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# ‘Platoon’
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/platoon/
- Published: 2007-07-12T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-25T00:21:10.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Opinion, Santa Monica, #archive-import

*‘Peaceful Warrior’*

*By By Randy Williams Newdvdreleases*

Written, directed, and experienced by Oliver Stone, this haunting look at the Vietnam War stars Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger, and Willem Dafoe. It is war against the enemy, each other, and within oneself. Winner of four Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director, Platoon is ranked among the Top 100 films of all-time by the American Film Institute. Supplements include commentary by Stone and military advisor Dale Dye, trailers, photo gallery, deleted scenes, and several documentaries including cast and crew preparations and production. (MGM) Based on the best-selling novel by Dan Millman, Peaceful Warrior revolves around the life changes of a college gymnast (Scott Mechlowicz) after a chance encounter with a stranger (Nick Nolte). An inspirational tale about the power of the human spirit, the single disc offering includes deleted scenes, a book-to-screen segment, and a music video — “I’m There Too.” (Universal) ‘Alien’

A classic sci-fi film and 1979 Oscar winner for Visual Effects. It stars Sigourney Weaver as Ripley who is a part of a commercial towing crew heading back to earth when they are obligated to check out an SOS signal. Exploring the site they disturb eggs of an unknown creature and after learning the ship’s computer interprets the signal as a warning, disaster has come aboard. The single disc is encased in a fancy Lenticular box cover and special features include commentary from director Ridley Scott, deleted scenes, outtakes, isolated audio tracks, and an art gallery. (Fox) ‘52 Pick-Up’

Roy Scheider and Ann-Margret play a middle-aged married couple whose commitment is put to the test when blackmailers attempt to make the successful Los Angeles businessman pay for his infidelity with a stripper (Kelly Preston). To protect his wife’s political ambitions, Harry (Scheider) can’t go to the police, so he attempts to handle it discreetly himself. John Glover is terrific as the verbose porno dealer leading the extortion plot. (MGM) ‘Cast Away’

Chuck Noland (Tom Hanks), a Fed Ex systems engineer, must transform himself psychologically and physically after surviving a plane crash and washing up on a deserted island. Reminiscent of Robert DeNiro in “Raging Bull” but done with an opposite purpose, production was halted for one year so Hanks could drop 50 pounds and let his hair grow out for the part. Special features include a look at Wilson — the pivotal volleyball “character,” art gallery, trailers, Hanks interview, a special effects vignette, HBO documentary, director Robert Zemeckis commentary, and sto-ryboard-to-film comparison. (Fox) ‘The Outer Limits’

“There is nothing wrong you’re your television set. Do not attempt to adjust the picture. We are controlling transmission…” with those haunting words hard science took a twisted turn each week with a new cast. A favorite of that master of horror, Stephen King, guest stars include Cliff Robertson, David McCallum, and Martin Landau among the 16 episodes. One of the creators, Joseph Stefano, was good friends with Alfred Hitchcock and wrote the screenplay for “Psycho.” (MGM) ‘Gomer Pyle’ Season 2 Shazam! Here’s a five-disc, 30 episode offering of Jim Nabors in the title role as the kind but dopey marine from Mayberry, North Carolina. Stationed in southern California at Camp Henderson, Pyle’s low-key demeanor and country bumpkin persona constantly clashes with his blustery superior, Sgt. Carter (Frank Sutton) resulting in some hilarious situations. Ted Bessell (That Girl) and comedian Ronnie Schell are his platoon pals. Ron Howard, Michael Conrad, and future M\*A\*S\*H star, Jamie Farr are among the guests. Spun-off from the popular Andy Griffith Show, this was the first season the program was presented in color. (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 store.

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/2026/10/071207-15_01.jpg)

MGM (Photo: Photo courtesy)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/2026/10/071207-15_02.jpg)

MGM (Photo: Photo courtesy)

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/55/9f/559f9abc-8372-4a2e-8c2d-27386da4e363/content/images/2026/10/071207-15_03.jpg)

MGM (Photo: Photo courtesy)

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on July 12, 2007.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/071207.pdf?ref=smdp.com)