‘Meet the Spartans’ Unrated Edition A parody of the sword and sandal epic “300,” it stars Sean Maguire (“The Class”), Kevin Sorbo (“Hercules”), Ken Davitian (“Borat”), Diedrich Bader (“Napoleon Dynamite”), and Carmen Electra. Essentially ruder cruder footage not shown in theaters and an army of historical spoofs comprise the special features. (Fox) ‘21’
Roughly pegged to the true story of MIT students who mastered the art of card counting and took Vegas casinos for millions in winnings, the picture stars Kevin Spacey, Kate Bosworth, and Laurence Fishburne. (Sony) ‘The Westerner’
An all-star lineup in front and behind the camera for this story about the restless years following the Civil War as the nation expands toward the Pacific. Written by Jo Swerling (“It’s a Wonderful Life”) and directed by William Wyler (“Ben Hur”), The Westerner stars Walter Brennan, in his third Academy Award-winning performance, as hard-nosed Judge Roy Bean dispensing his won brand of justice. Co-star Gary Cooper is Cole Harden, a stranger accused of stealing horses who gets involved in the community. (MGM) ‘Night of the Living Dead’ 40th Anniversary Edition A ghastly tale that refined the horror genre when it premiered in 1968, “Night of the Living Dead” features five strangers who struggle desperately against hordes of the walking undead. Originally released in black and white, a color remake was produced in 1990. Bonus material includes a feature length documentary, One for the Fire along with cast and director George Romero commentaries and interviews. (Genius) ‘The Mystery of Eva Peron’
Don’t cry for her. This actress, seductress, political powerhouse and cultural icon of Argentina created a legend that endures to this day, decades after her death in 1952. Rising from poverty to become the First Lady of Argentina, Peron was as hated by the upper class of her country as she was loved by the poor masses whose cause she championed. (First Run) ‘Ultimate Scandinavia’
This double-disc offering explores the sights and sounds of Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland the Baltic States (Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia) and Lapland. Youthful and energetic guides Megan McCormick, Ian Wright and Neil Gibson split the fun(Globetrekkertv.com) RANDY WILLIAMS
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on August 1, 2008. Read the original PDF.