; and" The Men Who Tread on the Tiger's Tail," a kabuki-derived tale of deception. A bare-bones set, $59.95. (The Criterion Collection).

Elvis on Tour (1972) Golden Globe-winning documentary that followed Elvis on a 15-city tour of the United States in 1972, in newly-restored and remastered Blu-ray and DVD versions. Elvis on Tour, considered to be Presley's last film before his death in 1977, was written and directed by Robert Abel and Pierre Adidge, and the cinematographer was Lucien Ballard. Twenty-five musical numbers spotlight Presley's talent, range and showmanship in captivating on-stage performances and intimate backstage rehearsals with his band, including "See See Rider," "Proud Mary," "Burning Love," "Don't Be Cruel," "Teddy Bear," "Hound Dog," "Can't Help Falling in Love with You," "Love Me Tender," "All Shook Up," "Suspicious Minds," "Heartbreak Hotel," "Are You Lonesome Tonight" and more. Extras: Elvis' Ed Sullivan Show performance, montage sequences (supervised by Martin Scorsese) showcasing Elvis' early career and movies. The Blu-ray Disc is packaged as a book filled with Elvis photos, quotes, trivia, a tour itinerary, set lists, costumes, and background information about the filming techniques used. $19.96 DVD, $34.99 Blu-ray. Read more about this month's Elvis releases and the celebrations surrounding the 75th anniversary of the rock 'n' roll icon's birth. (Warner).

The Elvis 75th Anniversary DVD Collection (2009) Boxed set commemorating the 75th anniversary of the rock 'n' roll icon's birth, with 17 Elvis films, including the new "Elvis on Tour" as well as "Jailhouse Rock," "Viva Las Vegas," "It Happened at the World's Fair," "Kissin' Cousins," "Girl Happy," "Tickle Me," "Harum Scarum," "Spin Out," "Double Trouble," "Stay Away, Joe," "Speedway," "Live a Little, Love a Little," "Charro!" "The Trouble With Girls," "Elvis: That's the Way It Is" documentary, "This Is Elvis" documentary. The box set includes a 40-page commemorative book with iconic shots from behind the scenes of his movies and stage performances, and insightful career highlights notes. The collection, packed in sparkly, Vegas-inspired, holographic foil with 10 reproduction memorabilia pieces including studio correspondence and signed Elvis Presley checks. $74.92. (Warner).

Errol Flynn Adventures, TCM Spotlight. Five-disc set with five restored and remastered Errol Flynn classic debuting on DVD. The collection includes: "Desperate Journey" (1942), "Northern Pursuit" (1943), "Uncertain Glory" (1944), "Objective, Burma!" (1945), all directed by the legendary Raoul Walsh, and "Edge of Darkness"(1943), directed by Lewis Milestone. $42.92. Read more about "TCM Spotlight: Errol Flynn Adventures." (Warner).

The Ghost Writer (2010) Director: Roman Polanski. Stars: Pierce Brosnan, Ewan McGregor, Tilda Swinton, Tom Wilkinson, Kim Cattrall, Olivia Williams, Jim Belushi, Eli Wallach, Timothy Hutton. Also available on Blu-ray Disc.

Happiness Runs (2010) Mark L. Young, Andie MacDowell, Rutger Hauer, Hanna Hall, Jesse Plemons. A coming-of-age tale about a young man growing up on a Utopian commune, where he's faced with the challenge to either submit to his community's ideals or to escape. Although his mother funds the collective that preaches a lifestyle of free love and out-of-body meditations, the sudden reappearance of his childhood love forces him to create a desperate plot to save them both and escape the polygamous cult. (Strand Releasing).

Heroes: Season 4 (2009-10) Five-disc set with 18 episodes, $59.98. Extras: "Deconstructing Sylar": Discussion with Tim Kring, Adam Armus and Zachary Quinto; "Milo Speaks"; "Heroes Revolution": Tim Kring and Heroes New Media Creatives discuss the importance of a Web series for a hit television show and how New Media entertainment is created; "Genetics of a Scene"; deleted and extended scenes; Screensaver: Sullivan Brothers Design Gallery screensaver for your television; commentaries. which adds "Behind the Big Top Featurette," BD-Live, pocket BLU, U-Control, My Scenes. (Universal).

Humanoids From the Deep (1980) Doug McClure, Ann Turkel, Vic Morrow. Part of the Roger Corman's Cult Classics collection. New high-definition transfer of the uncut international version presented in anamorphic widescreen. Extras: Deleted scenes; trailer; TV and radio spots; Leonard Maltin's interviews with Roger Corman on the making of the film; "The Making of Humanoids From the Deep" featuring new interviews with composer James Horner, second unit/assistant director James Sbardellati, editor Mark Goldblatt; New World trailers. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Shout! Factory).

James and the Giant Peach: Special Edition (1996) Dir.: Henry Selick; voices of Simon Callow, Richard Dreyfuss, Jane Leeves, Joanna Lumley, Miriam Margolyes, Pete Postlethwaite, Susan Sarandon, Paul Terry, David Thewlis. Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack Blue-ray Extras: "Spike the Aunts Interactive Game," production featurette, "Good News" music video by Randy Newman, still frame gallery. (Disney).

Kick-Ass (2010) Aaron Johnson, Chloe Moretz, Nicolas Cage, Mark Strong, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Garrett M. Brown, Clark Duke, Evan Peters, Deborah Twiss, Lyndsy Fonseca, Sophie Wu, Elizabeth McGovern. Extras: Commentary by writer-director Matthew Vaughn, "It's On! The Comic Book Origin of Kick-Ass" featurette, "The Art of Kick-Ass" gallery, marketing archive. Also available as a Blu-ray Disc Combo Pack (Blu-ray Disc, DVD & Digital Copy), which adds "Ass-Kicking Bonus View Mode" synchronous with the feature film multi-media presentation that incorporates video and audio commentary, behind-the-scenes clips and illustrative graphics with co-writer/producer/director Matthew Vaughn, plus cast and crew providing an all-access perspective on "Kick-Ass"; "A New Kind of Superhero: The Making of Kick-Ass" documentary. (Lionsgate).

The Kim Novak Collection. Three-disc set with five of Novak's best-known films, fully restored and remastered, including two new to DVD: "Picnic" (1955) starring William Holden, Rosalind Russell, Cliff Robertson and Susan Strasber; "Jeanne Eagels" (1957) with Agnes Moorehead and Jeff Chandler (DVD debut); "Pal Joey" (1957) starring Frank Sinatra and Rita Hayworth; "Bell Book and Candle" (1958) starring James Stewart, Jack Lemmon Elsa Lanchester; Paddy Chayefsky's "Middle of the Night" (1959) starring Frederick March (DVD debut). $39.95. Extras: Featurettes: "Kim's Hollywood Picnic," "Back Stage and at Home With Kim Novak," "Bewitched, Bothered and Blonde," "Reflections in the Middle of the Night," commentary on "Jeanne Eagles" by Kim Novak and author Stephen Rebello, commentary on "Pal Joey" by Kim Novak and author Stephen Rebello, original trailers. (Sony).

Mercy: The Complete First Season (2009-10) Five-disc set with 22 episodes, $59.98. (Universal).

Open House (2010) Brian Geraghty, Rachel Blanchard, Anna Paquin, Stephen Moyer. When a couple on the brink of divorce decide to sell their home and have an open house, a "potential buyer" kidnaps them and tortures them in their basement. Extras: Commentary by director Andrew Paquin, deleted scenes. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Lionsgate).

Piranha (1978) Director: Joe Dante; Bradford Dillman, Heather Menzies, Kevin McCarthy, Keenan Wynn, Barbara Steele, Dick Miller, Paul Bartel, Belinda Balaski, Richard Deacon, Barry Brown. Part of the Roger Corman's Cult Classics collection. Packaged with a reversible cover and presented in anamorphic widescreen for the first time. Extras: Commentary by director Joe Dante and producer Jon Davison; behind-the-scenes footage; "The Making of Piranha" featurette with new interviews with Roger Corman, Joe Dante, Dick Miller, Belinda Balaski and many More; bloopers and outtakes; "Piranha" trailer with commentary by producer Jon Davison, courtesy of Trailers From Hell (www.trailersfromhell.com); stills gallery with photos and posters from around the world; behind-the-scenes stills gallery featuring photos from Phil Tippett's personal collection; additional scenes from the network television version; radio and TV spots; New World trailers. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Shout! Factory).

A Prophet (2009 -- French) Tahar Rahim, Niels Arestrup, Hichem Yacoubi. Extras: Deleted scenes, rehearsal footage, screen tests, commentary by director Jacques Audiard, actor Tahar Rahim and co-screenwriter Thomas Bidegain. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Sony)

Saturday Night Live: The Best of Will Ferrell -- Volume 3. Single disc with Will Ferrell's funniest and best sketches from "Saturday Night Live," including the fan-favorite skits "Inside the Actors Studio," "Celebrity Jeopardy" and "Cheerleader-Chess." (Universal).

Scholastic Storybook Treasures: The Rosemary Wells Collection. Two-disc set features eight of Rosemary Wells best-loved stories: "Max's Chocolate Chicken," "Max's Christmas," "Morris's Disappearing Dog," "Otto Runs for President," "Noisy Nora," "Emily's First 100 Days Of School," "Voyage to the Bunny Planet," "Reading to Your Bunny"; $19.95. Since the beloved "Noisy Nora" was first published in 1973, Rosemary Wells has become one of our most treasured author-illustrators. With a career spanning more than 40 years and 120 books, the estimable Wells has delighted children and adults alike with such unforgettable characters as Max, Ruby, and Nora, the attention-seeking mouse. Extras: Enhanced read-along and comprehension questions to help build early literacy skills, Spanish Versions of "Noisy Nora" and "Max's Christmas," interviews with Rosemary Wells, "Gonna Read to My Bunny" music video. (Scholastic Storybook Treasures).

To Save a Life (2009) Randy Wayne, Deja Kreutzberg, Joshua Weigel, Robert Bailey Jr., Kim Hidalgo, Sean Michael Afabl, Bubba Lewis, Steven Crowder. Inspirational drama about a popular teen who tries to help high school outcasts after a childhood friend tragically dies. Extras: Commentary, deleted scenes, gag reel, "To Save a Life: Behind the Scenes" featurette, music videos. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Sony).

DVD Releases Tuesday July 27, 2010

This Week's Top Pick:
Clash of the Titans Remake of the 1981 adventure film about the myth of Perseus. To win the right to marry his love (Andromeda) and fulfill his destiny, Perseus must complete various quests and battle both Medusa and the Kraken monster in order to save the Princess Andromeda. The ultimate struggle for power pits men against kings and kings against gods. But the war between the gods themselves could destroy the world. Born of a god but raised as a man, Perseus (Sam Worthington) is helpless to save his family from Hades (Ralph Fiennes), vengeful god of the underworld. With nothing left to lose, Perseus volunteers to lead a dangerous mission to defeat Hades before he can seize power from Zeus (Liam Neeson) and unleash hell on earth. Leading a daring band of warriors, Perseus sets off on a perilous journey deep into forbidden worlds. Battling unholy demons and fearsome beasts, he will only survive if he can accept his power as a god, defy his fate and create his own destiny. Vitals: Director: Louis Leterrier. Stars: Sam Worthington, Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes, Jason Flemyng, Gemma Arterton. 2010, CC, MPAA rating: PG-13, 118 min., Fantasy Action Adventure, Box office gross: $160.965 million, Warner.
THIS WEEK'S DVD RELEASES:

Acceptance (2009) Mae Whitman, Joan Cusack , Brigid Brannagh, Deepti Daryanani. A bright, blue-haired young girl currently runs the gauntlet of college applications, admissions essays, advanced placement exams, and an insanely overly ambitious mother, as she awaits word on her acceptance at her dream college. A Lifetime Original Movie. (RHI Entertainment/Vivendi Entertainment).

Accidents Happen (2009) Geena Davis, Harrison Gilbertson, Harry Cook, Joel Tobeck. A dysfunctional New England family relies on the son prone to witnessing horrible accidents to get them though the hard times in this wry period comedy drama set in the 1980s. Extras: Deleted scenes, featurettes. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Image Entertainment).

The Art of the Steal (2009) It may be unknown to most people, but in the art world, the Barnes Foundation (in Merion, Penn.) is a legendary repository of some of the finest paintings ever produced. This documentary tells how the private museum's $25 billion of art holdings has become the focus of a bitter, decades-long battle involving artists, politicians and powerful philanthropists. The film reveals how this private collection of paintings became the envy of the Louvre, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and other major institutions -- and the prize in a battle between one man's vision and the forces of commerce and politics. (IFC Films).

Artois the Goat (2009) Mark Scheibmeir, Sydney Andrews, Stephen Taylor Fry, Dan Braverman. Lab technician Virgil Gurdies struggles to choose between his true love, Angie, and his newfound quest to create the greatest goat cheese the world has ever known. (IndiePix Films).

Barney: Furry Friends (2010) Kids join Barney, Baby Bop, BJ and their playground friends for some tail-wagging adventures as they learn about dogs and cats. $14.98. Extras: "Animal Tracks" matching game. (HIT Entertainment/Lionsgate).

Batman: Under the Red Hood (2010) Voices of Bruce Greenwood, Jensen Ackles, Neil Patrick Harris, John DiMaggio, Jason Issacs. Batman confronts new enemies, old foes and painful memories when a powerful vigilante with a penchant for violence comes to Gotham City in the intense graphic-novel-come-to-life. Latest entry in the ongoing series of DC Universe animated original PG-13 movies. Available as a single DVD, two-disc DVD and Blu-ray disc. Two-disc DVD extras: "Robin's Story" featurette; two title-themed episodes from Warner Bros. Animation's 20-year history of Batman television series, hand-picked by animation legend Bruce Timm. Blu-ray adds: "Death in the House of Batman" featurette, two additional bonus Batman-themed episodes personally selected by Bruce Timm, digital copy. (Warner).

Clash of the Titans (2010) Sam Worthington, Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes, Jason Flemyng, Gemma Arterton. Extras: Alternate Ending. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Warner).

Crime Inc.: History's Famed Offenders (2010) The real stories behind notorious criminal masterminds, including those the Watergate villains, Al Capone, The Black Dahlia crime, Ted Bundy, O.J. Simpson, more. Two-disc set, $14.98. (Mill Creek Entertainment).

The Dawn of War (2010) Eleven-part series chronicles the first half of World War II in a masterfully scripted presentation filled with rare and authentic archive footage. Two-disc set, $14.98. (Mill Creek Entertainment).

Deadly Shift (aka Polar Opposites) (2008) Charles Shaughnessy, Tracy Nelson, Beth Grant, Ken Barnett. After rogue nuclear tests by Iran set off devastating earthquakes and a sudden spike in life-threatening solar radiation levels, a desperate U.S. government turns to the only scientist who may hold the key to survival. (E1 Entertainment).

Dog The Bounty Hunter: Crime Is on the Run (2009-10) Eight episodes, $19.95. (A&E Home Entertainment).

Don't Look Up (2009) Henry Thomas, Kevin Corrigan, Reshad Strik, Lothaire Bluteau. In this supernatural thriller, paranormal visionary Marcus Reed sets out to remake a cursed horror film in Transylvania. But while on set, a fierce supernatural force is released from the celluloid and rips open a window of terror, summoning the wrath of evil spirits. Remake of horror master Hideo Nakata's 1996 "Joyu-rei" (the creator of "The Ring" and "Dark Water"). Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (E1 Entertainment).

Eclipse Series 22: Presenting Sacha Guitry Sacha Guitry was once a household name. Something of a Gallic counterpart to Noel Coward, this disarming, multitalented artist served up some of 1930s French cinema's tastiest dishes. The son of a beloved theater actor, Guitry was devoted to the footlights, first turning to the silver screen as a way of bringing his plays to a wider audience. His films were anything but stage-bound, however: often the director, writer, and star of his popular movies, Guitry brought a witty inventiveness to the cinema and deployed radical tactics with such aplomb and control that he's considered one of the medium's first "complete auteurs." With these four films, American audiences can finally sample Guitry's creative, comic confections. Includes no-frills editions of "The Story of a Cheat" (Le roman d'un tricheur) (1936), "The Pearls of the Crown" (Les perles de la couronne) (1937), "Desire" (1937) and "Quadrille." (The Criterion Collection).

Everything You Wanted to Know About Gay Porn Stars But Were Afraid to Ask (2010) Behind-the-scenes look at the lives of some of gay adult cinema's hottest talents. Two-disc set with seven episodes,$24.98. (E1 Entertainment).

G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero -- The Movie Special Collectors Edition (1983) Animated feature with the voice talent of Don Johnson, Burgess Meredith, Bill Ratner, Michael Bell and Chris Latta. Available as a single-disc DVD and two-disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack. Extras: Commentary by story consultant Buzz Dixon; the final 8 "Knowing Is Half the Battle" PSAs that were not on the "G.I. JOE: A Real American Hero -- The Complete Series" DVD box set; original printable screenplay; art gallery. (Shout! Factory).

Hunter: The Complete Series (1984-91) Twenty-eight disc set with 152 episodes (including those from Seasons 4-7, which have never been on DVD), $99.98. (Mill Creek Entertainment).

Huxley on Huxley (2009) Compelling glimpse of Laura Huxley's life with Aldous Huxley (literary giant, author of "Brave New World"), as well as Huxley's revolutionary and provocative work that had a major influence on American and contemporary cultural history and such key figures as The Beatles, The Doors and Timothy Leary. Narrated by Peter Coyote and featuring interviews with such luminaries as John Densmore, Michael Murphy, Nick Nolte and Ram Dass. $29.95. (Docurama Films).

Ip Man (2008 -- Hong Kong) Donnie Yen, Simon Yam. The trio behind the cult hit "Kill Zone" -- director Wilson Yip, star Donnie Yen, and action choreographer Sammo Hung -- reteam for this Hong Kong action smash hit. Wing Chun grandmaster Ip (Donnie Yen) cements his reputation after defeating a roving band of kung fu masters who have come to his village to challenge him and the other marshal arts masters, but when the Japanese occupy his hometown during the Sino-Japan war (1937), he is forced to work as a coolie in a factory and participate in brutal sparring matches for the enemy's amusement. He demonstrates his superior fighting skills by defeating his opponents despite being heavily outnumbered and wins the admiration of the Japanese Colonel, Mr. Miura (Hiroyuki Ikeuchi), who challenges Ip to a championship fight. The outcome of the match inspires the Chinese villagers to rise up and defeat their oppressors. Also Available on Blu-ray Disc. Collector's Editions in both formats will also be available, with such extras as interviews with director and actors, including 20 minutes with Donnie Yen; "The Making of Ip Man" featurette; deleted scenes; teaser and regular trailer; two 30 second TV spots; photo gallery; sneak preview of "Ip Man 2." (Well Go USA).

Jesse Stone: No Remorse (2010) Latest telefilm starring Tom Selleck as Police Chief Jesse Stone. Suspended by the Paradise, Mass., town council, Stone begins moonlighting for his friend, State Homicide Commander Healy, by investigating a series of murders in Boston. (Sony).

The Job (2009) Patrick Flueger, Ron Perlman, Joe Pantoliano, Taryn Manning. A guy looking to find employment and marry the love of his life gets in over his head when a fast-talking temp agent lands him a job that may require some killer instincts. (Magnolia Home Entertainment).

Joy (1983 -- French) Claudia Udy. Erotic classic became an international sensation in the early 1980s thanks to its daring depiction of sexuality, seductive tone and stylish, sensuous settings. Explores one woman's voyage of sexual discovery. Based on the scandalous 1981 memoir of an international supermodel whose passion for men, women and strangers -- in any combination -- shatters every sexual taboo. Restored from the original negatives and contain footage previously unreleased in the U.S. Fittingly, "Joy" was restored using a print discovered in the screening room of a Paris brothel. Includes additional 12 minutes of footage, including the complete "secret orgy dungeon" sequence. (Severin Films).

Joy and Joan (1985 -- French) Brigitte Lahaie, Isabelle Solar. Sequel to "Joy." Restored from a print seized in a Marseilles vice raid. Includes five minutes of film never before released in America, including the complete "Philippine sex grotto" sequence. (Severin Films).

Life After People: The Complete Season Two (2009) Three-disc set with 10 episodes, $29.95. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (A&E Home Entertainment).

Loose Screws (1985) Bryan Genesse, Lance Van Der Kolk, Alan Deveau, Jason Warren, Annie McAuley, Karen Wood. Canuxploitation-teen-sex-comedy sequel to "Screwballs." This mid-80s pubescent romp follows the horny high jinks of four boys forced to attend summer school at Cockswell Academy under the watchful eye of Principal Arsenault. Extras: Featurettes with production manager Ken Gord and producer Maurice Smith; commentary by director Rafael Zielinski; the international version in its entirety, which contains an extra 10 minutes of footage trimmed from the U.S. version. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Severin Films).

Operation: Endgame (2010) Zach Galifianakis, Emilie de Ravin, Maggie Q, Odette Yustman, Rob Corddry, Adam Scott, Ellen Barkin, Ving Rhames, Brandon T. Jackson, Jeffrey Tambor, Joe Anderson, Beth Grant, Bob Odenkirk. A dry action-comedy about two teams of government assassins working out of a top-secret underground facility using code names from the Tarot deck. When a new hire -- The Fool -- arrives for his first day at work to find that the boss has been killed under mysterious circumstances, he must find the killer before the whole place blows up. Extras: Behind-the-scenes featurette, alternate opening and ending. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Anchor Bay).

Parting Ways: An Unauthorized Story on Life After The Beatles (2010) Documentary explores John Lennon's work with Yoko Ono; Paul McCartney's solo career and decade as front man of Wings; George Harrison's music with The Traveling Wilburys and his work as a film producer; and Ringo Starr's solo albums as wells as his acting. $14.98. Extras: Four featurettes: "Stella," a look at McCartney's fashionista daughter; "Yogi," exploring the group's brief collaboration with the Indian transcendentalist Maharishi Mahesh Yogi; "Yoko," examining Ono's relationship with Lennon; and "Beatle-Mania," a look at fan hysteria. (Infinity Entertainment Group).

Railroads: Tracks Across America (2010) Documentary collection of 36 fascinating features chronicling the development of the railroad industry from the first transcontinental line, freight and Pullman cars, to modern diesel engines. Two-disc set, $14.98. (Mill Creek Entertainment).

Rain (2008) Renel Brown, Nicki Micheaux, CCH Pounder. A spirited 14-year-old girl who, after the death of her grandmother, travels to the big city to find the mother who abandoned her, only to discover that she's now a drug-addicted prostitute living in the worst part of the city. (Image Entertainment).

Ray Bradbury's Chrysalis (2008) John Klemantaski, Darren Kendrick, Glen Vaughan. Post-apocalyptic tale based on Ray Bradbury's 1946 story, "Chrysalis," first published in Amazing Stories Magazine. In a futuristic, post-Word War III devastated Earth, a scientist falls ill and mysteriously begins to mutate into something plant-like. Is it a new human evolution or something far more sinister? (E1 Entertainment).

Repo Men (2010) Jude Law, Forrest Whitaker, Liev Schreiber, Alice Brava. Theatrical and unrated director's cut. Extras: Deleted scenes; complete "Union Commercials" used in the film; "Inside the Visual Effects"; commentary by director Miguel Sapochnik and writers Eric Garcia and Garrett Lerner. Also available on Blu-ray Disc, which adds BD-LIVE, My Scenes bookmarking function, pocket BLU mobile apps, social BLU. (Universal).

The Secret of the Grain (2007) Winner of four Cesar awards, including best picture and director, Abdellatif Kechiche's "The Secret of the Grain" is a stirring drama about the daily joys and struggles of a bustling French-Arab family. It has the texture of a documentary but a classic, almost Shakespearean structure: when patriarch Slimane acts on his wish to open a port-side restaurant specializing in his ex-wife's fish couscous, the extended clan's passions and problems explode in riveting drama, leading to an engrossing, suspenseful climax. With sensitivity and grit, "The Secret of the Grain" celebrates the role food plays in family life and gets to the core of contemporary immigrant experience. Extras: New video interview with Kechiche; "Sueur," Kechiche's captivating extended version of the film's climactic belly dancing sequence, featuring a new introduction by the director; new video interview with film scholar Ludovic Cortade; excerpt from a "20 heures" television interview with Kechiche and actress Hafsia Herzi; video interviews with Herzi, actress Bouraouia Marzouk, and the film's musicians; booklet featuring a new essay by film critic Wesley Morris. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (The Criterion Collection).

Sergeant Bilko: The Phil Silvers Show -- The First Season (1955-56) Five-disc set with 34 episodes, $42.99. Extras: "The Lost Audition Show," a rarely seen, live audition show that was never broadcast; original network opening; original cast commercials; "Lucy and the Efficiency Expert," a classic episode from the fifth season of "The Lucy Show" where Phil Silvers guest stars as an efficiency expert who takes over Lucy's office. (CBS/Paramount).

Shine: An Unauthorized Story on Beyonce (2010) Documentary on the singer, actress, dancer, designer, diva. $14.98. (Infinity Entertainment Group).

Stargate Universe (SGU 1.5) (2009-10) Three-disc set with the final 10 episodes of season one, $29.98. Extras: Fifteen behind-the-scenes featurettes, video diaries, commentary on every episode. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (MGM).

21 Jump Street: The Complete Series (1987-91) Eighteen-disc set with 103 episodes, $69.98. (Mill Creek Entertainment).

21 Jump Street: The Complete Third Season (1988-89) Four-disc set with 20 episodes, $14.98. (Mill Creek Entertainment).

The Uninvited (2009) Emily Browning, Arielle Kebbel, David Strathairn, Elizabeth Banks. A young woman moves to a remote house to try to get over her bizarre phobia but quickly discovers that her fears have followed her. (IFC Films).

Victory by Air (2010) Compilation includes five documentary features providing a complete historical overview of combat aircrafts from 1900 to 1945. $14.98. (Mill Creek Entertainment).

Vincere (2009 -- Italian) Filippo Timi, Giovanna Mezzogiorno. Little-known story of the personal life and rise to power of Benito Mussolini, focusing on the woman he loved passionately, scorned, denounced and then wrote out of history. (IFC Films).