With 2009 upon us I thought I would start the first DVD article of 2009 by looking at some of the new releases that are destined to provide you with some great viewing options.
The first title is Season Two of The Tudors, the popular Showtime series has arrived on DVD and Stars Jonathan Rhys Meyers as King Henry VIII. The series follows the Tudor monarch during some of the most turbulent times in history as he attempts to not only rule England but produce an heir to his throne.
Henry is constantly torn between his wife Katherine of Aragon (Maria Doyle Kennedy), and the object of his lust Anne Boleyn (Natalie Dormer).
The new season is more accurate historically than the first season and starts to delve on the political manipulation of Henry by the powers behind the Throne as well as the tragic outcomes that befall many of those once close to Henry.
This is a set not to be missed, as fans of romance, drama and intrigue will not want to miss this set.
Next Up is “Without A Paddle: Natures Calling” by Paramount DVD.
The film is a lose follow up to the original in that it involves guys in the wilderness and the outrageous consequences that ensue. This time the film follows two childhood friends named Zach and Ben. Ben has been plagued by the girl that got away and has never achieved his full potential in life. One day, fate steps in and gives Ben and Zach a chance to resolve some unsolved issues by venturing into the wilderness to retrieve the granddaughter of one of Zach’s patients. The fact that the missing girl happens to be Ben’s long lost crush gives the two buddies an adventure they will not soon forget as the must battle all manner of obstacles including hillbillies and squirrels to get the girl.
DVD Features Making of feature, deleted scenes, gag reel and more.
Widescreen format and 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround for optimum picture and sound quality.
Two classics from the Immortal Audrey Hepburn have been released on Paramount Centennial Classics Collection. “Breakfast at Tiffanys” and “Funny Face”.“Funny Face “ pairs Hepburn with Fred Astaire to a delightful romance powered by the music of George Gershwin. Hepburn transforms from a shy bookstore clerk to a top model and fresh face of the industry. Loaded with romance and music, this is a true classic. Lovingly restored the film looks and sounds amazing and is presented in a Widescreen format,. The two disc set features a retrospective of Paramount ion the 50’s as well as photo galleries and the original theatrical trailer.
The classic “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” is as amazing as ever as Hepburn and George Peppard combine to make one of the greatest moments in film history. Based on the novel from Truman Capote and powered by the Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer gem Moon River. The film was directed by Blake Edwards and features a strong supporting cast of Buddy Ebsen and Mickey Rooyney.
The film follows New York socialite Holly Golightly (Hepburn), whose life falls into the inner circle of a struggling writer (Preppard). The two scour Manhattan as holly looks for a millionaire to marry while fate has different ideas for them both.
Loaded with commentaries, special features and much more, this film is not only amazing and timeless but shines with the clarity in a dazzling Widescreen presentation and crystal clear sound.
Appaloosa by New Line
A truly amazing and powerful film that continues the revival of the American Western at the cinema, “Appaloosa” stars Ed Harris, Viggo Mortensen, Renee Zellweger, and Jeremy Irons .
The story follows two guns for hire (Harris and Mortensen), who come to town to bring a cold blooded killer (Irons), to justice. Based on the novel by Robert B. Parker the film is a stunningly strong look at the life and times of an era long ago as well as a deep character driven story.
Loaded with bonus features and presented in an sharp widescreen format and sharp sound, “Appaloosa” is one of the hidden gems of 2008.
The Rocker 20th Century Fox
Fans of The Office will love this comedy which stars Rainn Wilson as Robert (Fish) Fishman, a hard rocking drummer who is booted from his band shortly before they hit it big. Twenty years later Fish is tooling away in a cubicle while his old band is about to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Fate steps in when Fish is asked to fill in for the drummer in his Nephews band when they are left without their drummer. Leaping at the chance to play again, Fish and the reluctant band become a viral video sensation and soon are signed and embarking on a tour. Despite the difference in years, Fish is living the life of a rocker and catching up on the mayhem he missed out on the last two decades.
Fish’s behavior comes with much chagrin to the rest of his band as well as the mother of one of the band, Kim (Christina Applegate), who has caught the attention of Fish.
What follows is an amusing mix of music, romance, and comedy as Fish needs to come to grips with his place in life, and appreciate the good things he has.
Rainn Wilson and Christina Applegate are great as is the supporting cast which features Will Arnett.
The Two DVD set is loaded with bonus materials and is presented with sharp picture and sound quality which makes “The Rocker” one of my favorite suprises of 2008.
