‘Rocky’ The Complete Saga Collection All six titles following the life of one of filmdom’s most beloved pugilistic characters arrives in one package on six discs. From the first film (released in 1976) which won three Academy Awards including Best Picture to last year’s “Rocky Balboa”, Sylvester Stallone’s inspiring story has touched millions. (MGM) ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End’
This first-class production under the flags belonging to Jerry Bruckheimer, features Johnny Depp in top form once again as captain Jack Sparrow. Sparrow is the last of the nine Pirate Lords of the Brethren Court who must unite in one last stand to preserve the buccaneers’ freedom-loving way of life. A treasure chest of bonus features include: A brilliant extended look at creating the maelstrom, bloopers, deleted scenes, detailed stories regarding the film’s music and design, plus cast and crew interviews including that old scalawag Keith Richards. (Disney) ‘Balls of Fury’
The creators of “Night at the Museum” and “Reno 911!” present this tale about a down-on-his-luck former table tennis phenom (Dan Fogler as Randy Daytona), who is recruited by the FBI (George Lopez) for a secret mission. This ping pong meets martial arts comedy also features Christopher Walken as a weapons dealer running an illegal ping pong tournament. Special features include: Balls Out-The Making of Balls of Fury; Under the Balls: The Life of a Ball Wrangler; deleted scenes and an alternate ending. (Universal) ‘The Wire’ The Complete Fourth Season This Peabody-winning series created by David Simon (”Homicide: Life on the Street”) is the continuing drama of the dangers of adolescent angst in the crime-ridden inner city of Baltimore and the lure of easy ill-gotten money with the local police operating in a corrupt bureaucracy. (HBO) ‘The Mod Squad’ Season 1 Volume 1 Three young adults in trouble with the law (Michael Cole, Clarence Williams, and Peggy Lipton) are brought together to work as undercover detectives. They are recruited for a covert unit to help bridge the turbulent generation gap of the late ‘60s. This “Mod Squad” is determined not to compromise their own values as they wrestle with both criminals and their own consciences each week. The inaugural thirteen episodes on four discs also include special features about creating the series. (Paramount) ‘Gomer Pyle, USMC’ Third Season Shee-zaym! The hit spin-off off series from “The Andy Griffith Show” starring Jim Nabors as the bumbling yet innocent marine private along with his cantankerous drill instructor (Frank Sutton as Sgt. Carter) are back. All 30 episodes from season three (originally airing in 1966-67) come on five discs. Storylines involve aliens from outer space, Gomer getting engaged after one date, exposing a card hustler, sleepwalking, and a Chinese gambling parlor. (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. He
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on December 28, 2007. Read the original PDF.