By RANDY WILLIAMS
‘High Noon’ 2-Disc Ultimate Collector’s Edition An American cinema classic features Gary Cooper in an Academy Award winning performance as Marshall Will Kane, personally compelled to face a revenge-seeking deadly enemy (gunslinger Frank Miller played by Ian McDonald) only to find that his own town refuses to help him. Winner of four Oscars, it also marked the first starring role for Grace Kelly who was spotted by producer Stanley Kramer in an off- Broadway play. The first-rate DVD gives this landmark film all the respect it deserves, beginning with a digitally re-mastered transfer from the original film negative. Additional features include the exclusive documentary The Making of High Noon, hosted by film historian Leonard Maltin and featuring interviews with the late Lloyd Bridges (who played Cooper’s rival ex-deputy), director Fred Zinnemann, and producer Kramer. Also included is the original theatrical trailer and a special chapter highlighting the Oscar-winning song “Do Not Forsake Me.” (Lionsgate) ‘Finishing the Game’.From director Justin Lin (”Fast and Furious: Tokyo Drift” and “Annapolis”) comes this mockumentary-style, action-packed comedy that re-imagines the audition process to fill the role Bruce Lee left vacant after his untimely death, and pokes fun at Hollywood, martial arts and Asian stereotypes in the process. Bonus materials include a segment On Set Mayhem, audio commentary, deleted scenes, and a music video. (Genius) ‘Council of the Gods’
Based on testimony from the Nuremberg Trial, here is a powerful depiction of the moral dilemmas of war as well as Cold War propaganda. It is a riveting story of the collaboration between Nazi scientists and the chemical giant, I.G. Farben a multi-national conglomerate whose research contributed to the death of millions. The 1950 film focuses on a chemist who embraces political neutrality closing his eyes to the fact that poison is being produced in his factory — poison to be used in gas chambers of the concentration camps. Newsreels, interviews with director Kurt Maetzig, vintage trailers and a stills gallery are included. (First Run) ‘Intelligence’ Season One From north of the border comes this compelling 14-episode, four-disc crime/espionage drama with elements of “The Wire” and “The Sopranos.” The ensemble cast features Ian Tracey as Jimmy Reardon, a dedicated father, respected businessman, and big time drug smuggler fighting for turf along with Klea Scott as Mary Spalding, a ruthlessly ambitious head of Vancouver’s Organized Crime Unit who has her own battles for power within the intelligence community. Together they form an uneasy alliance that threatens to undo them both. (Acorn Media) ‘Gomer Pyle’ The Fourth Season “Surprise, surprise, surprise!” The misadventures of bumbling Marine Gomer Pyle (Jim Nabors) continue in this five-disc 30 re-mastered episode presentation of the fourth season of this mid-’60s hit series. A visit from Aunt Bee, leading his platoon in a talent contest, and being taken by con man Friendly Freddy are among the storylines. Vince Sutton co-stars as Sgt. Carter and Barbara Stuart plays the officer’s gal, Bunny Wilson while Elizabeth McRae portrays Gomer’s gal, Lou-Ann Poovie.(CBS) ‘The Batman’ The Complete Fifth Season All 13 episodes of the final season of the animated caped crusaders adventures in Gotham City arrives on two discs. Besides all the colorful villains there are Justice League profiles and how the comic book adaptation unfolded. (Warner Bros)
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on July 12, 2008. Read the original PDF.