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# By Randy Williams Newdvdreleases
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/a-dose-of-kemo-keeps-it-eclectic/
- Published: 2007-06-21T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-24T01:14:24.000Z
- Author: Daniel Archuleta
- Tags: Opinion, Santa Monica, #archive-import

‘Apocalypto’

Written, directed, and produced by Mel Gibson, this graphic action adventure tale of life in ancient Central American, is presented in a Mayan dialect with English subtitles. Story focuses on the journey of a capable young warrior trying to return to his wife and children after his village has been ravaged by another tribe and he’s been taken as a slave. Remarkable art direction, costume design, and cinematography. Added materials include commentary by Gibson, deleted scenes, and a feature entitled, “Becoming Mayan, Creating Apocalypto”. (Touchstone) ‘Venus’

Peter O’Toole was nominated for an Academy Award as an aging actor whose memory and desire for beauty are rejuvenated by the arrival his friend’s niece (Jodie Whittaker) from the countryside. As he tries to imbue the rough-edged young woman with his wisdom and cultural trips throughout London, their give-and-take provide both with new discoveries about themselves. A poignant script by Hanif Kureishi (“My Beautiful Launderette”) illuminates western society’s tendency to discard those over 60\. (Miramax) ‘The Hustler’ Collector’s Edition Talented but self-destructive pool shark (Paul Newman) learns about the price of success the hard way. “The Hustler” is a darkly brilliant character study with an all-star cast that includes Jackie Gleason, Piper Laurie, and George C. Scott. Directed by Robert Rossen (”All the King’s Men,” “Body and Soul”) this masterpiece garnered nine Oscar nominations including Best Picture, winning for Art Direction and Cinematography. Over five hours of bonus material includes Newman’s own commentary, pool tips, and a making-of feature. (Fox) ‘Fantastic Voyage’

An adventure of a lifetime takes us not to outer space but inside the human body as Stephen Boyd, Donald Pleasance, and Raquel Welch lead a group of medical and science experts in a race against time trying to save a key government figure who is dying from a blood clot on the brain. Directed by Richard Fleischer who also helmed “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea,” “Fantastic Voyage” won an Oscar for Visual Effects. Special features include commentaries on the film and soundtrack by historians, original stills, storyboards-to-scene comparison and a tribute to the visual effects. (Fox) ‘True Grit’ Special Collector’s Edition John Wayne earned an Academy Award for Best Actor as the rough-edged U.S. Marshall Rooster Cogburn in this classic western. Special features include: “The Law and The Lawless,” “Working with the Duke” and “Aspen Gold.” (Paramount) ‘Von Ryan’s Express American’

Colonel Joseph Ryan (Frank Sinatra) leads a primarily British POW escape from Nazi-controlled Italy. Trevor Howard is excellent as the sour British major who has dubbed the Sinatra character, “Von” Ryan for his unpopular policies as senior Allied officer. The film was helmed by Mark Robson who directed seven different actors to Oscar-nominated performances including Kirk Douglas in “Champion.” Special materials include featurettes on the film’s music and a profile of prolific composer Jerry Goldsmith, a making-of piece, and Hollywood war films. (Fox) ‘The Office’ Seasons 1&2 This series was adapted from the BBC hit featuring Ricky Gervais by producer Greg Daniels (”The Simpsons,” “King of the Hill”). Steve Carell is brilliant as the earnest but self-deluded regional manager of a paper supply company in this hilarious look at white-collar employment and all its ego clashes, tedium, and questionable behavior. The DVDs are filled with biting commentary and deleted scenes. (Universal) ‘Mission Impossible’ Second Season Peter Graves heads a top-secret government agency conducting deadly missions. His operatives (including Martin Landau, Greg Morris, and Peter Lupus) learn their assignments from a self-destroying tape recorder. Guests on the 25 digitally-remastered episodes include Darren McGavin, Paul Winfield, and Anthony Zerbe covering topics like a Middle Eastern slavery ring and Communist insurgencies. Barbara Bain won three Emmys as a cast member. (Paramount) Film and television author RANDY WILLIAMS reviews the latest movies, television shows, documentaries and music programs now available for purchase online or at your local retail store.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/2026/10/062107-16_01.jpg)

(Photo: Photo courtesy Touchstone)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/2026/10/062107-16_02.jpg)

(Photo: Photo courtesy Touchstone)

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on June 21, 2007.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/062107.pdf?ref=smdp.com)