‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ 2-Disc Collector’s Edition With the digital enhancements Tim Burton’s story that puts Santa in jeopardy goes even deeper and darker. Jack Skellington (Chris Sarandon’s voice and Danny Elfman when he sings), the pumpkin king of Halloween Town, is bored with doing the same thing every year for Halloween. One day he stumbles into Christmas Town, and is so taken with the idea of Christmas that he tries to get the resident bats, ghouls, and goblins of Halloween town to help him put on Christmas instead of Halloween — but alas, they can’t get it quite right. Nominated for a Visual Effects Oscar when it came out in 1993, the package includes a sleigh full of bonus features. Christopher Lee narrates Tim Burton’s original poem. A storyboard-to-film comparison, deleted scenes, a short film, and all-new commentary from Burton, director Henry Selick and music designer Elfman are also included. (Disney) ‘The Adventures of Robin Hood’ (Blu-ray) Nominated for four Academy Awards including Best Picture and based on the classic English legend of Sherwood Forest, the dashing Errol Flynn is at his athletic, romantic best in the title role as nobleman Robin, the Earl of Locksley. With his band of Merrie Men, Robin robs the rich to aid the poor, heavily taxed at the hands of the Sheriff of Nottingham (Melville Cooper). An introduction by film critic Leonard Maltin, numerous shorts, a radio show version, outtakes, and trailers are some of the components that make up the forest full of features that comprise the bonus material. (Warner Bros) ‘Mulan’ Ultimate 3-Disc Collector’s Set Celebrating honor, courage, and the importance of family shown through the prism of Asian culture comes this package from Disney, two full-length features, “Mulan” and “Mulan II.” Disguising herself as a male warrior as they embark on a dangerous mission and with the help of dragons and even crickets to save her father from death in the army, a Chinese maiden secretly goes in his place and becomes one of China’s greatest heroes in the process. Music videos, fun facts, and deleted scenes comprise some of the bonus features. (Disney) ‘Point Break’ Pure Adrenaline Edition (Blu-ray) Here’s a story of a rookie FBI agent (Keanu Reeves), who goes undercover to bust a gang of bank-robbing surfers, but he soon falls under the spell of their charismatic leader (Patrick Swayze), a mystical mastermind who’ll do anything for a thrill — and expects his followers to do the same. On location and surfing features as well as a behind-the-scenes story, trailers, and photo gallery are among the special features offered here. (Fox) ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Complete Fourth Season-Expanded Change is in the air for the doctors of Seattle’s Grace Hospital. Love, lies and family ties are revealed in a 16 episode season full of challenges, celebrations and of course, complications. The Emmy-winning series that features Patrick Dempsey, Sandra Oh, and Katherine Heigl among others comes with such extra material as interviews with new actors talking about their characters, deleted scenes, bloopers and some of the long-time cast talking about their favorite scenes. (Disney) ‘Battle 360’’ The Complete Season One From the air, sea and ocean depths comes this riveting new series exploring, through cutting-edge technology, the legendary World War II aircraft carrier USS Enterprise which held a pivotal position on the turbulent seas of war, engaging in some of the most crucial battles ever. The four-disc set containing all 10 episodes and packaged in a collectible Steelbook unit, follows the history-making exploits from the most decorated ship in WWII from the unprecedented Doolittle Raid to Iwo Jima. (A&E) ‘Ugly Betty’ The Complete Second Season The surprise hit series featuring the sunny, sweet-tempered and terminally style-challenged Betty Suarez (America Ferrera) is back for a sophomore season. The Emmy and Golden Globe winning star, who navigates the ego-infested, high fashion halls of Mode magazine, is joined by an ensemble cast on this five-disc, 18 episode presentation. Bonus features include “On Set with the Besties,” “Wilhelmina Slater: Love to Hate Her,” and “Betty Bloops.” (Disney)
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on September 6, 2008. Read the original PDF.