‘Close Encounters of the Third Kind’
By By Randy Williams Newdvdreleases
The popular ogre is back as the greatest fairy tale never told continues in Far Far Away Land. Shrek is joined on another adventure by Donkey and Puss in Boots to find the rightful heir to the throne. A castle-full of special features include: Artie’s Yearbook; Shrek’s Guide to Parenthood; Tech of Shrek; Merlin’s Magic Crystal Ball and more “Shrek-tivities” to make fans enjoy the merriment happily ever laughter. (Dreamworks) A special collection of this sci-fi classic includes all three movie versions plus a new interview with Steven Spielberg. Oscar-winning cinematography heightens the riveting story of UFOs that features a finely nuanced performance by Richard Dreyfuss, a man obsessed with aliens. Watch the skies, we are not alone. Special materials include a making-of documentary and other vintage features. (Sony) It’s a Wonderful Life — Collector’s Set’
It’s a Wonderful Life - Collector’s Set’Winner of four Oscars including Best Picture, this holiday classic and one of the most inspiring movies ever made, features Jimmy Stewart as George Bailey, a man whose picture perfect life is suddenly and severely tested nearly driving him to suicide... until he gets some heavenly advice. This two-disc set includes a brand-new color version and a restored black and white version. A making-of documentary and a tribute to Academy Award-winning director, Frank Capra, are included. Wonderful. How could it be anything else? (Paramount) ‘The Man From U.N.C.L.E. — The Complete Series’
One of the first and greatest spy series on television, this ‘60s classic featuring the harrowing adventures of international agents Robert Vaughn and David McCallum, is now available in the ultimate form. Packaged in a silver ‘attaché case,’ the contents include all 105 episodes on 41 discs. A vault full of bonus materials include: An extensive in-depth reunion interview with the stars, rare on-set and photo gallery material, a celebration of guest stars, the original pilot, “One Spy Too Many”— the feature film based on the series, several booklets with liner notes, interviews with other cast and crew, a multitude of featurettes covering the music, girls, and history of the series and assorted memorabilia. (TimeLife) ‘Amazing Journey: The Story of The Who’
Two riveting feature films about one of the seminal and most influential rock bands in history, debuts marking the 40th anniversary of this British quartet’s first appearance in North America. A brilliant production, the films chronicle a compelling adventure on the exhilarating, tragic, and power of their music. Transcending their generation, music greats including U2’s The Edge, Sting, and Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder offer commentaries on The Who’s indelible influence. All-new, exclusive, never-before seen interviews with Pete Townshend, Roger Daltrey and others as well as a colorful collector’s booklet and rare concert footage are included. (Universal) ‘Looney Tunes — Golden Collection 5’
What’s up Doc? Well for Looney Tune fans, Christmas has come early. Sixty classic cartoons featuring Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig and others are available on four discs brilliantly re-mastered in uncut versions. There is no skimping on the extras either as it includes three TV specials starring “that wascally wabbitt,” a salute to the legendary cartoonists, behind-the-scenes of the animators, special music tracks, and bonus rarities from the vaults. (Warner Bros.) 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 November 23, 2007. Read the original PDF.