By By Randy Williams Newdvdreleases
‘Semi-Pro’ The Unrated- Let’s Get Sweaty Edition From figure skater to stock car racer, Will Ferrell, the USC Sports Information graduate, takes on the sport of basketball here as Jackie Moon, a 1970s one-hit-wonder and owner/coach/player of the Flint Michigan Tropics. Faced with the possibility of not surviving a merger with the NBA, Jackie turns up the heat to try and lead his team to glory. Joined by Andre Benjamin, Will Arnett, and Woody Harrelson, Ferrell does his best to put some “funk back in the dunk.” The two-disc version provides such special features as: Four Days in Flint, The Man Behind Semi-Pro, Recreating the ABA, a “Love Me Sexy” music video, and behind the scenes footage. (New Line) ‘Le Gai Savoir’
Perhaps popular French director Jean-Luc Godard’s most radical film, the picture focuses on two militants Emile Rousseau (Jean-Pierre Leaud) and Patricia Lumumba (Juliet Berto) who, while filming a movie, have a discourse on languages. Referring to the spoken word as “the enemy,” the two deconstruct the meanings of sounds and images in an attempt to “return to zero” and truly experience the joy of learning. The 1969 film is digitally restored and presented in French with English subtitles. (Koch Lorber) ‘The Gunfight at Dodge City’
This 1959 drama features Joel McRea as the legendary western gunslinger “Bat” Masterson who flees to Dodge City after killing a man in self-defense. After being swayed by the townspeople to avenge his brother’s death at the hands of the corrupt incumbent, not by violence but by taking his place as a candidate for mayor, Bat wins the election but divided loyalties cause him unexpected confrontations. (MGM) ‘The Invisible Man’ Season One Now available for the first time on DVD comes this gripping sci-fi series that premiered in 2000. Vincent Ventresca (“Complete Savages,” “Prey”) stars as Darien Fawkes a con man-turned-covert-op-specialist. As he takes on spy networks, assassins, and lethal weapons, Darien must come to terms with some nasty side effects of his unique abilities. (Universal) The Three Stooges Collection Volume Two The classic slapstick trio are back for more. An inspiration to generations of comedians that followed, The Three Stooges are presented here with a new two-disc volume featuring 24 digitally restored film shorts. Arranged chronologically from the period of 1937 to 1939, Moe, Larry, and Curly perform some of their most popular material including: Dizzy Doctors, Saved by the Belle, and Wee Wee Monsieur. (Sony) The Daytona 500: 50 Years of the Great American Race Celebrating the Golden Anniversary of one of the most prestigious races in motor sports, the two-disc title explores the personalities that have defined this iconic event. In addition to the great drivers like Richard Petty, Jeff Gordon, and 2008 winner Ryan Newman, the collection offers compelling interactive elements that put the viewer right into the race. (A&E) The Who: Vegas Job This 1999 reunion show is a pure rock-n-roll behind the scenes tale, only with a high-tech twist. In what was supposed to be a reflection of brilliant revolutionary computer technology allowing millions around the world to see the performance, a scam revealed that only the lucky fans in attendance saw the concert. And oh, what a concert! Fourteen power-packed Who favorites from “I Can’t Explain” to “Who are You.” (Koch/Passport) RANDY WILLIAMS
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on June 6, 2008. Read the original PDF.