Latest DVD Releases September 16th 2008 (Part 1)

This DVD release features the following Extras: Deleted scenes, alternate ending, “From Conception to Delivery: The Making of baby mama,” “Saturday Night Live: Legacy of Laughter,” commentary. This release is also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Universal).

Next we have another from the illustrious Coen Bros stable which has become a classic in it’s genre.

I actually originally brought this on VHS and have to confess that this time round I borrowed my review copy as this movie never quite did it for me as I prefered the superior Fargo although no one deny the Big L’s place in movie history and the Coen Bros success.

The Big Lebowski 10th Anniversary Edition (1998) Joel and Ethan Coen; Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Julianne Moore, Steve Buscemi :- The Big Lebowski needs little introduction as most people will have already seen this now cult status movie. Is ‘the Dude’ really the Coen Bros attempt at a parody of Jesus remains one of those things that will be debated over late night beers and pizza among those that have seen this movie (has anyone over 21 not seen it?)

One of the reasons this movie success has to be some great performances by Bridges and Goodman but who can resist some of the Coen Bros complex plot lines that take the viewer rounds the houses totally confused. I have to confess they the plot jumping all over the places meant it took my second viewing to really understand this movie or maybe that was always the plan?

Sound: This DVD has 3 choices of sound English, and French in 5.1 (with subtitles) and Spanish 2.0 (also with titles).

As you would anticipate with a 10th anniversary edition the extras are plentiful although some were available in earlier releases so decide whether you really want to pay just for the addditional stuff.

Extras: Five featurettes: “The Dude’s Life,” “The Dude Abides: The Big Lebowski Ten years Later,” “The Lebowski fest: An Achiever’s Story,” “Flying Carpets & Bowling Pin Dreams: The Dream Sequences of the Dude,” “The Making of the Big Lebowski”; interactive map of the film’s locations; Jeff Bridges’ photo book; more. Two-disc. Also available in an individually numbered limited edition two-disc set encased in a specially designed “bowling ball” package. (Universal).

Sorry my next pick I couldn’t resist this is one of my favorite TV series, let me ask you can anyone think of a cooler guy than Horatio Caine so well played by David Curuso?

CSI Miami: The Sixth Season (2007-08) David Curroso, Emily Proctor:- Another gem from those guys at CSI I have to say inspite of CSI Vegas being the first and CSI New York probably the darkest my favorite is still CSI Miami it is the combination of those brilliant ‘one liners’ by Horatio Caine that does it for me. Some how Gil Grissom’s geekiness reminds me to much of science class.

Series Six brings us all the usual characters with Horatio as always the main man in charge. He is ably supported by his team which includes Callie Ducaine, Eric Delko and in later episodes the reinstatement of Ryan Wolf after his season 5 stupidity and being suspended. Sadly towards the end of this series we see the end of Alex Woods (Miami ME).

Is it just me but does the crime lab look completely different to the one they use in Dexter (maybe some one in Miami can put us right?)

This sixth series could have been a disaster in the middle of the writers strike but some how it was a greater triumph for it. The cliff hanger ending will have you eagerly waiting to find out if Horatio survives or was this a planned under cover set up?

DVD’s available as a Six-disc set with 21 episodes. (Paramount).

Next we have the latest offering featuring Mathew Broderick although certainly his presence helps this film it can’t rescue this black comedy and make it a good watch in my book. Leave this kind of humor to masters like Woody Allen.

Finding Amanda (2008) Matthew Broderick, Brittany Snow, Moira Tierney, Steve Coogan. A television producer with a penchant for drinking and gambling tries to redeem himself by going to Las Vegas to convince his troubled niece, a prostitute, to enter rehab.

Extras: Interviews, commentary. (Magnolia Home Entertainment).

Ladies and Gentlemen, the Fabulous Stains (1981) Diane Lane, Laura Dern, Ray Winstone, Christine Lahti, former Sex Pistols Paul Cook and Steve Jones. Set in Canada this seen film about a trio of misfit teenage girls who start a punk band. Lane is the archetype riot grrl; sporting a memorable skunk hairdo, she sings songs like “I’m a Waste of Time,” verbally assaults the audience and leads her legion of adoring female fans in the chant, “We don’t put out!”

This film has a cult following but was a flop at the box office so it will be interesting to see how it fares on DVD. Unless you are a die hard punk fan this probably won’t do it for you but if you are missing the ‘mosh pit’ on a friday or saturday night this could spark some memories.

Extras: Commentary by Lane, Dern and Lou Adler. (Rhino Rock ‘N’ Roll Cinema Series).

That’s my round up with my first five picks of this weeks releases I’ll be bringing you part two shortly so make sure you subscribe to my feed.