‘Transformers Two-Disc Special Edition’
Michael Bay and Steven Spielberg join forces in presenting a story where war erupts on Earth between two robotic clans, the heroic Autobots and the evil Decepticons, leaving the fate of mankind hanging in the balance with ultimate power to be found in a clue held by Sam Witwicky (Shia LaBeouf). A complete disc of extras explores the “Transformers” universe through interviews with cast and crew, stunt training footage and on-set coverage. An inside look at the production design and the use of military advisors and specials effects are also included. (Paramount) ‘Evan Almighty’
Evan Baxter (Steve Carell) wins his Congressional bid on the slogan that he wishes to “change the world.” This is heard by God (Morgan Freeman) who requests that the junior politician build an ark, just like the one Noah constructed. Mayhem and insanity ensues. A boat-load of features includes extra material on the use and care of the many different animals, how the ark was built, deleted scenes, out-takes, and more. (Universal) ‘Funny Face, 50th Anniversary Edition’
Fashion photographer Dick Avery (Fred Astaire), using a bookstore for a modeling shoot, discovers a clerk (Audrey Hepburn) who works there and takes her to the heights of the fashion world including a memorable trip to Paris. This 50th anniversary edition comes with a closet-full of bonus materials: The Fashion Designer and His Muse, Parisian Dreams, Paramount in the 50s, a photo gallery, and a theatrical trailer. ‘Roots: The Next Generation’
A brilliant sequel to a landmark television event. Winner of an Emmy for Outstanding Miniseries, it continues to trace the family line of author Alex Haley from the post Civil War era. It is a powerful and dramatic look that confronts history and forces us to examine ourselves. Over 11 hours of content on four discs. A behind-the-scenes documentary is included. (Warner Bros) ‘The Untouchables, Season 1 Volume 2’
Produced by Quinn Martin (TV’s “The Fugitive,” “The Streets of San Francisco”) and narrated by Walter Winchell, this vintage series stars Robert Stack as federal agent Elliot Ness in Prohibition-era Chicago. A series that did so well to capture the times with brilliant performances and great characters, “The Untouchables” comes on four discs containing the final 14 episodes of its first season. (Paramount) ‘BBC Natural Atlas: Africa and Europe’
The landmark BBC series presents the definitive portrait of the land, wildlife and peoples of Africa and Europe. Twelve hours on six discs provides one of the richest and most ambitious surveys of life in these two diverse areas. A treasure trove of extras includes over five hours of revealing in-depth specials on the Nile and Scandinavia among other sites. (BBC Warner). ‘The Sarah Silverman Program, Season One’
The pretty, raunchy comedienne stars as an unemployed, self-absorbed single woman with a bit of a maturity issue. Sarah’s real-life sister, Laura, also stars. Silverman and her gang do not hesitate to bomb the boundaries of TV’s norms. In addition to the show’s first six episodes there are audio commentary and musical performances. (Paramount) RANDY WILLIAMS
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on October 19, 2007. Read the original PDF.