‘The Simpsons Movie’ ‘Braveheart’ — Special Collector’s Edition 2 Disc Set
Yes, TV’s long-running twisted animated family gets the silver screen treatment here with its creators continuing to deliver rich visual humor and biting wit. After Homer accidentally pollutes the town's water supply, Springfield is encased in a gigantic dome by the EPA and Simpson family members are all declared fugitives. (Fox) Winner of five Academy Awards including Best Picture, Mel Gibson directs himself as William Wallace the charismatic thirteenth century Scotsman rallying his countrymen to be liberated from English occupation. Details abound in the added features about the superb cinematography, production design, and execution of the massive battle scenes. Special features include: The Making of Braveheart; Tales of William Wallace; archival cast interviews; and commentary by Oscar-winning director Gibson. (Paramount) ‘Hudson Hawk’ — Special Edition Bruce Willis is the featured player as renowned cat burglar Eddie “The Hawk” Hawkins. Released after 10 years in the joint, his intentions to go straight are thwarted when the mob and the CIA conspire to blackmail the Hawk and his partner (Danny Aiello) to steal an art masterpiece from a well-secured famous museum. All-new bonus materials include: a trivia track, director’s commentary, deleted scenes, and separate features with Willis and co-star Sandra Bernhard. (Sony) ‘Waitress’
If only life were as easy as pie. Kerri Russell stars in this feel-good film as a pregnant, unhappily married waitress in the Deep South. She bakes a plan to transform her life. Russell shines in this tale about the power of friendship, motherhood, and second chances. Bonus materials include: A making-of feature and a tribute to late writer-director Adrienne Shelly. (Fox) ‘Yankeeography’
The most storied franchise in baseball history is given its appropriate status with a 12-disc, 34-episode multi-Emmy-winning profile of all the great teams and players down through the decades. From Babe Ruth to Mickey Mantle and Derek Jeter, over two dozen of the best players to ever wear the pinstripes are given in-depth coverage. The 40 hours of materials are enhanced by 10 hours of extra features including rare interviews and game footage. (A&E) ‘Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea’ — Season 3 Vol. II Richard Basehart and David Hedison star as the officers running the futuristic submarine called the Seaview. In exploring the mysteries of the oceans, they seemingly face the wrath of Neptune with formidable enemies of every dimension emerging to provide them with more problems than answers. Many of the props from this Irwin Allen sci-fi classic were also used in such series as “Lost in Space,” “Land of the Giants,” and “Batman.” (Fox) ‘Treasury of 100 Storybook Classics’
A treasure trove of popular children’s stories are faithfully adapted and brought to life in this comprehensive 16-DVD collection. Tales involving typing cows, cycling monkeys, a snowy day, and a happy lion are just a few selections from this presentation that has won over 50 awards from parental and educational associations. The entertaining set is enhanced by celebrity narrators including Forest Whitaker, Sarah Jessica Parker, and James Earl Jones. (Scholastic) ‘Frasier’ — The Tenth Season Still going strong since first seen on “Cheers,” Kelsey Grammer leads the laughs in the title role as a psychiatrist with a popular radio show. The merriment on “Frasier” rolls on through 24 episodes on four discs as it reaches double-digit seasons. Storylines include Niles and Daphne eloping, Frasier installing his dad as a puppet president on their condo board, backfiring Halloween pranks, Roz threatening to quit as Frasier’s producer, and dealing with Nile’s open-heart surgery. (Paramount) RANDY WILLIAMS
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on December 14, 2007. Read the original PDF.