What's New on DVD?
Film and television author Randy Williams reviews the latest movies, television shows, documentaries and music programs now available for purchase online and at retail stores.
W. (Lionsgate)—Josh Brolin stars as two-term President George W. Bush in this engaging biopic written by Stanley Weiser and directed by Oliver Stone. The seasoned filmmakers focus on Bush's wild youth and maturation process, including the ups and downs of life in his powerful family. The presentation is enhanced by fine performances from Elizabeth Banks as Bush's wife and James Cromwell and Ellen Burstyn as his parents. Commentary by Stone and a look at the Bush presidency are included.
Vicky Cristina Barcelona (Weinstein/Genius)—Woody Allen writes and directs this romantic tale set in Barcelona. Friends Vicky (Rebecca Hall) and Cristina (Scarlett Johansson), spending their summer in Spain, are two young American girls with different viewpoints on romance who fall for the same Casanova artist, Juan Antonio Gonzalo (Javier Barden). Things get really saucy with the appearance of Penelope Cruz as Juan's ex-wife who comes back into his life. Cruz won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar as Maria Elena.
Mary Poppins: 45th Anniversary Edition (Disney)—This Disney classic, winner of five Academy Awards, features some fancy footwork and rousing vocals by Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke, who play a magic maid and a cheerful chimney sweep, respectively. There's a magic carpetbagful of bonus material. It is simply supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.
Get Smart: The Complete Series (HBO)—Would you believe you can capture all five seasons (138 episodes) on 25 discs plus more than eight hours of bonus materials of this classic '60s spy spoof in one magnificent box set? Created by the brilliant Buck Henry and Mel Brooks with a wink and a nod to two hot film franchises of the time ("James Bond" and "The Pink Panther"), as well as parodying such espionage dramas as "I Spy" and "Man from U.N.C.L.E," Maxwell Smart (Don Adams), aka Agent 86, is a spy for the secret government agency known as CONTROL. Along with his lovely and resourceful partner, Agent 99 (Barbara Feldon), Smart fights against the evil forces of KAOS.
Rockford Files: Season SixThe Final Season (Universal)— James Garner wraps up a brilliant run here as exconturnedprivateeye Jim Rockford. This early-'70s multi-Emmy-winning series was perhaps the best detective show of its time. With major-league writers like Roy Huggins ("The Fugitive"), Stephen Cannell ("The A Team"), and David Chase ("The Sopranos"), Garner delivers time and again at the center of stories that are rich, intelligent and entertaining. A dozen episodes on three discs close out this classic series.
The Last Detective: The Complete Collection (Acorn Media)— Peter Davison ("All Creatures Great and Small," "Dr. Who") stars as detective constable "Dangerous" Davies, working in a London suburb and always getting the cases no one wants. No one notices when he eventually does succeed. Mocked by his colleagues, the beleaguered, old-fashioned official with a dogged determination who often made connections slicker officers missed became one of England's most beloved detectives. All 17 episodes of this hit British mystery series are included.
The People's Republic of Capitalism (Discovery)—A sharp and sweeping perspective of how two very different cultures, China and America, are becoming increasingly intertwined. Presented by newsman Ted Koppel, we see the amazing growth of China through the prism of how it affects both blue-collar and migrant workers in America, as well as Chinese of all social classes. It's an eye-opening documentary about a communist country embracing capitalism.
The Odd Couple: The Final Season (CBS/Paramount)—One of the classic sitcoms goes out with a bang with 22 episodes on three discs. The legendary duo of Felix Unger (Tony Randall) and Oscar Madison (Jack Klugman) are involved in a wide range of story lines that also include Murray the Cop (Al Molinaro), Oscar's secretary Myrna (Penny Marshall) and Felix's ex-wife, Gloria (Janis Hansen).
Lincoln: His Life and Legacy (A&E)—Considered by many to be our finest president, Abraham Lincoln is given the redcarpet treatment in this four-disc, eight-hour presentation. Bringing to life the tumultuous times in which the 16th president led our country, this tribute examines his legacy in a modern context. Bonus materials include Civil War tactics and a look at Sherman's march.


