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12/28/01 - Product Summary "The Fast and the Furious" DVD
"The Fast and the Furious" presents a thrillingly cinematic glimpse into the world of urban street racing, but it is done with a B-movie sensibility. Read my brief review and short overview of this DVD.

12/26/01 - Top Picks - Three Best Musicals Released on Video/DVD in 2001
They say the movie musical is dead, but with three entertaining musicals being released on video/DVD in 2001, I'm beginning to wonder. "Moulin Rouge," "Hedwig and the Angry Inch," and "Dancer in the Dark" all once again sparked my excitement about the movie musical. All are modern takes on the genre that nobody would mistake for the MGM musicals of another era, yet they still have that kind of enchanted magic of make-believe that I feel audiences haven’t stopped longing for.

12/25/01 - Pick of the Week "Moulin Rouge" DVD
Co-written and directed by Baz Luhrmann, "Moulin Rouge" is a visually dazzling, extravagantly theatrical musical drama starring Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor. Read my full-length review of this fascinating movie on DVD and see why I liked it so much.

12/25/01 - New Videos/DVDs Coming Out This Week
There are some interesting video/DVD releases slated for December 25-26 including "Antitrust," "Evolution," "Dancing at the Blue Iguana," and "Two Can Play That Game." Let's take a look at these films, along with a few additional releases of interest, and take a sneak peek at next week's videos and DVDs.

12/22/01 - Product Summary "Moulin Rouge" DVD
Read a quick overview and brief review of the "Moulin Rouge" DVD set.

12/20/01 - "Moulin Rouge" DVD Easter Eggs
The "Moulin Rouge" DVD set contains at least 15 Easter eggs, and I first came upon a description of them on the Told You So Productions Web site in an article attributed to Kyle Milligan. Below I’ve given my own set of detailed instructions for how to find the Easter eggs, but since all DVD players don’t function exactly the same way, you might have to tweak around a little.

12/18/01 - Pick of the Week "8 1/2" Criterion Collection DVD
Read my review of the Criterion Collection DVD of Federico Fellini’s "8 1/2" and find out why I fell in love with this masterwork of world cinema all over again.

12/18/01 - Product Summary "8 1/2" Criterion Collection DVD
Here's a quick overview and brief review of the "8 1/2" Criterion Collection DVD.

12/18/01 - New Videos/DVDs Coming Out This Week
Here's what you need to know to plan your next trip to the video store. There are some interesting video/DVD releases slated for Tuesday, December 18, 2001, including "The Center of the World," "Moulin Rouge," "The Princess Diaries," and "Scary Movie 2." Let's take a look at these films, along with a few additional releases of interest, and take a sneak peek at next week's videos and DVDs.

12/11/01 - Pick of the Week "Notorious" DVD
Read my review of the Criterion Collection DVD of Alfred Hitchcock's 1946 "Notorious," which stars Ingrid Bergman and Cary Grant, and find out why I was so impressed by this elegant film noir.

12/11/01 - Product Summary "Notorious" DVD
Read my product summary of the Criterion Collection DVD of Alfred Hitchcock's 1946 "Notorious" and get a quick overview of this elegant film noir.

12/11/01 - New Videos/DVDs Coming Out This Week
Here's what you need to know to plan your next trip to the video store. There are some interesting video/DVD releases slated for Tuesday, December 11, 2001, including "Hedwig and the Angry Inch," "Jurassic Park III," "Rush Hour 2," and "The Score." Let's take a look at these films, along with a few additional releases of interest, and take a sneak peek at next week's videos and DVDs.

12/07/01 - Full Review "Pearl Harbor" DVD
"Pearl Harbor" is a reasonably entertaining action movie about the Japanese attack on Oahu of December 7, 1941, but it's portrayal of human relationships is unconvincing.

12/07/01 - Product Summary "Pearl Harbor" DVD
Here's a quick and easy overview and brief review of the movie "Pearl Harbor" on DVD.

12/05/01 - Top Picks - Ten Romantic Movies on Video/DVD
There's no guarantee of finding romance in real life, but if you know where to look, you can usually find romantic movies at least. Here's a list of my favorite romantic movies on DVD and video.

12/05/01 - Pick of the Week "Rocco and His Brothers" DVD
Find out why I was spellbound when I watched Luchino Visconti's powerful 1960 Italian-language masterpiece "Rocco and His Brothers" on DVD.

12/05/01 - Product Summary "Rocco and His Brothers" DVD
A quick and easy overview of Luchino Visconti's powerful 1960 Italian-language masterpiece "Rocco and His Brothers" on DVD.

12/04/01 - New Videos Coming Out This Week
Here's what you need to know to plan your next trip to the video store. There are some interesting video/DVD releases slated for Tuesday, December 4, 2001, including "American Outlaws," "Ghosts Of Mars," "Pearl Harbor," and "Summer Catch." Let's take a look at these films, along with a few additional releases of interest, and take a sneak peek at next week's videos and DVDs.

11/29/01 - Full Review: "Planet of the Apes" DVD
The 2001 version of "Planet of the Apes" has been released as a two-disc DVD set that’s loaded with special features. I watched the 2001 version of "Planet of the Apes" on DVD recently and found it reasonably diverting, but it’s much better at spectacle than it is at drama.

11/29/01 - Product Summary: "Planet of the Apes" DVD
An overview and short review of "Planet of the Apes" DVD.

11/28/01 - Pick of the Week: "The 39 Steps" DVD
Alfred Hitchcock directed many memorable movies over his long career, but one of his most charming remains his 1935 film "The 39 Steps," and I thoroughly enjoyed watching the restored version of this great movie on the Criterion Collection DVD. The film looked and sounded terrific, and the DVD contains some nice special features, too.

11/28/01 - Product Summary: "The 39 Steps" DVD
An overview and short review of "The 39 Steps" DVD.

11/27/01 - New Videos Coming Out This Week
Here's what you need to know to plan your next trip to the video store. There are some interesting video/DVD releases slated for Tuesday, November 27, 2001, including "Divided We Fall," "Made," "Pootie Tang," and "The Road Home." Let's take a look at these films, along with a few additional releases of interest, and take a sneak peek at next week's videos and DVDs.

11/22/01 - Top Picks - DVDs With The Best Special Features
One the reasons I love DVDs is because of the special features. But, of course, some DVDs have better special features than others. In hopes of sharing some real gems with you, here's my list of what are -- in my opinion -- the DVDs with the best special features.

11/21/01 - Pick of the Week: "The Sopranos 2" DVD
"The Sopranos" is possibly the best television drama series of all time, and the 13 hour-long shows that were shown on HBO during the program's second season are available on DVD as a four-disc set called "The Sopranos - The Complete Second Season." I was absolutely enthralled as I watched "The Sopranos - The Complete Second Season" over a period of five days recently, and I got a lot of big laughs, too.

11/20/01 - New Videos Coming Out This Week
Here's what you need to know to plan your next trip to the video store. There are some interesting video/DVD releases slated for Tuesday, November 20, 2001, including "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," "Planet of the Apes" (2001), "Britney Spears - Britney: The Videos," and "Rebecca" - Criterion Collection" (1940). Let's take a look at these films, along with a few additional releases of interest, and take a sneak peek at next week's videos and DVDs.

11/16/01 - Product Summary: "The Sopranos Second Season" DVD
An overview and short review of "The Sopranos Second Season" DVD.

11/14/01 - Full Review: "Doctor Zhivago" DVD
I've always loved the extravagant romanticism of "Doctor Zhivago." This film looks and sounds great on the new DVD and comes packaged with an impressive array of special features.

11/14/01 - Product Summary: "Doctor Zhivago" DVD
Here's a quick overview and brief review of the "Doctor Zhivago" DVD.

11/13/01 - Pick of the Week: "The Red Shoes" DVD
"The Red Shoes" is one of my favorite films. I think this Technicolor movie is a visual delight, and when I first saw it years ago, I enjoyed it as an entertaining melodrama set against the backdrop of the world of ballet. The Criterion Collection DVD provides some outstanding special features that helped me to achieve a deeper appreciation of this masterwork.

11/13/01 - Product Summary: "The Red Shoes DVD
Here's a quick overview and brief review of the "The Red Shoes" Criterion Collection DVD.

11/13/01 - New Videos Coming Out This Week
There are some interesting releases slated for Tuesday, November 13, 2001, including "America's Sweethearts," The Closet," and "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider." Let's take a look at these films, along with a few additional releases of interest, and take a sneak peek at next week's videos and DVDs.

11/11/01 - Top Picks: Military-Themed Movies on Video/DVD
I feel that movies about military life can be among the most dramatic of all films and can reveal much about the human condition as it is framed by politics and society. To honor all veterans of the U.S. armed forces, I've compiled a list of some of my favorite military-themed movies available on video/DVD.

11/08/01 - Full Review : "From Here to Eternity" DVD
Winner of eight Academy Awards including Best Picture, "From Here to Eternity" is a powerful portrait of Army life for American soldiers stationed in Hawaii on the eve of World War II. This great classic never looked or sounded better than when I watched it on DVD recently, but alas, the DVD's special features turned out to be lackluster.

11/08/01 - Product Summary: "From Here to Eternity" DVD
Read a quick overview and brief review of the "On the Waterfront" DVD.

11/07/01 - Pick of the Week: "On the Waterfront" DVD
I found myself completely enthralled while watching "On the Waterfront" on DVD, and the DVD's excellent special features have further enhanced my enjoyment of this great American classic.

11/07/01 - Product Summary: "On the Waterfront" DVD
Read a quick overview and brief review of the "On the Waterfront" DVD. Find out why Marlon Brando is unforgettable in one the best films of the 1950s.

11/06/01 - New Videos Coming Out This Week
Here's what you need to know to plan your next trip to the video store. There are some interesting releases slated for Tuesday, November 6, 2001, including "Baby Boy," The Golden Bowl," and "Legally Blonde." Let's take a look at these films, along with a few additional releases of interest, and take a sneak peek at next week's videos and DVDs.

11/04/01 - Full Review "Shrek" DVD
"Shrek" is very entertaining for both kids and adults, and when I watched it at home on DVD recently, I found it to be a visual delight, and I laughed loud and often. But it's the humanistic storytelling, rather than the technical wizardry, that makes "Shrek" worth watching. Read this full review of the DVD and find out why I was so impressed with it!

11/03/01 - Product Summary "Shrek" DVD
Read a quick overview and brief review of the "Shrek" DVD, an unusually hilarious, smart, and thought-provoking film that's lots of fun for kids and adults alike.

10/31/01 - Pick of the Week: "L'avventura" DVD
"L'avventura" is Michaelangelo Antonioni's great 1960 Italian-language masterpiece of world cinema. Antonioni is first and foremost about images, and the Criterion Collection DVD preserves his images beautifully. In addition, the DVD provides an illuminating commentary by film critic Gene Youngblood and comes packaged with a second disc that contains unusual bonus materials of interest to film buffs.

10/30/01 - New Videos Coming Out This Week
Here's what you need to know to plan your next trip to the video store. There are some interesting releases slated for Tuesday, October 30, 2001, including "The Animal" and "Swordfish." Also, the much-anticipated animated comedy "Shrek" becomes available on Friday, November 2, 2001. Let's take a look at these films, along with a few additional releases of interest, and take a sneak peek at next week.

10/29/01 - Product Summary "L'avventura" DVD
An quick overview and review of the Criterion Collection DVD of "L'avventura," Michaelangelo Antonioni's great 1960 Italian-language masterpiece of world cinema.

10/26/01 - Review: "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" DVD
Jim Carrey is very funny in the feature-length version of the beloved Dr. Seuss story "How the Grinch Stole Christmas." Find out why I liked this upcoming DVD so much.

10/25/01 - Before You Buy Horror Movies on Video/DVD
Whether you like your horror classic, contemporary, cult, or with an art-house flair, there's such a daunting array of cinematic scares out there on DVD that choosing between them can be a truly frightening prospect. Find out here what you need to know.

10/24/01 - Pick of the Week: "Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace" DVD
While "Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace" doesn't quite match the warmth and humor of the three "Star Wars" films released in 1977-83, the new movie is visually far superior to those earlier films, and when I watched "Phantom Menace" recently on DVD, I found it to be extremely entertaining. Also, the DVD comes packaged as a two-disc set loaded with interesting extras.

10/23/01 - New Videos Coming Out This Week
Here's what you need to know to plan your next trip to the video store. There are some interesting releases slated for October 23, 2001, including "Dr. Dolittle 2," "Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within," and "Freddy Got Fingered." Let's take a look at these films, along with a few additional releases of interest, and take a sneak peek at next week.

10/22/01 - Top Picks - Hitchcock on Video and DVD
Alfred Hitchcock is one of my favorite directors, and whenever I'm in the mood for a stylish mix of suspense, terror, and perhaps a delicious dash of romance, his films have never failed to entertain and fascinate me. He wrote and directed about 35 films worth seeing, and there are so many wonderful choices I found it difficult to decide, but here's a list of ten of my favorites.

10/20/01 - Guide Rating and Review: "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" DVD
In 1937 Walt Disney created the first feature-length animated film in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and this enchanting movie has remained popular with both children and adults ever since. Now this charming film is available in a two-disc Platinum Edition DVD set that includes tons of extras, most of which are aimed at adults.

10/18/01 - Guide Rating and Review: "Bridget Jones's Diary" DVD
Renee Zellweger gives a memorable performance as Bridget Jones, an unattached 32-year-old woman who vows to lose weight, cut down her drinking and smoking, and get a man in her life. Although this film isn't perfect, find out why I enjoyed this urban-dating-wars comedy so much.

10/17/01 - Pick of the Week: "The Godfather Collection" DVDs
"The Godfather Trilogy" which consists of "The Godfather" (1972), "The Godfather: Part II" (1974), and "The Godfather: Part III" (1990), is arguably the greatest film trilogy of all time, and "The Godfather" DVD Collection includes all three films. Find out why I think "The Godfather" DVD Collection is absolutely terrific.

10/16/01 - New Videos Coming Out This Week
Here's what you need to know to plan your next trip to the video store. There are some interesting releases slated for October 16, 2001, including Star Wars: Episode I -- The Phantom Menace, Angel Eyes, and Cats & Dogs. Let's take a look at these films, along with a few additional releases of interest, and take a sneak peek at next week.

10/15/01 - Product Review: Citizen Kane - Special Edition DVD
Citizen Kane is an enduring masterpiece that is considered by many to be the greatest movie ever made. I've never enjoyed watching it more than on the new Special Edition DVD.

10/14/01 - Top Picks - DVDs
I've seen quite a few DVDs over the last handful of months. Some were flat-out wonderful, some were memorable, and of course there were a few that I'd rather forget. Here's a list of the best of the best--my personal, idiosyncratic list of DVD favorites.

10/10/01 - Guide Rating and Review: Citizen Kane - Special Edition DVD
Orson Welles' Citizen Kane is an enduring masterpiece that is considered by many -- myself included -- to be the greatest movie ever made. Now the Special Edition DVD release of Citizen Kane offers you the opportunity of watching this timeless classic at home.

10/09/01 - New Videos Coming Out This Week
Here's what you need to know to plan your next trip to the video store. There are some interesting releases slated for October 9, 2001, including Bridget Jones's Diary, One Night at McCool's, and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Let's take a look at these films, along with a few additional releases of interest, and take a sneak peek at next week.

10/08/01 - Product Review - An American Werewolf in London DVD
A quick and easy overview of the new DVD release of An American Werewolf in London.

10/07/01 - Product Review - Boogeymen DVD
Here's an at-a-glance guide to what you need to know about the Boogeymen DVD.

10/06/01 - Product Review - The Mummy Returns - Collector's Edition DVD
Quickly find out what you need to know about The Mummy Returns - Collector's Edition DVD.

10/05/01 - Top Picks - Horror Movies on Video/DVD
Halloween will be here before we know it, so just in case you want to stay safe and snug by watching some horror movies at home, I thought it would be a good time to put together a collection of top picks of classic and contemporary horror movies that are available on video and DVD.

10/04/01 - Guide Rating and Review: The Mummy Returns
The Mummy Returns is an action-packed kids' movie with lots of computer-generated special effects. Many adults seem to like the film, but I thought it was boring when I watched it recently on DVD. Some of the action sequences and images are reasonably entertaining, but I never really cared about any of the characters.

10/03/01 - Guide Rating and Review: An American Werewolf in London
An American Werewolf in London is a chilling horror movie that is one of the smartest films ever made about werewolves. But writer-director John Landis cleverly injects lots of humor, and for good measure he throws in a love story! See why I liked this DVD so much.

10/02/01 - New Videos Coming Out This Week
Here's what you need to know to plan your next trip to the video store. There are some interesting releases slated for October 2, 2001, including The Mummy Returns - Collector's Edition, Heartbreakers, and Boogeymen. Let's take a look at these films, along with a few additional releases of interest, and take a sneak peek at next week.

09/29/01 - Review: Boogeymen DVD
The Boogeymen DVD contains a collection of sequences from seventeen different horror movies featuring boogeymen such as Freddy Krueger in A Nightmare on Elm Street, Leatherface in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Michael Myers in Halloween, Jason Voorhees in Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday, and Pinhead in Hellraiser.

09/28/01 - Review: Startup.com DVD
Startup.com is an absorbing documentary about two high school friends who in their late twenties go into an Internet business together. See why I liked this DVD so much.

09/26/01 - Pick of the Week: The Widow of St. Pierre
Starring Juliette Binoche and Daniel Auteuil, The Widow of St. Pierre is a haunting French-language drama directed by Patrice Leconte. This subtle, restrained film tells the tale of how the lives of a devoted married couple are profoundly affected in the aftermath of a murder.

09/25/01 - New Videos Coming Out This Week
The DVD release I am looking forward to this week is Citizen Kane - Special Edition (1941), but there are also other interesting titles coming out, including A Knight's Tale, Amores Perros (Life's a Bitch), Along Came a Spider, Kingdom Come, and The Forsaken. Let's take a look at these films, and take a sneak peek at next week.

09/19/01 - Pick of the Week: The Tailor of Panama
Starring Pierce Brosnan, Geoffrey Rush, and Jamie Lee Curtis, The Tailor of Panama features eye-catching location shooting in Panama City. See why I enjoyed this witty, low-key spy yarn.

09/18/01 - New Videos Coming Out This Week
The new releases scheduled for September 18, 2001, include Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles, Driven, Someone Like You, Spy Kids, Startup.com, and The Widow of St. Pierre. Let's take a quick look at these videos/DVDs, along with additional releases of interest, and take a sneak peek at next week.

09/12/01 - Pick of the Week: The Third Man
I've lost track of how many times I've seen The Third Man (1949) over the years, but I doubt that I'll ever tire of this unusual film noir. See why I like this movie so much.

09/11/01 - New Videos Coming Out This Week
The new releases scheduled for September 11, 2001, include Blow - Infinifilm Edition, Just Visiting, and The Tailor of Panama. Let's take a quick look at these videos/DVDs, along with additional releases of interest, and take a sneak peek at next week.

09/09/01 - Review: Gandhi DVD
The 1982 film Gandhi won eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor (Ben Kingsley), and Best Director (Richard Attenborough). On August 28, 2001, this inspiring biopic was released for the first time on DVD.

09/06/01 - Pauline Kael: An Appreciation
Influential film critic Pauline Kael died recently, and her passing prompted me to reflect on what her opinionated and idiosyncratic film criticism has meant to me.

09/05/01 - Pick of the Week: Memento
Memento is a clever modern film noir that baffled theater audiences, partly because the story is told backwards. But now you can watch this movie repeatedly at home, and you'll be able to figure out what really happens in it. Or will you?

09/04/01 - New Videos Coming Out This Week
The major new release this week is the much-anticipated modern noir Memento. Let's take a look at this film, along with a few additional releases of interest, and take a sneak peek at next week.

08/31/01 - Review: Forrest Gump DVD
Starring Tom Hanks, the 1994 film Forrest Gump won six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor (Hanks), and Best Director (Robert Zemeckis). On August 28, 2001, this popular fable-like film was released for the first time on DVD.

08/29/01 - Pick of the Week: Chocolat
Lasse Hallstrom directed this charming English-language film that stars Juliette Binoche, Johnny Depp, and Judi Dench. When a free-spirited woman (Binoche) opens a chocolate shop during Lent, the repressed residents in a French village find their lives are changed forever.

08/28/01 - New Videos Coming Out This Week
The new releases scheduled for August 28, 2001, include Company Man, The Dish, Exit Wounds, Joe Dirt, and See Spot Run. But there are other movies coming your way, including the DVD releases of Robert Zemeckis' Forrest Gump (1994) and Richard Attenborough's Gandhi (1982). Let's take a quick look at these videos/DVDs, along with additional releases of interest, and take a sneak peek at next week.

08/24/01 - Review: Sex, Drugs & Democracy DVD
Sex, Drugs & Democracy is a provocative documentary that explores how issues such as prostitution and drugs are dealt with in the Netherlands. Included on the DVD is the cult classic Reefer Madness.

08/22/01 - Pick of the Week: Enemy at the Gates
During the pivotal Battle of Stalingrad, a Russian sniper and a German sharpshooter play a deadly cat-and-mouse game against the backdrop of a bombed-out city.

08/21/01 - New Videos Coming Out This Week
The new releases scheduled for August 21, 2001, include Hannibal, Pokemon 3, and Say It Isn't So. Let's take a quick look at these videos/DVDs, along with additional releases of interest, and take a sneak peek at next week.

08/15/01 - Pick of the Week: Andrei Rublev
In 1966 writer-director Andrei Tarkovsky completed a film inspired by the life of Andrei Rublev, Russia's greatest icon painter. See why I think Andrei Rublev is one of the masterpieces of world cinema.

08/14/01 - New Videos Coming Out This Week
The new releases scheduled for August 14, 2001, include 15 Minutes, Enemy at the Gates, Get Over It, Josie and the Pussycats, and Tomcats. Let's take a quick look at these videos/DVDs, along with additional releases of interest, and take a sneak peek at next week.

08/09/01 - Pick of the Week: Grand Illusion
Although superficially a World War I POW escape story, the 1937 masterpiece of world cinema Grand Illusion is actually Jean Renoir's meditation on nationality, social class, language, and ethnicity. See why I love this movie so much.

08/08/01 - New Videos Coming Out This Week
The new releases scheduled for August 7, 2001, include Chocolat, The Mexican, 3000 Miles to Graceland, and Recess: School's Out. Let's take a quick look at these videos/DVDs, along with additional releases of interest, and take a sneak peek at next week.

08/03/01 - A Tribute to Alfred Hitchcock
Alfred Hitchcock directed some of the best and most popular films of the 20th century, including Rear Window, Vertigo, North by Northwest, and Psycho. Let's take a look at his life and his films.

08/02/01 - Pick of the Week: Seven Samurai
Set in feudal Japan, Akira Kurosawa's 1954 masterpiece of world cinema Seven Samurai shows what happens when peasant farmers hire professional warriors to defend them. See why I think this is one of the greatest films ever made.

08/01/01 - New Videos Coming Out This Week
The new releases scheduled for July 31, 2001, include The Brothers, Head Over Heels, American Pie - Ultimate Edition, and My Man Godfrey - Criterion Collection (1936).

07/26/01 - Pick of the Week: Pollock
Ed Harris and Marcia Gay Harden give outstanding performances in Pollock, a biopic about Jackson Pollock, one of the most important painters of the 20th century.

07/25/01 - New Videos Coming Out This Week
The new releases scheduled for July 24, 2001, include Pollock, Sweet November, Valentine, Akira - Limited Special Edition - (1989), and Paint Your Wagon - (1969).

07/19/01 - Pick of the Week: Thirteen Days
In October of 1962, the United States and the Soviet Union became embroiled in a confrontation that could easily have escalated into nuclear war. Many of the details of that confrontation, which is known as the Cuban Missile Crisis, are brilliantly dramatized by the gripping docudrama Thirteen Days.

07/18/01 - New Videos Coming Out This Week
The new releases scheduled for July 17, 2001, include Double Take, The Family Man, The Gift, Saving Silverman, and Sugar & Spice.

07/15/01 - Buying Your First DVD Player
I'm a cheapskate, I hate shopping, and I detest having to install and get used to using new equipment. That's why I was so reluctant to buy a DVD player. But several months ago I took the DVD plunge, and now I won't rent or buy anything on videotape if I can get it on DVD.

07/12/01 - Pick of the Week: The Seventh Seal
The release in 1957 of The Seventh Seal almost immediately established Swedish writer-director Ingmar Bergman as one of the most important filmmakers in the world. In celebration of Bergman's 83rd birthday on July 14, 2001, let's take another look at this great film.

07/11/01 - New Videos Coming Out This Week
There are some particularly interesting new releases this week, including Malena, Monkeybone - Special Edition, Thirteen Days - Infinifilm Edition, and Die Hard - The Ultimate Collection. Let's take a quick look at what the new releases scheduled for July 10, 2001, have to offer.

07/07/01 - A Tribute to Ingmar Bergman
Ingmar Bergman celebrates his 83rd birthday on July 14, 2001, making this a good time to pay tribute to the great writer-director.

07/05/01 - Pick of the Week: You Can Count on Me
You Can Count on Me is a compelling, character-driven drama that avoids formulas and clichés. Set in a small town in upstate New York, this film explores the relationship between a woman and her adult brother. I highly recommend You Can Count on Me.

07/04/01 - New Videos Coming Out This Week
This week's selection of new releases includes films such as Dracula 2000, Snatch, and The Wedding Planner. Let's take a quick look at what the new releases scheduled for July 3, 2001, have to offer and take a sneak peek at what's coming next week.

06/29/01 - In Memoriam: Jack Lemmon
Actor Jack Lemmon, best known for his role as the fastidious half of The Odd Couple, died on June 27, 2001, at age 76. Here are a few of the films that he will be remembered for.

06/28/01 - Pick of the Week: State and Main
State and Main is about what happens in the picturesque town of Waterford, Vermont, when a big-budget movie is shot there. Find out why I found this film to be one of the more enjoyable recent releases on video/DVD.

06/27/01 - New Videos Coming Out This Week
There are some particularly interesting new releases this week, including The Claim, Dogma - Special Edition, Unbreakable, and You Can Count on Me. Let's take a quick look at what the new releases scheduled for June 26, 2001, have to offer.

06/21/01 - Pick of the Week: O Brother, Where Art Thou?
O Brother, Where Art Thou? is a laugh-out-loud-funny comedy from Joel and Ethan Coen (Fargo, Raising Arizona, The Big Lebowski). Based loosely on Homer's epic poem The Odyssey, the film is set in 1937 Mississippi and tells the tale of how Ulysses Everett McGill (George Clooney) escapes from a chain gang and makes a difficult journey to a town named Ithaca to reunite with his ex-wife Penny (Holly Hunter).

06/20/01 - New Videos Coming Out This Week
There are some particularly interesting new releases this week, including The Pledge, Proof of Life, and State & Main. But there are other movies coming your way, including some exciting DVD releases: Billy Wilder's The Apartment (1960) and Swedish writer-director Ingmar Bergman's Cries and Whispers (1972). Let's take a look at these films and also take a sneak peek at the videos/DVDs coming out next week.

06/13/01 - New Videos Coming Out This Week
There are some particularly interesting new releases this week, including Cast Away, O Brother, Where Art Thou?, and 2001: A Space Odyssey - Limited Edition Collector's Set. Let's take a quick look at what the new releases scheduled for June 12, 2001, have to offer.

06/07/01 - In Memoriam: Anthony Quinn
Actor Anthony Quinn, best known as the star of the film Zorba the Greek, died on June 3, 2001, at age 86. Born in Mexico to an Irish father and a Mexican mother, Quinn fathered 13 children by five women. In addition to acting on the stage and in television, Quinn appeared in over 100 movies. Here are a few of the films that he will be remembered for.

06/06/01 - New Videos Coming Out This Week
The major new release scheduled for June 5, 2001, is Ang Lee's much-anticipated Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, winner of four Oscars, including Best Foreign Language Film. But there are other movies coming your way, including two exciting DVD releases: Platoon - Special Edition and L'Avventura - Criterion Collection. Let's take a look at these films and also take a sneak peek at the videos/DVDs coming out on June 12.

05/30/01 - New Videos Coming Out This Week
This week's selection of new releases scheduled for May 29, 2001, includes films such as Shadow of the Vampire, The Celluloid Closet (1996) - Special Edition, and Marilyn Monroe - The Diamond Collection. But there are two releases that I am particularly excited about: The House of Mirth and Traffic.

05/28/01 - Videos/DVDs with Wedding Scenes
Traditionally, June is the month for getting married, and this started me thinking about movies where weddings and/or wedding receptions play an important part in the story. So for everyone who is getting married or has family or friends getting married or who is going to a wedding or has to work at a wedding, I've compiled a list of films on video/DVD that deal with the occasion.

05/23/01 - New Videos Coming Out This Week
This week's selection of new releases scheduled for May 22, 2001, includes films such as Requiem for a Dream, Vertical Limit, and Dungeons & Dragons. But there are two releases that I am particularly excited about: Before Night Falls and the Special-Edition DVD release of Billy Wilder's comic masterpiece Some Like it Hot.

05/20/01 - Combos
Does someone in your family want to watch VHS and DVD movies in a small room? Are you fed up with gadget clutter? Then you might want to consider buying a combo.

05/16/01 - New Videos Coming Out This Week
This week's new releases include films such as Antitrust, Best in Show, and Pay It Forward. But there are two releases that I am particularly excited about: Tora! Tora! Tora! and The Sand Pebbles. Let's take a quick look at what the new releases scheduled for May 15, 2001, have to offer.

05/09/01 - New Videos Coming Out This Week
This week's new releases include What Women Want, Quills, and Duets. But there are other interesting movies coming your way, including some you might not have thought about, such as Michelangelo Antonioni's enigmatic masterwork La Notte. Let's take a quick look at what the new releases scheduled for May 8, 2001, have to offer.

05/02/01 - New Videos Coming Out This Week
The new releases scheduled for May 1, 2001, include films such as The Emperor's New Groove, Miss Congeniality, and All the Pretty Horses. But there are other exciting movies coming your way, including unexpected treats such as The Dominici Affair--a reconstruction of Orson Welles' unfinished documentary--and the DVD release of Postcards from the Edge.

04/25/01 - New Videos Coming Out This Week
Many are looking forward to new releases such as Finding Forrester and Little Nicky. But there are other exciting movies coming your way, including films already available on VHS that are just now being released on DVD or coming out in a special edition. Let's take a look at the new releases.

04/18/01 - New Videos Coming Out This Week
Let's take a look at some of the new releases scheduled for April 17, 2001. Of course, there are the films that many are looking forward to such as, Billy Elliot and Space Cowboys. But I've also selected some films you might not have thought about, including Michael Almereyda's interpretation of Shakespeare's Hamlet and Joel Schumacher's Tigerland.

04/16/01 - Memorial Day Videos
In the United States, the last Monday in May is called Memorial Day and is designated as a national holiday to commemorate those members of the U.S. armed forces killed in war. I've compiled a list of films on video/DVD intended to pay them tribute.

04/11/01 - New Videos Coming Out This Week
Here's a selection of new releases scheduled for April 10, 2001, including some already available on VHS that are coming to DVD this week. There are two DVDs that I find particularly interesting: Terms of Endearment and Mexican Fantasy.

04/04/01 - New Videos Coming Out This Week
There are some interesting films coming out this week on video and DVD. I'm particularly excited about the DVD release of Lawrence of Arabia - Special Edition. Let's take a quick look at some of the films slated for release on April 3, 2001.

03/27/01 - New Videos Coming Out This Week
Let's take a quick look at some of the films slated for release on March 27, 2001.

03/20/01 - New Videos Coming Out This Week
Let's take a quick look at some of the videos and DVDs that are due to be released on March 20, 2001.

03/19/01 - Videos for the Easter and Passover Season
Realizing that Easter and Passover are just around the corner, I started thinking about movies with themes reflecting these holidays. The films I've chosen are a completely personal, eclectic, idiosyncratic potpourri.

03/13/01 - New Videos Coming Out This Week
There are some interesting films coming out this week on video and DVD. The two I'm looking forward to the most are Almost Famous and Wonder Boys. I enjoyed them both when I saw them in theaters and can hardly wait to see them again at home. Let's take a quick look at these two films and some others that are due to be released on March 13, 2001.

03/06/01 - Ten Irish-Themed Videos for St. Patrick's Day
St. Patrick's Day is upon us again, and that set me thinking about films dealing with Ireland and the Irish. I've come up with a list of ten movies about the Irish that I've enjoyed, and all are currently readily available for rental or purchase. I think all of these films are worth seeing and all increase our understanding of what it means to be Irish.

02/27/01 - New on Video: A Pair of Comedies
A pair of new comedies that could hardly be more different have just hit the video stores. Bedazzled is a lightweight, easygoing comedy that stars the gorgeous Elizabeth Hurley as the Devil, while Nurse Betty is a dark, violent comedy that boasts smart dialogue and a fine acting performance by Renée Zellweger. Let's take a look at these two offerings.

02/26/01 - Review: What Lies Beneath
What Lies Beneath is an extremely well-crafted movie that definitely does have its moments, and if you can forget all about Alfred Hitchcock and just accept this film for what it is, I think you'll probably have a pretty good time.

02/24/01 - Home Video Technology Primer
Is DVD just a fad? Should you junk your VCR? How does laserdisc fit into the picture? And what was Divx anyway? Find the answers to these and other questions in this informative feature.

02/20/01 - Review: Dr. T and the Women
This ensemble-driven comedy/romance starring Richard Gere and Helen Hunt plays particularly well on the small screen. But be careful who you discuss this film with: It can spark heated debate.

02/09/01 - Ten Romantic Valentine's Day Videos
There's no guarantee of finding romance in real life, but if you know where to look, you can usually find romantic movies at least. Here are some ideas for Valentine's Day videos.

02/02/01 - On Video/DVD: Three Favorites of 2000
Three of my favorite movies from last year are now on video and DVD. Let's take a look at them.

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