‘Lions for Lambs’ ‘Indiana Jones’ The Adventure Collection
Robert Redford, Meryl Streep, and Tom Cruise star in this thriller that explores the consequences of taking a stand. An idealistic professor in California (Redford) attempts to inspire a student to do more with his life, while a charismatic senator in DC (Cruise) pitches a new Mid East strategy to a probing journalist (Streep). Their lives intersect as two of the professor’s former students are fighting for their lives behind enemy lines in Afghanistan. A legacy of United Artists, a Redford commentary, and a script-to-screen segment are part of the bonus features. (MGM) One of Hollywood’s most iconic characters is now available for the first time as a triple feature package. “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” “Temple of Doom,” and “The Last Crusade” come together as the fourth edition, “The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” arrives in theaters. Harrison Ford is brilliant as archaeologist and adventurer Indiana Jones. The set offers a treasure trove of special features plus new introductions by Steven Spielberg and George Lucas. Over a dozen all-new segments include: The Mystery of the Melting Face, Indy’s Women Reminisce, Snakes Alive!, and The Birth of an Action Hero. (Paramount) ‘First Knight’
This sweeping romantic drama is a different vision of the tale of King Arthur’s Camelot and the love triangle between King Arthur (Sean Connery), Lady Guinevere (Julia Ormond) and Sir Lancelot (Richard Gere). Directed by Jeff Zucker (”Ghost,” “Airplane!”), the disc offers commentary about the Arthurian Legend, how the knights were trained, deleted scenes, outtakes, and a segment on the production design of the film. (Sony) ‘Chak De! India’
Winner of two Filmfare Awards (the Indian equivalent of the Academy Awards), this is the story of a disgraced former field hockey star now coaching a ragtag bunch of girls. It is a fight to instill in his temperamental players pride, integrity and the possibilities despite all the hurdles life throws at them. It is about the simple love of the game. Shahrukh Khan is the coach and one of India’s superstar actors. The two-disc offering provides special features like deleted scenes, a making-of segment, and a photo gallery. (Yash Raj) ‘Friday Night Lights’ Season 2 Here is the sophomore edition to the television-version follow up from the book and film shining its own bright light in this four-disc collection. This critically-acclaimed look at the families, friendships, and faiths of residents in a closely knit Texas town also includes interviews with the ensemble cast. (Universal) ‘Red Sox Memories’
Boston’s wild successes, long bouts of losing, and rosters full of memorable characters are legendary in the annals of baseball history. Stretching from 1903 when the team won the first-ever World Series to 2007 when a seventh World Series trophy took up residence at Fenway Park, this documentary film provides unparalleled access to the players who made it possible. From profiles, interviews, and commentary by and about such key players throughout the 100 plus year history like Cy Young, Ted Williams, The Yaz, Carlton Fisk and David Ortiz, this is a rich offering of a storied franchise. (Shout Factory) 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.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on May 9, 2008. Read the original PDF.