How to Spend $20
By Les Winan
September 8, 2004
Taking a look ahead at the week's DVD releases is always dicey for your wallet. Nearly every week, there's a disc that would fit nicely into any size collection. When it comes time to decide what to buy, there are really two determining factors: how much you love the content and the quality of the extra features on the disc.
As a result, decisions will be totally subjective (I bought the full run of the unjustly canceled ABC dramedy Sports Night, no matter that the discs are featureless, the Criterion Edition of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas is a disc I had been dreaming of for years). The massive unreleased studio (film and television) back-catalogue means that every week there's likely something for every film fan.
This is one of those weeks where you could potentially blow a paycheck on DVDs. As a result of the amount and variety of the releases, for the most part, I’m going to focus on contemporary cinematic releases. But if you’re not interested in contemporary cinematic releases, you can find older classics (Dial M for Murder; Mr. and Mrs. Smith; Judgement at Nuremberg; Red Heat) and a number of complete seasons of television shows (Will and Grace: Season Three; Alias: The Complete Third Season; Columbo: The Complete First Season; Law and Order Criminal Intent: The Third Year; Law and Order SVU: The Fifth Year; Angel: Season Four) out this week. In short, if you’re a huge fan of a couple of television series and a few specific movies, forget about eating this week.
For people who wonder what time the dead wake: Dawn of the Dead (4-Disc Ultimate Edition) (1979)
Now, I’ve never seen either version of Dawn of the Dead, but were I to spend some time watching the original, this is the way to go. If you’re a fan of the original Dawn of the Dead, well, this week is your entrance into heaven. This “Ultimate Edition” collection is about as comprehensive as they come, and, were it not a week with two View Askew-related releases, would likely be the DVD Pick of the Week. There are no less than four discs, each with three individual versions of the film, a documentary, and specifically related extra features. It’s pretty amazing. On the first disc (original version of the film), there is an audio commentary track with writer/director George Romero, make-up artist Tom Savini, assistant director Chris Romero, and DVD producer Perry Martin. In addition, there are trailers; advertisments; a photo gallery; and a comic-book preview. On disc two (The European Version), you’ll be treated to an audio commentary with actors David Emge, Ken Foree, Scott Reiniger; and Gaylen Ross; trailers; advertising and photo galleries. On disc three (The Extended Version), you’ll get an audio commentary with producer Richard Rubinstein and Martin and photo galleries. Finally, on disc four, you can check out two on-set home movies with audio commentary from extra Robert Langer, and a Monroeville Mall tour with actor Ken Foree.
For people who really want to see John Travolta die: The Punisher (2004)
I’ve never quite gotten the allure of the Punisher character. When in the hands of an interesting writer, the comic is mildly interesting for watching the artists come up with creative ways to carry out the imaginatively scripted deaths of the bad guys, otherwise, it’s pretty much a one-note song. The movie takes a few liberties with the story of Frank “The Punisher” Castle, but aside from the origin, feel safe in assume you’ll be treated to a variety of elaborately plotted out deaths. Extra features on the disc include an audio commentary with director Jonathan Hensleigh; a music video; featurettes; and deleted scenes.
For Scott Peterson: The Ladykillers (Widescreen) (2004)
The first of two relative misfires for Tom Hanks in 2004, The Ladykillers is, like The Terminal, a collaboration with a highly acclaimed and respected director (or directors in this case). A remake of the 1955 comedy, The Ladykillers stars Hanks as a professor trying to rob a casino, only to be sidetracked by trying to kill his landlady. The Ladykillers made just under $40 million in the US, putting it nearly $125 million behind his previous film, 2002’s Catch Me If You Can (2002’s The Road to Perdition grossed just over $100 million). The Terminal, Hanks’ second collaboration with Catch Me director Steven Spielberg, was disappointing with just under $80 million in grosses. All that said, a Tom Hanks collaboration with the Coen Brothers is certainly worth checking out, as I suspect many will do on video. When renting the DVD, you’ll find deleted scenes and outtakes, the screenplay (available via DVD-rom) and a featurette. Not a great package, but certainly worth checking out.
For everyone who just went all in but missed their flush on the river and is now looking for something to do: Rounders (Collector's Edition) (1998)
Revered by amateur gamblers everywhere, Rounders is one of those films with little box office success but a rabid following on video. Starring Matt Damon and Edward Norton as high stakes poker players, the film really moves on the manic intensity of Edward Norton, whose lowlife role keeps the movie interesting. With this DVD, a film that’s been desperate for “special” treatment finally gets it, no doubt as a result of the massive explosion of interest in poker over the last few years. That’s evident in the extra features, which include an audio commentary with director John Dahl, screenwriters David Levien, and Brian Koppelman, Norton, and several professional poker players. Nothing like having experts weigh in on the realism of the film. In addition, all those who gamble on this DVD (rimshot!) will get a Texas Hold 'Em game; a featurette; poker tips; and a documentary on professional poker.
For anyone who has ever seen yet another magazine cover with Jennifer Lopez on it and thought: “DIE!”: Jersey Girl (2004)
Mostly as a result of the incredible press attention on the relationship with Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez, Jersey Girl was buried under the weight of the relationship. As a result of their on-screen relationship in the film, neither critics nor audiences could get past the Ben-J. Lo aspect of the film, which is a real shame, particularly considering that it's actually a pretty good movie. I’ll not attempt to make a case for greatness, few could, but the simple fact that something happening off-screen overshadowed what was happening on-screen, good or bad, is a shame. Jersey Girl is not a perfect movie, but Kevin Smith’s writing, as always, is interesting and the acting performances are pretty outstanding. Yes, even Ben Affleck. As with most View Askew-related releases, the DVD features on this disc are excellent, particularly considering the film’s lukewarm reception. On the disc, you’ll find an audio commentary with writer/director Kevin Smith and Affleck, as well as another one with Smith, producer Scott Mosier, and special guest Jason Mewes. Kevin Smith’s commentary tracks are always first-rate, so the presence of two makes this a worthy buy. Expect extreme candor on his feelings about the film. In addition, you’ll find interviews with cast and crew; Smith’s "Roadside Attractions" segments from the Tonight Show and featurettes. Jersey Girl isn’t the best movie of the year, but it’s certainly underrated.
For people wondering if there’s ever a time when it’s okay to buy a DVD “special edition” after there’s already been a “special edition”: Clerks (3-Disc Anniversary Edition) (1994)
Good things about Jersey Girl aside, if you’re only going to buy one View Askew DVD this week, this 10th Anniversary edition of Clerks is the way to go. It’s extremely rare that a “more special edition” of a previously released “special edition” will get my approval, but this is certainly it. Clerks: 10th Anniversary Edition is the DVD Pick of the Week, running away.
Clerks itself is certainly familiar to many people ten years after originally being released, but as with most of writer/director Kevin Smith’s work, the DVD is an outstanding addition to the legacy of the film. From the original release of Clerks, which included deleted scenes, and a commentary track (featuring a drunk Jason Mewes passing out at the beginning and waking up near the end of the film), Smith’s movies have gotten progressively better treatment on DVD (the medium they end up making most of their money in). Smith, a writer who mostly uses his own personal experiences (and thoughts) as a way of publicly having no inner monologue, went from bored convenience store clerk to $27,000-in-debt filmmaker to, believe it or not, international stardom with the release of the film. Clerks is not particularly impressive technically (a $27,000 budget and no experience will do that for you), but it’s notable, as with most of Smith’s films, for dialogue. There really would be no other way to follow the boring day in the life of two clerks unless they were impressively verbal and willing to express their opinions. Having that gift has become Smith’s meal-ticket, and the subject matter is so close to his heart that he’ll explore it again in a sequel, The Passion of the Clerks, out next year.
The 10th Anniversary set features literally three different versions of the film, all with separate features. Disc one is basically a re-print of the original DVD release (with original 1995 commentary track referenced above), while disc two features the original cut of the film with an all-new audio commentary featuring Smith, Mewes, producer Scott Mosier, and stars Jeff Anderson and Brian O’Halloran. Also included on discs two and three are deleted scenes; trailers; Jay and Silent Bob’s MTV commercials; outtakes; photo gallery; articles and reviews; the screenplay (via DVD-ROM); a 10th Anniversary Q&A; original Kevin Smith journals; Clerks auditions; and featurettes. It’s an absolutely outstanding set and the DVD Pick of the Week.
September 7, 2004
Alias: The Complete Third Season (6-DVD Set) (2003)
Alligator People (1959)
Angel: Season Four (6-DVD Set) (2002)
Another Country (1984)
Bad Boys II (Single Disc) (2003)
Basket Case 3: The Progeny (1992)
Bookies (2003)
The Boston Strangler (1968)
The Burning Bed (1984)
Clerks (3-Disc Anniversary Edition) (1994)
Columbo: The Complete First Season (5-DVD Set) (1971)
Darkhunters (2004)
Dawn of the Dead (4-Disc Ultimate Edition) (1979)
DC 9/11: Time of Crisis (2003)
Decoys (2004)
Dial M for Murder (1954)
Dischord (2001)
Ginger Snaps Back: The Beginning (2004)
Gotham (1988)
The Holy Land (2001)
Iron Jawed Angels (2004)
Island at the Top of the World (30th Anniversary Edition) (1974)
Jersey Girl (2004)
Judgment at Nuremberg (Special Edition) (1961)
Kaena: The Prophecy (2004)
The Ladykillers (Full Frame) (2004)
The Ladykillers (Widescreen) (2004)
Latin Dragon (2003)
Latter Days (2003)
Law & Order CI: The Third Year (3-DVD Set) (2003)
Law & Order SVU: The Fifth Year (4-DVD Set) (2004)
The Legacy (1979)
Mr. and Mrs. Smith (1941)
The Punisher (2004)
Red Heat (Special Edition) (1988)
Resident Evil (Deluxe Edition) (2002)
Rounders (Collector's Edition) (1998)
Soul Plane (Unrated Version) (2004)
Soul Plane (2004)
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter & Spring (2003)
The Sports Pages (2004)
Squanto: A Warrior's Tale (1994)
Sssssss (1973)
Stage Fright (1950)
Strangers on a Train (2-DVD Special Edition) (1951)
Suspicion (1941)
Terror Train (1980)
Third Man on the Mountain (1959)
The United States of Leland (2003)
The Vanishing (1993)
Wattstax (Anniversary Edition) (1973)
Whispers in the Dark (1992)
Will and Grace: Season Three (4-DVD Set) (2000)
The Wrong Man (1956)
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