Monthly Archives: August 2008

It’s a solid week on the home video front as viewers are being treated to a new David Mamet drama, a charming childhood fable and a respectable documentary on Middle East politics. These three films are good enough, in fact, to make one forget about the less than worthy comedic entry from Ashton Kutcher and Cameron Diaz.

What Happens in Vegas
2 stars
Rated PG-13 for some sexual and crude content, and language,including a drug reference
20th Century Fox
Available on: DVD, Blu-ray
When Jack Fuller (Ashton Kutcher) and Joy McNally (Cameron Diaz) run off to Las Vegas to escape their troubles, only to get booked into the same room, it’s pretty obvious what will happen. At least it should be.

Jack is a carefree carpenter who can’t even keep a job at his father’s woodshop, and Joy is a straight-laced career woman who doesn’t know how to be true to herself. They are so different, that we know they’re going to hook up, and when they do the Champagne flows, the clothes come off and, low and behold, they wind up married.

Since they weren’t really looking for a long-term relationship, they promptly agree to an annulment. Then, Jack grabs one of Joy’s quarters, drops it into a slot machine and wins $3 million, spawning a huge legal dispute over the winnings. They are, after all, technically married.

The judge (Dennis Miller) isn’t amused by the predicament, so he orders the newlyweds to try to make their marriage work. Only after they have, he says, will he think about dividing the loot.

“What Happens in Vegas” has a handful of genuinely funny moments, and Kutcher and Diaz are solid performers. Trouble is they don’t gel on screen. It’s tough to say whether this is due to lack of chemistry or Dana Fox’s painfully forced script, but it doesn’t much matter. The movie isn’t happening.

“What Happens in Vegas” is being released in its theatrical cut on a single disc and in an extended cut on a two-disc special edition. Extra features vary, but both versions include a filmmakers’ commentary and a conversation with Diaz and Kutcher.

Where in the World is Osama Bin Laden?
3 stars
Rated PG-13 for some strong language
The Weinstein Company
Available on: DVD
Morgan Spurlock’s follow to “Super Size Me” has an intriguing premise. What, he asks, will happen when a regular guy — himself specifically — goes on the hunt for the world’s foremost terrorist?

Trouble is, Spurlock’s premise is better than his film.

The setup sees Spurlock preparing for his journey with everything from vaccinations to a class on how to survive a political kidnapping. This is all entertaining, and it draws viewers into the picture, but once he actually heads overseas, the movie becomes a primer on the Middle East.

For folks who don’t already know a great deal about the war in Iraq, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and the 9/11 terrorist attacks — and let’s hope there aren’t many — Spurlock’s film sums things up nicely. As the filmmaker travels to Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Egypt, Morocco and other countries of interest, he asks residents if they know where Osama Bin Laden is hiding, and then he picks their brains about everything from U.S. foreign policy to their thoughts on everyday Americans. The answers are interesting and Spurlock’s presentation is entertaining, but the well-informed American won’t learn much.

Perhaps the most troubling aspect of the film is that Spurlock ultimately abandons his search. Am I giving away too much? Probably. But it seems like the right thing to do since one of Spurlock’s selling points is that he was looking to succeed at a mission the FBI and CIA couldn’t complete, and it turns out he wasn’t really trying.

DVD extras include additional interviews, an alternate ending, an animated history of Afghanistan, and a feature on being a woman in Saudi Arabia.

Redbelt
3 stars
Rated R for strong language
Sony Pictures Classics
Available on: DVD, Blu-ray
Writer-director David Mamet’s look at the world of martial arts is twisty and complex, but one should expect that from the master of the con game movie.

The focus here is on Mike Terry (Chiwetel Ejiofor), a skilled jiu-jitsu instructor struggling to keep his Southern California dojo alive. Although Terry is talented enough to make thousands in Mixed Martial Arts competitions, he refuses because he believes sport fighting weakens a warrior.

So, he scrapes by, teaching combat and his code of honor to dedicated students, including an attorney (Emily Mortimer) who was severely shaken by a violent attack. Alas, his values place strain on his marital relationship because his wife, Sondra (Alice Braga), is often left to pick up the bills.

Finally, things go Mike’s way when he comes to the aid of Hollywood action star Chet Frank (Tim Allen), who is getting pummeled in a bar fight. Frank is grateful for Mike’s assistance and offers to get him lucrative consulting work in the movie business. But just when Mike thinks he has it made, he’s faced with a series of mind-numbing twists that force him to put everything — including his ideals — on the line.

“Redbelt” is an exciting ride that takes more than a little brain power to follow. Unfortunately, the climax is silly, but Mamet’s films aren’t about realism so much as enjoying the ride, bumps and all.

DVD special features include a commentary track by Mamet and Randy Couture (who is featured in the film), a short on Mixed Martial Arts, and a behind-the-scenes feature.

Son of Rambow
3 stars
Rated PG-13 for some violence and reckless behavior
Paramount Vantage
Available on: DVD
Writer-director Garth Jennings takes a charming look at both childhood and friendship in his tale of an unlikely camaraderie between two English boys.

One, Will Proudfoot (Bill Milner), lives in a strict Plymouth Brethern family where he isn’t allowed to watch television or listen to music. The other, Lee Carter (Will Poulter), is the school tough guy, constantly dreaming up schemes and landing in trouble.

Lee strikes up a relationship with Will by bullying him into serving as stuntman for his home video tribute to “Rambo: First Blood.” But what started as a friendship of convenience takes on genuine tones as Will and Lee bond, all the while making their film.

“Son of Rambow” is most noteworthy for its inventiveness. The story is dissimilar to anything else released in theaters this year, and Milner and Poulter infuse their characters with the sort of depth and understanding that adult actors strive for.

If the movie has a problem, it’s that things start slow, but that will hardly be a concern when you find yourself racing toward the pitch-perfect and emotionally resonant ending.

DVD extras include a filmmakers’ commentary, the short movie that inspired the project, and a making-of feature.

ALSO OUT THIS WEEK

Heroes — Season 2: The third season of the popular television drama “Heroes” will bow next month, and you can get caught up with this set. It contains every moment of season two, plus bonus features including a never-aired, 35-minute episode.

The Little Mermaid — Ariel’s Beginning: New feature-length Disney cartoon detailing the adventures of Ariel and her friend Sebastian prior to the events in the 1989 “Little Mermaid” theatrical release.

Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas: New, digitally restored and remastered release of the classic stop-motion animated film about Halloween Town residents who threaten to end Christmas.

Salo, or the 120 Days of Sodom: Italian writer-director Paolo Pasolini’s controversial 1976 film, which transposes the stories of the Marquis de Sade’s “120 Days of Sodom” to 1944 Fascist Italy. The plot revolves around four powerful men who kidnap a group of youngsters and torture them mercilessly. The graphic depiction of the events has resulted in the movie being banned in some countries, but there are critics who consider it a brave and unflinching classic. Presented in Italian with English subtitles.

Entourage — The Complete Fourth Season: The continuing adventures of up-and-coming star Vince Chase (Adrian Grenier) and his friends from Queens, New York. In season four, Vince’s dream project is finally coming together, but it’s never easy going in Hollywood. Also stars Kevin Dillon, Jerry Ferrara, Kevin Connolly and Jeremy Piven.

NCIS — The Fifth Season: More action and drama from Navy investigator Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon) and his group of talented special agents.

Everybody Hates Chris — The Third Season: All the latest antics from a fictionalized version of a teen-aged Chris Rock (Tyler James Williams) who is doing his best to be cool while growing up in Brooklyn.

The Untouchables — Season 2, Volume 2: The final 16 episodes from the second season of this 1960s crime drama. Robert Stack stars as Prohibition agent Eliot Ness, who is dedicated to crushing gangster Al Capone.

Battle 360°: The Complete Season One: This History Channel series uses computer animation and actual footage to document the exploits of the USS Enterprise aircraft carrier during World War II.

There’s plenty of variety in this week’s video offerings, as we’re getting everything from a children’s concert film to a Keanu Reeves action flick.

Street Kings
1 star
Rated R for strong violence and pervasive language
20th Century Fox
Available on: DVD, Blu-ray
Director David Ayer leaves no cliche unturned in his disappointing follow to 2005’s “Harsh Times.”

The film is centered on Detective Tom Ludlow (Keanu Reeves), a brash Los Angeles cop who shoots first and asks questions later. He’s the sort of guy who would be run out of most departments, but Tom’s captain (Forest Whitaker) is more concerned about commendations than doing his job properly. So, he covers Tom’s behind and welcomes the strong-arm tactics.

Despite his unsavory approach to police work, viewers are supposed to like Tom because he has his heart in the right place. Never mind that he endangers civilians, places other police officers in harm’s way and acts like a lunatic while doing his job, which in this movie involves finding the folks who killed his former partner.

The fact that Tom is not a nice guy is a problem, but it’s not the only thing working against “Street Kings.” Screenwriters James Ellroy, Kurt Wimmer and Jamie Moss threw in enough bad dialogue and melodramatic posturing to make every member of the cast look bad. And that’s an impressive feat when you have the great Forest Whitaker selling your lines.

Don’t let the name fool you. In the cinematic social structure, “Street Kings” is a peasant.

The movie is being released on a single DVD and as a two-disc special edition. Extra features vary by version.

Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day
3 stars
Rated PG-13 for some partial nudity and innuendo
Focus Features
Available on: DVD
Amy Adams is rapidly establishing herself as one of Hollywood’s great leading ladies, and she is in wonderful form in this sprightly romantic comedy.

A throwback to long ago, “Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day” tells of its title character, a down-and-out English governess (Frances McDormand) doing her best to survive during the tough times prior to World War II. Desperate for a job, she insinuates herself into the life of an up-and-coming actress named Delysia Lafosse (Adams), only to find that Delysia is courting three men simultaneously.

Although she dislikes Delysia’s shenanigans, Miss Pettigrew helps the young actress keep her complicated social calendar in order and … in so doing … becomes acquainted with a world unlike anything she’s seen.

The David Magee/Simon Beaufoy screenplay is delightful, and director Bharat Nalluri spins the story with grace and charm. The result is a lighthearted, farcical treat that feels as though it should have been made in the 1940s. And, yes, that’s a compliment.

DVD extras include deleted scenes, a making-of feature, and a short on the story’s lengthy road from book to screen.

Prom Night
1 1/2 stars
Available in rated and unrated versions. Theatrical cut is rated PG-13 for violence and terror, some sexual material, underage drinking and language
Screen Gems
Available on: DVD, Blu-ray, UMD for PSP
Although this film shares its title with a 1980 Jamie Lee Curtis horror flick, the two have few similarities. Both, of course, show nubile youngsters getting brutally murdered while celebrating prom, but the revenge premise that drove the first movie is gone.

Instead, viewers are introduced to a psychotic teacher who was so obsessed with a beautiful student named Donna (Brittany Snow) that he murdered her entire family. With three years passed since the tragic event, Donna is trying to settle into a normal life.

Alas, the whacked out teacher (Johnathon Schaech) escapes from a mental asylum and tracks Donna down again … on prom night. Pretty soon the blood is spurting and the bodies are dropping as the killer knocks off one poor high school student after another.

There is no suspense in the film because viewers know who the killer is almost immediately, and director Nelson McCormick telegraphs every attack. What’s more, the PG-13 version of the film, which was the one released in theaters, isn’t very gory. And all of the killings are off-the-shelf Hollywood moments. That means folks who watch movies like this just to revel in the sadism and squirting blood will be just as disappointed as those seeking a good story.

No suspense. No over-the-top gore. No redeeming social message.

No reason to watch.

The movie is available in an unrated version and in the PG-13 theatrical cut. Extra features include deleted scenes, an alternate ending, a gag reel, a director and cast commentary, and making-of features.

Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus Best of Both Worlds Concert: The 3-D Movie
3 stars
Rated G for general audiences
Disney
Available on: DVD, Blu-ray
As a 40-year-old man, I’m not the target audience for Miley Cyrus’ bubblegum pop tunes, but it’s pretty clear why she’s become the toast of the Disney Channel. She is really talented.

Cyrus, who plays the title character in Disney’s “Hannah Montana” television show, has a great set of pipes, and she knows how to sell a song, even one that’s as generic and poppy as they come.

“Best of Both Worlds” is essentially a concert film with Cyrus performing half the tunes as her television alter-ego and the other half as herself. Honestly, there’s not much difference. She doesn’t change her voice from role to role, and the songs are all easygoing pop pieces. But Cyrus is a great performer, and she presents each number as though her career depends on it. For the kids who love her, the DVD will be heaven.

Both the standard and Blu-ray DVDs come with 3-D versions of the film and 3-D glasses, but the technology is far from perfect. While it’s interesting to watch the 3-D effects, I found it difficult to get the glasses positioned correctly. Fortunately, it’s possible to watch the film in the less-annoying 2-D mode.

DVD extras include additional songs and a sing-along feature.

ALSO OUT THIS WEEK

Camp Rock: Hannah Montana fans should also enjoy this Disney Channel movie about a young girl whose life changes for the better when she attends a camp for performers. Demi Lovato and the Jonas Brothers star.

The Life Before Her Eyes: “House of Sand and Fog” director Vadim Perelman delivers another solemn drama with this story of a woman suffering from survivor’s guilt. Uma Thurman and Evan Rachel Wood star.

The Scorpion King 2 — Rise of a Warrior: This direct-to-DVD prequel to 2002’s “The Scorpion King” explains how Mathayus became the feared warrior that Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson portrays in the original film. Because it wouldn’t be a “Scorpion King” movie without a professional wrestler in a leading role, Randy Couture stars.

House — Season Four: Hugh Laurie is back as the title character in this popular Fox drama, and as usual he and his team attempt to solve extremely complex medical cases.

Dexter — The Second Season: All 12 episodes of the Showtime series’ sophomore season. Michael C. Hall stars as a serial killer who works for the Miami Police Department and victimizes only people who “deserve” it.

Twenty-Four Eyes: Japanese drama about a rural teacher doing all that she can to give her students a sense of place and morality. Released in 1954, the film was directed by Keisuke Kinoshita. Presented in Japanese with English subtitles.

Terminator — The Sarah Connor Chronicles — The Complete First Season: This Fox television series spun off from the popular “Terminator” movie franchise, and it relays the adventures of Sarah and John Connor, who are constantly hunted by robots who have traveled back in time.

Gossip Girl — The Complete First Season: You can prepare for the second season of this CW series — due in September — by catching up on the drama. The show follows the lives of socialite teens living on New York’s Upper East Side.

The Small Back Room: The Criterion Collection is once again calling an oft-forgotten classic to our attention. This 1949 thriller was directed by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, and it stars David Farrar as an explosives expert trying to deconstruct a new German weapon while battling personal demons.

Recount: HBO television drama about the battle to determine who won the 2000 presidential election between George W. Bush and Al Gore. Tom Wilkinson, Kevin Spacey, Laura Dern, Denis Leary, John Hurt, Bob Balaban and Ed Begley Jr. star.

Chronicle of an Escape: Argentine drama about a soccer player who is apprehended by government troops and placed in a detention center. As his release seems unlikely, he begins to plot his escape. Presented in Spanish with English subtitles.

It’s another slow week on the video circuit, as new releases are limited primarily to direct-to-DVD movies, television series and a handful of limited-run features. Fortunately, the one DVD title that received a wide theatrical release is a very good one.

Smart People
3 1/2 stars
Rated R for language, brief teen drug and alcohol use, and for some sexuality
Miramax
Available on: DVD, Blu-ray

Noam Murro’s directorial debut ranks among the best films released theatrically in early 2008 and it is also among the most under-appreciated.

Dennis Quaid stars as professor Lawrence Wetherhold, a stiff, widowed college professor coasting through life with arrogance and anger. It doesn’t help that his overachieving daughter, Vanessa (Ellen Page), is his virtual double and that his son, James (Ashton Holmes), doesn’t want anything to do with him.

Lawrence’s life takes a turn, however, when he suffers a minor head injury and his ne’er do well brother Chuck (Thomas Haden Church) moves in to help the family out. Before too long, Vanessa is loosening up, Lawrence is dating a beautiful doctor (Sarah Jessica Parker), and Chuck has decided he’s in over his head.

Although there’s a lot going on plot-wise, Murro’s film is more a character study than anything else, and the fantastic cast creates people that we can believe in. “Smart People” is sometimes serious, often funny, always engaging and … of course … extremely intelligent.

DVD extras include deleted scenes, outtakes, interviews with the filmmakers, and a commentary by Murro and writer Mark Jude Poirier.

Brand Upon the Brain!
3 stars
Unrated
The Criterion Collection
Available on: DVD

Canadian writer-director Guy Maddin has never been a mainstream filmmaker, and this fascinating 2006 feature won’t propel him into the collective mind. It is, however, a treat for film junkies who place more value on artistry and cinema history than star power.

A modern silent film, “Brand Upon the Brain!” was originally toured as a live concert work, with foley artists, musicians and a narrator performing alongside the running film. Eventually, a soundtrack — with narration from Isabella Rossellini — was recorded, allowing the film to have limited distribution in theaters. Although seeing the project live would be the best possible experience, the Criterion Collection’s fine DVD treatment allows viewers to at least grasp Maddin’s bizarre work.

The film tells the story of a fictional Guy Maddin (Erik Steffen Maahs) who returns to the childhood home where his repressive mother and scientist father ran an orphanage within a lighthouse. As soon as he arrives, he is drawn into memories where the young Guy (Sullivan Brown) and his sister (Maya Lawson) form a friendship with a teen detective (Katherine E. Scharhon) who has come to investigate strange doings at the orphanage. The film then becomes an oddball adventure that is a mix of science-fiction, horror and erotic fantasy.

The most appealing thing about the picture is Maddin’s recreation of classic film conventions. Using mostly grainy, black-and white footage, he has given the film a vintage look, but his editing and visual skills are decidedly modern. That makes “Brand Upon the Brain!” a wonderful hybrid of past and present.

The DVD also includes a deleted scene, a documentary featuring interviews with Maddin and his collaborators, alternate narration tracks, and two new Maddin short films.

ALSO OUT THIS WEEK

Felon: Stephen Dorff stars as a family man who must adapt to life in prison after he accidentally kills an intruder. Also stars Val Kilmer.

The Killing Gene: Direct-to-DVD thriller starring Stellan Skarsgard as a New York City cop investigating a series of horrific murders with his partner (Melissa George). Also stars Selma Blair.

The Secret: Remake of the Japanese thriller “Himitsu,” about a woman who dies but inhabits the body of her daughter. David Duchovny, Lili Taylor and Olivia Thirlby star. Directed by Vincent Perez.

Watching the Detectives: Romantic comedy starring Cillian Murphy as a video store owner and film buff who spends more time immersed in movies than living his own life. Then he meets a real-life femme fatale (Lucy Liu) who changes everything. Written and directed by Paul Soter.

The Wire — The Complete Fifth Season: Final season of the much-admired HBO television series about urban life in Baltimore. Each season focuses on a different aspect of the city and the sociological impact it has on citizens. Season five examines the print news media.

The Love Boat — Season One, Volume Two: Vintage comical adventures from Captain Stubing (Gavin MacLeod) and his offbeat crew of cruise ship employees. Bernie Kopell, Fred Grandy, Ted Lange and Lauren Tewes also star.

Caroline in the City — The First Season: Lea Thompson stars as a New York cartoonist trying to sort out her love life and all sorts of other things in this 1990s comedy series.

Prison Break — Season Three: Latest season of the television drama about a man (Dominic Purcell) wrongly accused of murder and the brother (Wentworth Miller) who must work against the legal system and a covert agency to ensure that they both win their freedom and survive.

South Park — The Complete Eleventh Season: Need we say more? Another season of raucous humor and off-color jokes from the kings of adult animation.

The Art of War II — Betrayal: Direct-to-video sequel to the 2000 film “The Art of War.” Wesley Snipes stars as a former secret agent who attempts to avenge the death of a friend, only to find that he’s been lured into a trap.

Tru Calling — The Complete Series: Fans of this short-lived, science-fiction drama can take solace in watching the 26 episodes that were filmed for the Fox Network. Eliza Dushku stars as a morgue employee who has the power to communicate with the dead, then travel back in time to save their lives.

Dave’s World — The First Season: First season of the CBS Television sitcom based on the comedy writings of newspaper columnist and author Dave Barry. The writer plays Harry Anderson, a fictionalized version of himself, and he’s joined by DeLane Matthews, Zane Carney, Andrew Ducote, Shadoe Stevens and Mesach Taylor.

Wide Awake: Korean horror film about a young boy who remains awake — but unable to move or communicate — during heart surgery. After a series of murders occur, a physician wonders if the patient is responsible.

Jane Goodall’s When Animals Talk: Animal Planet video featuring stories of human-animal relationships and a look at the way people can better communicate with members of the animal kingdom.

It’s a slow week for videos, as only a handful of major titles hit stores. The good news is that the most noteworthy entries are well made, well acted and well worth watching. 

Nim’s Island
3 stars
Rated PG for mild adventure action and brief language
20th Century Fox
Available on: DVD, Blu-ray

To properly enjoy “Nim’s Island,” one must suspend disbelief, but that’s not hard, particularly for a family adventure so utterly charming.

Abigail Breslin stars as Nim, a young girl living on a remote South Pacific island with her oceanographer father, Jack (Gerard Butler). Because Jack wants to keep their island home a secret, they live a primitive life, reading, playing and working out of their Robison Crusoe-style home. Their lives are not, however, devoid of technology. Thanks to a couple solar panels and the wonders of satellites, they do have a computer and e-mail.

That’s a good thing because Nim finds herself in need of help when Jack gets caught in a storm and stranded at sea. Worried about her father and unsure what to do, Nim sends a message to Alex Rover, the rugged, star of her favorite adventure novels.

Alas, Alex turns out to be the pen name for Alexandra Rover (Jodie Foster), an agoraphobic San Francisco novelist who has a hard time going outside to pick up her mail, let alone rescuing stranded children. Nevertheless, her concern for Nim — and the subconscious urging of the fictional hero she created — takes her on a wild adventure that will change everyone’s lives.

“Nim’s Island” is based on a book by Wendy Orr, and the husband-and-wife directing team of Jennifer Flackett and Mark Levin have done a fine job adapting it to the screen. They cut back and forth between the struggles of Nim, Jack and Alexandra, allowing viewers to invest in each character and overlook the movie’s more outlandish moments.

A lot of ridiculous things do take place. For instance, it’s hard to believe that anyone — let alone a scientist — would leave a pre-teen girl to fend for herself on a deserted island for even a short time. Also, Alexandra makes unbelievable strides in overcoming her agoraphobia in a matter of days … with no treatment. These things are hard to swallow, but folks who make the effort will be rewarded with a fanciful adventure tale that’s far more enjoyable and well-acted than the average family film.

The DVD is available in widescreen and full screen versions. Extra features include two commentary tracks, deleted scenes and several short features on the making of the film.

 
The Counterfeiters
3 1/2 stars
Rated R for some strong violence, brief sexuality/nudity and language
Sony Picture Classics
Available on: DVD, Blu-ray

The 2007 Academy Award winner for best foreign language film, this wonderful drama takes a fictionalized look at Operation Bernhard, a German plan to destabilize Britain during World War II. The idea was to flood England with perfectly forged bank notes, throwing the nation’s economy into ruin.

At the center of the action is Salomon Sorowitsch (Karl Markovics) a Jewish hustler capable of forging any document. When he is placed in a concentration camp, he and other printers are given the opportunity to live more comfortable lives if they agree to forge money for the Nazis. The catch, of course, is that he will be helping fund the German war effort, thus abetting the widespread extermination of his people.

Markovics turns in a powerful performance, and writer-director Stefan Ruzowitzky paints a startling portrait of the dilemma that some Jewish prisoners actually found themselves in. Were they to do as they were told and live or sabotage the counterfeiting operation and die?

Although the story is fictionalized, Ruzowitzky spends a great deal of time with his characters, letting viewers come to know and care about them. The result is a movie that sheds light on an underreported World War II operation, while delivering a fine drama that would be compelling even if it weren’t based on a true story.

“The Counterfeiters” won the foreign language Oscar for Austria, and it is presented in German with English subtitles. Extra features include deleted scenes, a making-of feature, interviews with the real-life counterfeiter who inspired the film, and a commentary by Ruzowitzky.

 
ALSO OUT THIS WEEK

Starship Troopers 3 — Marauder: Direct-to-DVD sequel to the first two “Starship Troopers” films. This time, Col. Johnny Rico (Casper Van Dien) must lead an elite group of soldiers on a rescue mission into hostile territory.

Get Smart — Season One: If comedian Steve Carell’s theatrical update of the “Get Smart” franchise made you nostalgic, this is the boxed set you’ve been looking for. Don Adams stars as secret agent Maxwell Smart circa 1965.

Pete Seeger — The Power of Song: Documentary film looking at the life of popular and controversial folk musician Pete Seeger.

Garfield’s FunFest: Direct-to-DVD animated feature in which Garfield the cat competes in a talent show in hopes of being named the funniest comic strip in Cartoon World.

Camp Out: Documentary film that follows Midwestern youth attending a Bible camp for gay Christians. These youngsters find themselves at the heart of a political and religious battle, and the film dares to ask, “Can you be gay and Christian?”

Star Trek the Original Series — The Complete Second Season: The classic television series is presented with remastered sound and visuals as well as a host of new special effects. The improved effects make the show consistent with later “Star Trek” entries, like “The Next Generation,” but purists may be bothered. After all, part of the fun of watching a 1960s science fiction effort is seeing how far we’ve come.

Lonesome Dove: Digitally remastered version of the classic television miniseries about two former Texas rangers who embark on a dangerous cattle drive. Robert Duvall, Tommy Lee Jones, Angelica Huston, Diane Lane and Danny Glover star. Available on DVD and Blu-ray.

Jimmy Dore — Citizen Jimmy: DVD featuring comedian Jimmy Dore’s one-hour Comedy Central special focused on our government.

The Executioner’s Song: Director’s cut of the 1982 television miniseries about convicted murderer Gary Gilmore (Tommy Lee Jones) who demanded that his death sentence be carried out. Rosanna Arquette and Christine Lahti also star.