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The Acorn Camarillo Acorn Moorpark Acorn - Simi Valley Acorn |
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Film and television writer Randy Williams reviews
the latest movies, TV shows, documentaries and music programs now
available for purchase online and at retail stores.
300 Special Collection (Warner Bros.)- Based on
Frank Miller's graphic novel, "300" concerns the 480 B.C. Battle of Thermopylae
where the King of Sparta led his army against the advancing Persians. The battle
is said to have inspired all of Cast Away Special Edition Steelbook
(Fox)- Chuck Noland (Tom Hanks), a FedEx systems engineer, must
transform himself psychologically and physically after surviving a plane crash
and washing up on a remote island. Special features include a look at Wilson-
the pivotal volleyball "character"- art gallery, trailers, an interview with
Hanks, a special effects vignette, HBO documentary, director Robert Zemeckis'
commentary and storyboard-to-film comparison. Bridge to Terabithia (Disney)- Based on
Katherine Paterson's popular book, this fantasy adventure is
about the magic of friendship and the power of imagination as a pair of bullied
and neglected kids Jesse (Josh Hutcherson) and Leslie (Anna Sophia Robb) escape
into a world of their own, which changes their lives forever. Extras include
Robb performing on a music video, "Keep Your Mind Wide Open" as well as a
"Behind the Book" feature exploring topics of friendship and family and how it
was all based on an actual incident. Die Hard Collection (Fox)- On the heels of the
new theatrical release "Live Free or Die Hard" comes the trilogy that preceded
it. Bruce Willis as NYC cop John McLane who amazingly finds himself in unique
predicaments has been an enduring hit since the original was released in 1988.
"Die Hard 2: Die Harder" and "Die Hard with a Vengeance" are included as well. A
fourth bonus disc includes a documentary, a featurette on the McLane character
and a trailer of the newest version. Yippee ki yay. Platoon Collector's Edition Steelbook
(MGM)- Written, directed and experienced by Oliver Stone, this haunting
look at the Vietnam War stars Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger and Willem Dafoe. It
is war against the enemy, each other and within oneself. Winner of four Academy
Awards including Best Picture and Best Director, Platoon is ranked among the Top
100 films of all time by the American Film Institute. Supplements include
commentary by Stone and military adviser Dale Dye, trailers, photo gallery,
deleted scenes and several documentaries, including cast and crew preparations
and production. The Verdict Collector's Edition (Fox)- Paul
Newman portrays attorney Frank Galvin, beaten down by life, turning to alcohol
as a coping mechanism and fumbling legal handouts from friend and seasoned
attorney Mickey Morrissey (Jack Warden). Instead of settling a medical
malpractice case involving a comatose woman, Galvin takes on the Roman Catholic
church and a high-powered law firm (headed by James Mason), salvaging his career
and selfrespect. Bonus material include features with Newman on acting and Lumet
on directing. Rockford Files Season Four (Universal)- James
Garner is the wisecracking ex-con turned private investigator in one of the most
acclaimed detective series on television. Combining a folksy charm and a
rough-edged ability to get an inside edge on crooks honed from his own jail
time, Rockford is joined this season by Larry Hagman, Robert Loggia, and Tom
Selleck in a role that would be the genesis for Selleck's "Magnum P.I." series.
Extras include a feature on film and television's greatest sleuths and a bonus
episode from season five. Hogan's Heroes Sixth and Final Season
( Mutual of
Extras Second Season (HBO)- Popular British
comedian Ricky Gervais ("The Office") is back for more as aspiring actor Andy
Millman working hard to succeed despite being hampered by an inept agent
(Stephen Merchant). Guest stars include David Bowie, Robert DeNiro and Daniel
Radcliffe ("Harry Potter"). The two-disc, six-episode unit offers more than 100
minutes of bonus material. The New Adventures of Superman/Batman (Warner
Bros.)- Sold on separate discs, these DC Comic Classic Collections combined
offer more than 50 episodes of the popular caped crusaders. In the first
Superman project designed specifically for television, this series marked the
animated debut of Jimmy Olsen and villains Lex Luthor and Brainiac and contains
all 36 episodes from the show's first season. Batman features the voices of the
stars from the live action television series, Adam West (Batman) and Burt Ward
(Robin). Everest: Beyond the Limit (Discovery)- A double
amputee and a former Hell's Angel with metal plates holding his spine together
are among the climbers testing the limits of human endurance in this
six-disc adventure series that gives the viewer a breathtaking view of
the top of the world, with drama and danger at every turn.
- Randy Williams
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