‘My Name Is Earl’ Season Two Earl Hickey (Jason Lee) is a bum of a guy who buys a winning lottery ticket only to get hit by a car, losing the ticket in the process. Recuperating in the hospital and feeling his bad luck is the result of karma in which fate punishes him for all the rotten things he’s ever done in his life, Earl decides to dedicate himself to making amends to all the people he has hurt. Drawing from a list he compiled to right all the wrongs he’s done (it is a long list), Earl is joined on his quest by his dim, yet innocent brother Randy (Ethan Suplee), friend and illegal alien hotel maid Catalina (Nadine Velazquez), Earl’s trailer trash ex-wife Joy (Jaime Pressly) and her man Darnell (Eddie Staples). The multi-Emmy winning series offers all 23 episodes of its sophomore season on four discs. Guest stars include Beau Bridges, Christian Slater, John Leguizamo, John Waters and Roseanne Barr. (Fox) ‘The Graduate’ 40th Anniversary Edition A recent college graduate (Dustin Hoffman as Benjamin Braddock), still unsure of his future career direction, gets seduced by the wife of his father’s business partner (Anne Bancroft as Mrs. Robinson). Life gets crazier when Benjamin finds the woman of his dreams (Katherine Ross) and it is Mrs. Robinson’s daughter. Based on the 1963 novel by Charles Webb, this classic social satire of the ‘60s was nominated for seven Academy Awards with Mike Nichols winning for Best Director. The two-disc presentation includes the memorable soundtrack on a separate dvd featuring four Simon and Garfunkel performances. Also included are audio commentaries by Nichols, Hoffman, Ross and Steve Soderbergh, the original theatrical trailer, a retrospective documentary with the film’s writer (Buck Henry) and producer (Lawrence Turman), and several features including interviews with Hoffman as well as the film’s impact on various young directors. (MGM) ‘Flashdance’ Special Collector’s Edition A young woman in Pittsburgh (Jennifer Beals) is holding down two very different jobs — a welder and exotic dancer — as she dreams of joining a real dance troupe. A social phenomenon of the ‘80s, the film’s soundtrack sold 700,000 units within the first weeks of the film’s release, winning an Oscar for Best Song — “Flashdance-What a Feeling.” Kevin Costner and Demi Moore were among those who auditioned for lead roles. Bonus materials include features on the film’s design, music, and choreography. (Paramount) ‘Two and a Half Men’ First Season Charlie Harper’s (Charlie Sheen) swinging, luxurious bachelor lifestyle takes a sudden change when his brother Alan (Jon Cryer) moves in along with his 10-yea-old nephew (Angus Jones) as the result of marital problems. All 24 episodes from the first season are offered on four discs. Special features include a backstage tour with young Angus and a gag reel. (Warner Bros) ‘Last of the Breed: Live in Concert’
Three leading country music stars who have influenced artists for decades perform together for the very first time. Country Music Hall of Famers Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard and Ray Price perform 35 songs covering the full spectrum of their distinguished careers. Performer interviews, backstage gallery and a personally guided tour of Willie’s bus are also included. (A&E) ‘Commando’ Director’s Cut Renowned special forces colonel John Matrix (Arnold Schwarzenegger) is forced out of retirement when his daughter is kidnapped as part of a political time bomb plot tied to a South American dictator the colonel helped depose and one of Matrix’s bitter former colleagues. Special features include both the original theatrical feature and director Mark Lester’s cut, his commentary, deleted scenes, an extensive stills gallery and a behind-the-scenes presentation. (Fox) RANDY WILLIAMS
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on September 21, 2007. Read the original PDF.