DOCUMENTARY DAYSTHE DUST BOWL (PBS) Another landmark, epic doc from Ken Burns, this time focusing on the worst man-made ecological disaster in U.S. history when a frenzied wheat boom on the southern Plains, followed by a decade-long drought during the 1930s, nearly swept away the breadbasket of the nation. Undoubtedly the darkest chapter of the Great Depression, Burns does his usual exemplary job of combining archival footage, photos, dramatic re-enactments and voice-over narration from some of America’s best actors (Peter Coyote, Patricia Clarkson) to create a searing document of struggle, survival and redemption. Also available on Blu-ray disc. Bonuses: Featurettes; Deleted scenes; Additional interviews. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
History Channel/New Video release DISASTERS RECONSTRUCTED, which painstakingly recounts some of the worst accidents, mishaps and tragedies in recent history, including the explosion of the dirigible The Hindenburg, the sinking of the Titanic, and engineering disasters involving dams, buildings and vehicles. 6-disc set. HISTORY IN 3D offers three blu-ray programs in 3D: WWII IN 3D, loaded with color and B&W archival footage, most never before seen, of the 20th century’s greatest conflict, TITANIC: 100 YEARS IN 3D, looking at the doomed ship’s final resting place with remarkable underwater footage, and HISTORY OF THE WORLD IN TWO HOURS IN 3D, offers a CGI-enhanced look at the world’s origins, offering a rapid-fire view of 14 billion years of evolution. 3-disc set. THE UNIVERSE IN 3D reconstructs the violent natural events that brought the universe, as we know it today, into being. Eye-popping CGI effects enhance this fascinating program, even more so in 3D. All are widescreen, Dolby 5.1 surround.
CELEBRITY TRIALS IN THE MEDIA (MVD) Director Brian Malone takes a look at some of the more sensational tabloid and legitimate news stories that have filled the headlines and the Internet in recent years, including the Kobe Bryant rape case, O.J. Simpson’s multitude of legal issues, the child molestation trial of Michael Jackson, and more. Informative and objective study, refreshingly free of sensationalism. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono.
HIGH GROUND (Virgil Films) Terrific blend of action movie and documentary chronicles eleven wounded U.S. veterans who join an expedition to climb the 20,000 foot Himalayan giant Mount Lobuche, led by a blind adventurer named Erik Weihenmayer! Truly remarkable film and story of the indelible human spirit. Bonuses: Trailer; Commentary by Weihenmayer; Deleted scenes; Trailer. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono.
NAZI COLLABORATORS (Shanachie) 13-part documentary looks at the reasons why so many Europeans and Middle Easterners collaborated with Hitler and the Nazis after their countries were invaded by the German war machine. Culled from over 4000 hours of archival footage, this massive doc takes painstaking care to present objective viewpoints of all involved. Fascinating and highly unsettling—as it could easily happen again. 4-disc set. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono.
THE ROLLING STONES UNDER REVIEW: THE RONNIE WOOD YEARS, 1975-1983 (Part 1). (Sexy Intellectual) Interesting look at the tenure of Ronnie Wood, former guitarist for the legendary sixties band The Faces, as a member of the Rolling Stones, and how his unique brand of guitar playing and singular persona helped The Stones redefine themselves during a period when many feel they were growing stale. Loaded with archival footage and interviews, a must for any Stones fan. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 stereo.
MINDS IN THE WATER (EOE) Terrific doc about pro surfer Dave “Rasta” Rastovich and his international journey to help save whales, dolphins and their ocean environment. Five years in the making, the film offers amazing surf footage of Rastovich as well as remarkable footage of marine life in its natural habitat. Inspiring and thrilling. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 surround.
FOR THE YOUNG ‘UNS
BRAVE (Disney/Pixar) Another animated extravaganza from the Pixar team that’s sure to become a classic. Merida, a Scottish princess whose interests include archery and horse riding, is told by her mother that her interests are not what a princess should be doing and that she has to marry. But Merida chooses to defy her mother. And when she and her mother have an argument Merida rides off and meets a witch. She asks for a spell to change her mother. And the witch gives her a cake which she gives to her mother but the change is not what she was hoping for. So she tries to find a way to fix it. Terrific CGI animation, loaded with knowing humor and pathos that’s sure to appeal to kids and adults, alike. Voice work from Kelly MacDonald, Billy Connolly, Emma Thompson, Kevin McKidd, Craig Ferguson, and Robbie Coltrane adds to the greatness. Available in Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray, DVD and digital copy combo pack. Bonuses: Featurettes; Shorts; Alternate opening; Art gallery; Promotional pieces; Extended scenes; Commentary by cast and crew. Widescreen. DTS-HD 7.1 surround, Dolby 5.1 surround.
PIXAR SHORT FILMS COLLECTION 2 (Disney/Pixar) More inventive genius from the Pixar crew, this time featuring 12 animated shorts, including multiple Oscar nominees (“Presto,” “Day and Night,” “La Luna”) and a host of family favorites. As an added bonus, this 2-disc collection features all the student short films of Pixar bosses John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton and Pete Doctor. Blu-ray/DVD combo pack. Bonuses: Featurettes; Commentary by filmmakers. Widescreen. DTS-HD 7.1 and Dolby 5.1 surround.
THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL: 20th ANNIVERSARY (Disney) Charles Dickens gets the Jim Henson treatment, or is it the other way around? The Muppets assume the roles in Dickens’ classic tale of a miserly lout (Michael Caine) who is visited by a group of ghostly apparitions one Christmas Eve who force him to take stock of his life’s choices. Lots of clever bits and creative reimagining of the original text and story abound, leaving little wonder why this holiday classic has endured for two decades. Caine makes a wonderful human contribution to the cast, as does ‘70s icon Paul Williams with his soundtrack. Blu-ray/DVD combo pack. Bonuses: Commentary by the Muppets and director Brian Henson; Featurettes. Widescreen. DTS-HD and Dolby 5.1 surround.
Shout Factory releases TRANSFORMERS PRIME: SEASON TWO, featuring all 26 episodes of the series’ sophomore season, courtesy scribes Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci, whose skills raise the proceedings up several notches. ASTONISHING X-MEN marks a collaboration between the creative minds of Joss Whedon and artist John Cassaday, featuring four X-Men adventures: “Gifted,” “Dangerous,” “Torn,” and “Unstoppable.” Loaded with knowing humor and loads of imaginative action. Both discs are available on Blu-ray, and look terrific. Bonuses: Interviews with the makers; Featurettes; Music video. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
DRAGONS: RIDERS OF BERK (DreamWorks) TV spin-off of the hit “How to Train Your Dragon” is still great fun, featuring the epic story of Hiccup, Toothless and his fearless friends continues with four fun and exciting new episodes of adventures. Bonuses: Featurettes; Collectible trading cards. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
KAIJUDO: RISE OF THE DUEL MASTERS (Shout Factory) Four episodes of the hit animated series featuring the adventures of teen hero Ray, who has been recruited by the mysterious Duel Masters to study Kiajudo—an ancient martial art. Although it’s an extended form of product placement by co-producer Hasbro (who produce the best-selling Duel Masters card game), the shows are imaginatively designed and executed. Bonuses: Featurettes; Trading card. Widescreen. Dolby 5.1 surround.
ADVENTURES OF BAILEY: CHRISTMAS HERO (eOne) Bailey the Labrador find himself worried that he won’t get any presents from Santa this year until he learns of a mysterious Native American brave who can make his holiday wishes come true. Loaded with adorable animals who take on human voices, sure to please both the little ones and adults with a soft spot for our furry friends. Widescreen. Dolby 2.0 mono.
ROBOT: MY FIRST COLLECTION VOL. 4 (Scholastic) Another “read-along” title featuring 12 award-winning stories on 3 DVDs, brought to life through animation and voice work from the likes of Zach Braff and many more. The three volumes are “Robot Zot!...and Many More Rhyming Stories,” “Too Many Toys…and More Stories About Problem Solving,” and “The Curious Garden…and More Stories About Nature.” Bonuses: Interviews with stories’ authors and illustrators; Read-along. Full screen. Dolby 2.0 mono.
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