Gotta keep these introductory comments short, since I’m posting in between seeing a bunch of Sundance movies. Though to be honest, there’s not a lot to tout this week anyway. Criterion—as usual—has the goods, with a well-designed two-disc edition of Magnificent Obsession (featuring both the John Stahl and Douglas Sirk versions), as well as DVD and Blu-ray editions of Gregory Nava’s acclaimed early ‘80s indie El Norte. On the cult TV front, you can treat yourself to complete editions of the docu-series MGM: When The Lion Roars and the cheeky superhero cartoon Powerpuff Girls. Lastly, this is a strong week for interesting misfires, including the gothic computer animated Igor, the beautifully designed (but dramatically inert) City Of Ember, and the atonal horror musical Repo! The Genetic Opera. Beyond that, you’re on your own.
Now back to the screening room.
Amusement
New Line, $27.98; Blu-ray, $35.99
Boogeyman 3
Sony, $24.96
Calexico: Live From Austin, TX
New West, $16.98
Center Stage: Turn It Up
Sony, $24.96
Charlie & Me
Cypress, $14.95
The Children Of Huang Shi
Sony, $28.96
Children Of The Stones
Acorn, $24.99
Chris Rock: Kill The Messenger
HBO, $19.98/$29.98
City Of Ember
20th Century Fox, $29.99
Cold Prey
Starz/Anchor Bay, $26.97
Confessions Of An Action Star
Vivendi, $19.99
The Deal
Peace Arch, $29.99; Blu-ray, $34.99
El Norte
Criterion, $39.95 ; Blu-ray, $39.95
Elsa & Fred
Navarre, $24.98
The End Of America
Indiepix, $24.95/$29.95
Emergency!: Season Five
Universal, $39.98
The Express
Universal, $29.98; Blu-ray, $39.98
Frank Zappa & The Mothers Of Invention: In The ‘60s
Video Music, $19.95
George Wallace
Warner, $24.98
The Great Polar Bear Adventure
Genius, $14.95
Henry Poole Is Here
Anchor Bay, $29.98 ; Blu-ray, $39.98
Igor
MGM, $29.99; Blu-ray, $39.98
Jurassic Fight Club: Season One
A&E, $39.95
Katt Williams Presents: Katthouse Comedy
Salient, $14.99
King Frat
Televista, $24.95
King Of The Hill (2007)
Dimension Extreme, $19.98
The Last Detective: Complete Collection
Acorn, $99.99
Magnificent Obsession
Criterion, $39.95
Max Payne
20th Century Fox, $29.98/$34.98; Blu-ray, $39.98
MGM: When The Lion Roars
Warner, $29.98
Moonlight: The Complete Series
Warner, $39.98
My Three Sons: The First Season, Vol. 2
Paramount, $39.98
Poison Ivy 4: The Secret Society
New Line, $27.98
The Powerpuff Girls: The Complete Series
Turner, $59.98
Repo! The Genetic Opera
Lionsgate, $19.98; Blu-ray, $29.99
The Rockford Files: Season Six
Universal, $39.98
Save Me
First Run, $24.95
Saw V
Lionsgate $29.95/$39.98; Blu-ray, $39.99
Secrets Of Body Language
A&E, $24.95
Spain… On The Road Again
Docurama, $39.95
Stripper Academy
Maverick, $16.98
This American Life: Season Two
Borders, $19.98
Triage: Dr. James Orbinski’s Humanitarian Dilemma
Docurama, $26.95
Vacancy 2: The First Cut
Sony, $24.96