Synopsis: Celebrate the most enduring team in animation history with a collection fans will want to chase and catch! Stars of their own theatrical shorts, movies and TV series, Tom and Jerry make the pursuit of pursuit eternal fun. This 2-Disc, 30-Short Collection samples many of their best (including 7 Academy Award winners) over the years, put through their paces and evolving their look and personalities through the talents of great directors (William Hanna and Joseph Barbera, Chuck Jones and Maurice Noble). Whatever the medium, their encounters are always fast, frisky and delightful.

Review: Tom and Jerry is without a doubt one of the best shows that has ever existed.  It began as theatrical shorts and has been aired, re-aired and re-imagined countless times, because its a formula that just works.

This new anniversary collection DVD set includes 30 of the animated shorts.  They are in no particular order, but are rather a collection of some of their 'greatest hits'.   This is classic Tom and Jerry doing what they do best.

A lot of the shorts in this collection are included in the previously released Chuck Jones Collection and the Tom & Jerry Spotlight Collections, so serious collectors may want to avoid the set, but casual fans and parents will definately want to pick this one up!  Its a fantastic sampling of what is out there.

Links: www.kidswb.com

Interest Range: Tom & Jerry, Cartoons, Classic Cartoons

Synopsis: For Vince, Eric, Drama, and Turtle, life in Hollywood's fast lane can be an intoxicating ride.

Review: It isn't all that common for a cable show to run for several season.  Entourage is now releasing their sixth on blu-ray and its still going strong.  The show is on top of it's game and going stronger than ever!

We finally see the gang start to come into their own.  Each character is starting to branch off and create a real life for themselves.  Its nice to see them not content to live in the shadow of Vince anymore.  Of course, nonsense and drama ensue!  Season six is one of the best yet and is a definate must to own.  The blu-ray gives you the high-def experience, so there really isn't any other option!

Special features on the blu-ray include: "Life at the Top": An exclusive look at the making of season 6 featuring interviews with the cast and crew, "A Day at the Speedway": Behind the scenes with the Entourage cast and crew as they race Ferraris at the Auto Club Speedway, ONEXONE PSA (directed by Matt Damon), Three audio commentaries by creator-executive producer Doug Ellin, executive producer Ally Musika, Jeremy Piven, Kevin Connolly, Kevin Dillon, Jerry Ferrara, Adrian Grenier, and Bob Saget

Interest Range: Entourage, HBO shows, Hollywood, Celebrities, Drama

Hot Tub Time Machine
Win a copy of this hilarious DVD!
John Cusack, Rob Corddry And Cr

On Blu-ray And DVD June 29

June 29th is HOT TUB DAY! So, get your swimwear on, a few drinks in the cooler and the hot
tub heating and sit back and enjoy Hot Tub Time Machine.

Three friends with less-than-fulfilling lives get the chance to go back and do it all again in the
uproarious comedy Hot Tub Time Machine, heating up as an UNRATED, two-disc Blu-ray with
Digital Copy and DVD.

Delivering “non-stop political incorrectness” and “about a billion laughs”, the film stars John
Cusack (High Fidelity), Craig Robinson (“The Office”) and Rob Corddry (“The Daily Show with
Jon Stewart”) as buddies looking to recapture a little of their youthful glory by returning to the
ski resort where they used to party. After a crazy night of drinking in the hot tub, they realize
that they’ve been transported back to the 80s and into the bodies of their younger selves. Now
they have to decide whether they should change their futures while wading through a sea of
spandex, blue eye shadow and heavy metal hair bands.

Hot Tub Time Machine also features a hilarious supporting cast including comedy legend
Chevy Chase (Caddyshack), Crispin Glover (Back to the Future) and Clark Duke (Kick-Ass).
For your chance of winning your own copy of Hot Tub Time Machine, simply answer the
following question:

Email your answers to dvdlegion.com @ gmail.com.  Good luck!

Synopsis: Marijuana! Religion! Evil monkeys! Older women! “Family Guy” Volume 8 tackles all this and more. Don’t miss these 15 hilarious “Family Guy” episodes as the lovable Griffins face each uproarious misadventure with no fears and no shame. Featuring the voice talents of creator Seth MacFarlane and comedic actors Alex Borstein (“MADtv”), Seth Green (“Robot Chicken”), Mila Kunis (“That ‘70s Show”) and Mike Henry (“The Cleveland Show”), nearly every episode in the “Family Guy” Volume 8 DVD collection features uncensored audio so that viewers can experience the Griffin family as they never have before.

Review: Family Guy hasn't always been a break-out success.  It was cancelled years ago and brought back by sheer fan furvor.  That was a ground-breaking move by Fox, and a smart one, because the show remains one of the most popular on television.  If you've never seen Family Guy its a lot like the Simpsons, if the Simpsons were riddled with funny pop culture references, more insults and inappropriate situations.  Its like a potty-humor version.  Thats not meant to impune the comedy of the show, because it's dead-on and it brings the laughs.

This Volume 8 DVD release gives us 15 more episodes of the show on DVD!  Its almost impossible to find something that you can always put in the DVD player and it will always deliver and put you in a good mood.  Family Guy is most definately it!  You'll want to pick this up and own this show for a good long-while!

Right now you can play a really cool BBQ Wars game online at www.familyguydvd.com

Interest Range: Family Guy, Seth MacFarlane, Animation

Synopsis: God bless “American Dad!” Volume 5 – the hilariously over-the-top adventures of CIA Agent Stan Smith, a red, white and blue-blooded, one-man war on terror, and his delightfully dysfunctional family. Volume 5 celebrates that great American pastime: revenge. Favorite son Steve sets out to ruin Coach Stan’s perfect football season, Roger the alcoholic E.T. takes over the local homeowners association, and Steve’s friend, Toshi, unleashes hotdog havoc all over Langley Falls. Getting even is the American way, so don’t get mad, get “American Dad!”

Review: American Dad is another animated show by Seth MacFarlane, the creator of Family Guy.  American Dad focuses on a character that is all macho and all-american.  Or, so he thinks.  The show started out pretty good and fizzled for awhile.  It has started to find it's own voice now, though and continues to become funnier and funnier.

The bonus features include deleted scenes and a pretty cool game.  There is one other feature that I really enjoyed, and thats this Bar Mitzvah Hustle function.  Do you remember the old VH1 show Pop-Up Video?  It basically would show a video and constantly pop up bubbles with factoids about the band and the shoot, etc.  This does the same thing for American Dad, its a blast and really adds more dimension to the show.

American Dad Volume 5 offers 13 episodes on 3 discs.  The packaging is very on-target with the previous releases.   Furthermore, you can go and play this cool online game, BBQ Wars, here: www.familyguydvd.com .  Enjoy!

Interest Range: American Dad, Animation, Family Guy

Synopsis: Your whole family will get a kick out of this spectacular Special Edition of Disney’s timeless film Air Bud: World Pup, including the all-new exclusive bonus, The Buddies’ Sports Channel: Soccer Edition!

The world’s most talented pooch is back in a heartwarming and hilarious sports adventure. When Buddy meets Molly and they have puppies, the hotshot hound is in for an all-new challenge, but the fun is just beginning. Catch all the action as Buddy joins his teenage owner Josh on the field in pursuit of the state soccer championship. You can relive every moment in an exciting Special Edition that will have you cheering for more!

Review: The Air Bud series is one of the best in family entertainment.   It has provided hours of fun for our family, so when they released a special edition of one of the Air Bud series, I took notice.  Air Bud: World Pup is one of the best ones yet!  Its the third movie in the Air Bud franchise and this time its a lot more fun.  The second film was a bit indulgent, but the third is a keeper.

This one revolves around a soccor player and his dog, Bud.  The kid is in love with a girl on his team and sparks fly as Bud gets involved with the team.  One thing I enjoyed about this film is that there is no animal abuse and no scary situations for kids, so parents can feel safe letting the kids watch this one by themselves!

Special features include:

• All-New:  Buddies Sports Channel – Soccer Edition

• Join Rosebud in the broadcasting booth as he and the rest of the Buddies, B-Dawg, Mudbud, Buddha and Rosebud, review the instant replay on the amazing soccerl career of their dad, Air Bud.  Using on-camera footage and voiceover, the Buddies check out highlights from AIR BUD WORLD PUP

• Making of Air Bud – Production Featurette

• In-pack Premium – Air Bud sports cinch bag

Interest Range: Disney, Air Bud Series, Family Films

Synopsis: Jeffrey Donovan (Changeling, “Crossing Jordan”) plays blacklisted spy Michael Westen, a free agent following his “burn notice” that effectively wiped out his existence: no work history, money or identity. Watching his back are friends, Sam played by Bruce Campbell (Army Of Darkness) and sexy ex-girlfriend Fiona played by Gabrielle Anwar (“The Tudors,” Scent Of A Woman), but with friends like this Westen often finds himself in even hotter water!
 

“Burn Notice” Season Three also features Emmy Award-winner Sharon Gless** (“Queer As Folk,”“Cagney & Lacey”), Moon Bloodgood (Terminator Salvation) and Jay Karnes (The Shield, “Sons of Anarchy”). Combining action, suspense and a twist of humor, the “Burn Notice” Season Three DVD features all 16 full hour episodes on four discs.

Review: I remember when I first saw the ads for Burn Notice on USA, I really thought it'd be interesting, but mostly I wanted to watch it for Bruce Campbell.  Face it, the guy is hilarious!  What I found with this show was a witty, action-oriented, funny and downright entertaining television show.  

Burn Notice season 3 takes us along a familiar path with the characters we all know and love.  One of the things that really stands-out on this show is the comfort and banter that exists between the cast members.  It really shows through on-screen.   Its a blast to watch these characters work together to outsmart the "bad guys".  This one belongs up on a level with other cable shows like Leverage.  You know what you're gonna get, but its still a fun ride!

If you'd like to be entered to win one of three giveaway copies of this DVD, click HERE

Interest Range: TV Shows, USA Network, Action / Adventure, Drama

 You can own this DVD today

Synopsis: Eli walks alone in post-apocalyptic America. He heads west along the Highway of Death on a mission he doesn't fully understand but knows he must complete. In his backpack is the last copy of a book that could become the wellspring of a revived society. Or in the wrong hands, the hammer of a despot. Denzel Washington is Eli, who keeps his blade sharp and his survival instincts sharper as his quest thrusts him into a savage wasteland... and into explosive conflict with a resourceful warlord (Gary Oldman) set on possessing the book. "We walk by faith, not by sight," quotes Eli. Under the taut direction of the Hughes Brothers (Menace II Society), those words hit home with unexpected meaning and power.

Review: I had heard that the Book of Eli was a very religious film.  I don't have a great interest in religious films, I think we have enough access to that on a daily basis in this country, should we seek it out.  What got me about the Book of Eli was the look and tone of the film.  The color palette is so dull, gray and brown that it creates this amazing post-apocalypic world that you truly believe.  The soundtrack is also very poignant and industrial.  It adds to the feel of the scenes, much like the jarring music in 'There Will Be Blood' years ago.

I won't go too much into the plot, because there are elements that I don't wish to spoil for you, but the acting quality is high, the production quality is high and if you have enjoyed films like Resident Evil: Apocalypse, The Omega Man and I Am Legend, then you will probably love the Book of Eli.  Denzel Washington plays a man, Eli, that is as grim as he is sensitive to the world around him.  He makes a fantastic lead in any film and he really carries this one on his back.  Gary Oldman is a perfect "villain", although you see a man trying to survive in a new world where society has crumbled....the lines of good and evil begin to blur.

Even though the palette of colors is dull, this film is still best viewed in blu-ray format.  The film is dynamic and detailed, so keep your eyes on the screen, or you might miss something.

Interest Range: Post-Apocalypic, Action / Adventure, Graphic Violence

Synopsis: YOUTH IN REVOLT is a coming-of-age comedy that puts a fresh and outrageous stamp on a tale of adolescent obsession and rebellion. Based on the acclaimed novel by C.D. Payne, YOUTH IN REVOLT is the story of Nick Twisp - a unique, but affable teen with a taste for the finer things in life like Sinatra and Fellini - who falls hopelessly in love with the beautiful, free-spirited Sheeni Saunders (Portia Doubleday) while on a family vacation. But family, geography and jealous ex-lovers conspire to keep these two apart. With Sheeni's encouragement, Nick abandons his dull, predictable life and develops a rebellious alter ego: Francois. With his ascot, his moustache and his cigarette, Francois will stop at nothing to be with Sheeni, and leads Nick Twisp on a path of destruction with unpredictable and uproarious consequences.

Review: When this book came out back in the mid-1990s I had heard of it, but never picked it up.  I find that rather sad now, because as it turns out it would have appealed to me more back then even than now.  It may have even been theraputic.

Obviously you've heard of this film by now, thanks to the highly publicized film starring Michael Cera (Juno).  A lot of uproar has existed around this book from parents about how appropriate it may or may not be for a teenager to actually read.  Our feeling is that its actually great for them.  It discusses things like masturbation, sexual fantasy and aggression in hilarious and relatable ways.  I think that so many authors miss the mark when trying to relate to a teenager, but it seems that C.D. Payne really understands the teen male psyche and can get inside their heads.  Your teenager may laugh and relate to this movie and honestly to find anything a teenager can relate to is a miracle, isn't it?

Michael Cera does a fantastic job of playing his now type-cast role of the dry youth with cynical inner-dialogue.

The special features on the blu-ray release include: movieIQ™+sync and BD-Live connect you to real-time information on the cast, music, trivia and more while watching the movie!, Commentary with Director and Michael Cera, Deleted Scenes, Off the Chain Deleted and Extended Animated Sequences and Audition Footage.

Interest Range: Teenage Life, Drama, Dark Comedy, Indie Film

Synopsis: An ambitious young New Yorker (Kristen Bell), disillusioned with romance, takes a whirlwind trip to Rome where she defiantly plucks magic coins from a fountain of love, inexplicably igniting the passion of those who threw them in: a sausage magnate (Danny DeVito), a street magician (John Heder), an adoring painter (Will Arnet) and a self-admiring model (Dax Shepard). But when a charming reporter (Josh Duhamel) pursues her with equal zest, how will she know if his love is the real thing? 

Review: When In Rome is..well, you guessed it fellas, its a chick flick.  No shock there, right?  What is rather shocking is how entertaining it manages to still be.  It follows the life of an A-type working girl that can't loosen-up.  She finds herself in Rome and a magical fountain gives her these five suitors.  Its a silly concept, but comes off rather cute.  Kristen Bell makes up with her charm for the lack of personality and likability in Josh Duhamel.  

The show is honestly stolen by appearances from Danny DeVito and Anjelica Houston.  These two are hilarious and powerful on screen, as always.  Appearances from Dax (Baby Mama) and John Heder (Napoleon Dynamite, Blades of Glory) are also highlights.  This is one of those films that is really made by the supporting cast.  Overall, its fun and enjoyable and great to watch with your sweetheart.

Interest Range: Romantic Comedy, Love, Fantasy

Synopsis: In the wake of their breakup, Ben and Amy explore new relationships, though their attraction still lingers. Meanwhile, Ashley tests her parent’s limits, and Anne wants to remarry George on their next anniversary, but will he be able to wait that long? Relive every moment of televison’s celebrated drama – uninterrupted, plus enjoy fascinating bonus features, with The Secret Life of the American Teenager: Volume Four.

Review: ABC Family has a great line-up these days.  One of the most acclaimed shows on the network currently is the Secret Life of the American Teenager.   The show gained huge momentum with season one when they dealt with the hot-button issue of teen pregnancy.  One of the show's key characters got pregnant and decided to keep the child.  Ever since we've been witnessing the dramatic affect that this has had on her world and how it has changed her relationships in life.

This fourth volume of the Secret Life of the American Teenager features the second half of season two with 12 episodes on three DVDs.  This show is as juicy as ever and with the third season of Secret Life airing right now, this DVD will help get you caught up on anything you might have missed from the show!

Interest Range: Teenage Life, Drama

Synopsis: On June 28, 1969, the NYPD raided the Stonewall Inn, a mafia-run gay bar in New York's Greenwich Village, leading to three nights of rioting by the city's gay community. With this outpouring of courage and unity the gay pride movement had begun.
These two seminal documentaries tell the remarkable tale of how homosexuals, a heretofore hidden and despised group, became a vibrant and integral part of America's family, and, indeed, the world community.

Featuring Dorothy Allison, Michael Bronski, Rita Mae Brown, Barney Frank, Barbara Gittings, Arnie Kantrowitz, Larry Kramer, Craig Lucas, Armistead Maupin, Leslea Newman, Barbara Smith, and many more!

BEFORE STONEWALL

Experience the fascinating and unforgettable history of homosexuality in America through eye-opening historical footage and interviews with those who lived through it. Revealing and often humorous, this widely acclaimed film re-lives events from the 1920s up until the fevered 1969 riots. "Required viewing." -- The Apollo Guide

AFTER STONEWALL

After Stonewall chronicles lesbian and gay life from the 1969 Stonewall riots to the new century, capturing the hard work, tragic defeats and exciting victories experienced. It also explores the impact that AIDS had on the movement, and the new direction it took as a result. "Entertaining and enlightening!" - Los Angeles Times

Review: This DVD release chronicles the legendary riots that mark a turning in the tide of the gay rights movement of the 1960s.  There are two features included in this release, both Before Stonewall and After Stonewall.  These are two in-depth documentaries on the birth and present day status of the gay / lesbian liberation movement in America.

I really feel like these films should be a required part of school curriculum.   They are so enlightening and refreshing.  They would do a great deal towards building a foundation of tolerance and acceptance that is still needed in our country today.  If you homeschool or have any flexibility in your classroom I would suggest this DVD release.  If you're a parent it would be a wonderful idea to watch these with your children.  I know I will.

Bonus Features: Numerous interviews and bonus scenes with Barney Frank, Allen Ginsburg and many others

Interest Range: GLBT community, Social Issues, American Culture

Synopsis: Zel is a fortune teller. She works out of her century-old house removing clients' aches and pains, advising gamblers, and channeling cranky spirits for a quick check in with their loved ones. Zel is very good at her chosen profession, but also receives some unique assistance. For as long as she can remember she has shared her home with a group of ghosts -- a priest, a bride, a mute child, some washed up vaudevillians and a noisy, sight-impaired group of musicians, who pass on incredible knowledge and abilities from beyond the world of the living. All goes on at the family homestead as it has for generations, until a mysterious light appears in the woods. The ghosts suddenly realize they are trapped, and forge a rebellion, tormenting Zel with all the aggravation and insanity they can muster. And when Zel uncovers the origins of these spirits, she is forced to choose between her comfortable if strange existence and letting go of the only family she has ever known

Review: We're really into independant films here at the Legion.  The newly to DVD feature "All My Friends Are Funeral Singers" is a fine example of what the indie film movement can produce.   The film is dark in its appearance and feel, but director Tim Rutili does manage to infuse elements of comedy at times.

This film follows a haunted fortune teller named Zel, masterfully portrayed by Angela Bettis, and in another storyline the ghosts that haunt her.  This could've been a grave error, but instead its handled with such respect and grace that you honestly find yourself forgetting how absurd the concept is and you buy right into both the story and characters.  If you're looking for something different and engaging, this film is for you.

Interest Range: Indie Films, Dark Humor, Drama

Synopsis: DOG CITY: THE MOVIE is an Emmy® award-winning Jim Henson’s Comedy Classic. Directed by Jim Henson, this parody of the film noir gangster films takes us through the busy but dangerous town of Dog City, teeming with colorful Muppet Dog characters. Rowlf the dog is your guide through the underside of canine life during the 1930s in Dog City. Our hero, Ace, enters the world of bulldog gangsters and terrier molls when he inherits a saloon, “The Doghouse,” from his late Uncle Harry. Unwilling to pay protection money, Ace finds himself the target of Bugsy, a bulldog bully who owns most of Dog City, and also happens to be one of the foremost proponents of senseless violence. Ace also comes nose to nose with a beautiful runaway collie named Colleen. Colleen and Ace team up to take on Bugsy and his thugs in the tumultuous, dog-eat-dog world of Dog City.

Review: We're big fans of quality children's programming here at the Legion.  Its really hard to find these days.  One thing that I really miss in the world is the late, great Jim Henson.  Henson is responsible for everything from the Muppets to Sesame Street, Dark Crystal and Fraggle Rock.  Not even to mention the dozens of lesser-known projects.  One such project has finally made it's way to DVD....Dog City.

One of the most oddball and obscure projects that Henson embarked on, Dog City is a retro mobster feature that was made all with dog puppets!  Yeah.  Its crazy, but it really does work in a strange way.  I'm convinced after watching this that anything Henson touched was magic.  This is a rare treat for fans of Henson and a great chance to show your kids the great kind of children's programming we don't get anymore!

Interest Range: Jim Henson, Kids Movies

Synopsis: Included in the collection is Presley’s wildly successful acting debut as the brother of a Confederate soldier in the touching western Love Me Tender, his critically acclaimed performance as a half-Kiowa American Indian in Flaming Star, and his dramatic portrayals of a struggling young boxer in Kid Galahad, a troubled young writer in the coming of age story Wild In The Country and a riverboat gambler in Frankie And Johnny. The collection also showcases some of Elvis’ most exuberant musicals with the seaside romp Clambake and the family comedy Follow That Dream. Featuring appearances from stars such as Academy Award-nominated Tuesday Weld (Best Supporting Actress; Looking For Mr. Goodbar), Barbara Eden (“I Dream Of Jeannie”), Charles Bronson (The Great Escape), Shelley Fabares (“Coach”), and Donna Douglas (“The Beverly Hillbillies”), the seven films in the Elvis 75th Birthday Collection celebrate the consummate performer that was Elvis Presley. With simple, powerful storytelling, iconic charm and high-energy musical numbers, these movies are a must-own addition to any DVD collection.

Review: Elvis Presley is an American icon.  The impact that he had on American  youth and our culture is rather profound, especially during the civil rights era of the 1960s.   One of the things Elvis did outside of his musical work was make several feature films.  These films are still coveted by those that grew up watching them.  With the Elvis 75th Birthday Collection we get a sampling of seven of these fantastic films.

The Elvis 75th Birthday Collection includes everything from his first film, Love Me Tender, to one of his final films, Clambake.  I'll be honest, most Elvis movies have a similar theme and they are clearly a showcase for those that already love Elvis.  He did, however, show that he has some acting chops and he certainly wasn't handed his throne as the king of rock n' roll.  He earned it.

This DVD set is perfect for any Elvis fan.  If you've never had a chance to check out this icon's film work, this set would be a great start.

Interest Range: Elvis Presley

Synopsis: Action superstar Jackie Chan leads this tour-de-force as Steelhead, a Chinese laborer who comes to Japan hoping for a better life. Unable to find honest work and bullied into the shadows with his fellow Chinese illegal immigrants, he soon finds himself ascending as the boss of a black market mob. After providing a deadly service to a powerful Yakuza crime boss, Steelhead’s rise to mafia power spirals rapidly out of control as he’s given reign over the dangerous and lucrative Shinjuku district. Get set to root for the underdog as Jackie Chan battles Asia’s most ruthless underworld gangs in this action-packed crime drama.

SHINJUKU INCIDENT features action choreography by Hong Kong’s top stuntman and martial arts choreographer Chin Ka-lok (Full Throttle, All’s Well Ends Well ’97). It was written by Chun Tin-nam (Warlords, Crime Story) and Kevin Yee (Protégé, One Night in Mongkok). It was produced by Willie Chan (The Medallion, Shanghai Knights) and Solon So (The Spy Next Door, The Forbidden Kingdom) and executive produced by Jackie Chan (The Medallion, Shanghai Knights) and Albert Yeung (The Myth, The Medallion). The film’s co-stars include Naoto Takenaka (Shall We Dance?, Tokyo) and Xu Jinglei (Warlords, Brothers). It received theatrical distribution in the U.S. by Barking Cow Distribution and Columbia Pictures. It has a run time of approximately 120 minutes and has been rated R for graphic violence, brief sexuality and drug use.

Review: Jackie Chan is definately one of our favorite action stars here at the Legion.  We enjoy all of his work to date, even the international releases.  What makes the Shinjuku Incident special is that its not at all in his typical mold.  Jackie departs from the cheeky and lovable martial arts genius and takes a darker turn to drama.

I honestly wouldn't have picked Jackie for this role, but it really works for him.  He conveys a very serious and dark side in this film that shows off his acting ability.  He really is versitile.  I see the trailers for the new Karate Kid film and I see a lot of seriousness in his portrayl of Mr. Miagi, and after seeing Shinjuku I can believe it.  Jackie battles his way through the asian underworld in search of his girlfriend.  The movie itself is a little in the mold, but Jackie is so jarring that he makes it all worth while!

DVD Bonus Material: Select Scenes Commentary with Jackie Chan and Say Hello to the Bad Guy: Up Close with Jackie Chan 

Interest Range: Jackie Chan, Martial Arts, Action/Adventure

Synopsis: “Hi, everybody!” Fans of ’90s sitcoms know those words mean Steve Urkel has come to call, bringing lots of geeky, goofy fun with him. A spinoff of Perfect Strangers, Family Matters began as the at-home adventures of elevator operator Harriette Winslow and her multigenerational family. But midway through the first season, Jaleel White made a one-shot appearance as neighborhood nerd Urkel. With oversized glasses, undersized body, screechy voice and indomitable self-confidence, Urkel proved irresistibly funny, turning White into an overnight sensation and a new star of the show. Join Urkel and the Winslows for the 22-episode debut season of the hit series that proclaims love matters, laughing matters, Family Matters!

Review: Family Matters was one of the biggest shows on the now classic TGIF line-up.   It began as a spin-off of the previously famous show 'Perfect Strangers'.  Harriette was a cast member and we got to see a show all about her life and her family.  The show was alright and it really fit into the mold of the sitcoms back then, like 'Perfect Strangers' and 'Full House'.   It was going to go down as an alright show, until mid-season when Urkel premiered.  

They brought in Urkel as a minor role as the next door neighboor, but to their surprise he became the breakout hit of the show.  We're talking toys, commercials...heck, he even changed the venacular of society with his catch phrases.   The first season of the show is actually pretty enjoyable, because you get a lot of variety in the character development.  In latter seasons the focus is really on just Carl and Urkel.  This is the first of many DVD releases to come, so definately check this one out if you were into this show.

Synopsis: A young woman reflects back on the last two years of her life: her love for Manfred, a talented chemist; his enthusiasm for his success, which turn to bitter disappointment in the face of rejection; his escape to West Berlin a few weeks before the Berlin Wall is erected; and his hope that she will follow.

Based on Christa Wolf's internationally acclaimed novel and criticized in the GDR for questioning the construction of the Wall, Divided Heaven was made during a brief cultural thaw in the early 1960s. Strongly influenced by French Nouvelle Vague cinema, this classic film directed by the legendary Konrad Wolf was praised by critics as one of Germany's 100 Most Important Films.

Review:  I had never had the opportunity to see Divided Heaven prior to this DVD release.  This film is ranked as one of the 100 most important German films.  I would have to agree whole-heartedly.  Based on a book by Christa Wolf and directed by the legend Konrad Wolf, Divided Heaven is a heartfelt tale about the Berlin wall and the real-life affect that it had on the citizens on both sides.  Its a love story with a setting that you don't often get to see.   This film is vital and raw in it's emotion and is an absolute must-see!

Interest Range: Christa Wolf, Konrad Wolf, Germany, Vintage Film

 You can own this DVD today

Synopsis: On June 8, 2010, the legendary master of crime is back!  Four of Charlie Chan’s beloved hits move into the spotlight as Charlie Chan Mysteries makes its remastered debut as part of the established TCM Spotlight series.  Presented by Warner Home Video (WHV), the set will include four films specifically selected to showcase an unforgettable cast of characters: Dark Alibi, Dangerous Money, The Trap and The Chinese Ring.

The most popular American films in 1930s China, the Chan movies were based on a fictional Chinese-American detective originally created by Earl Derr Biggers in 1923.  More than four dozen films featuring Charlie Chan have been made since 1926.  In 1931, the Fox Film Corporation cast Swedish actor Warner Oland as Chan in Charlie Chan Carries On; the film was a success, and Fox went on to produce 15 more Chan films with Oland in the title role.

Following Oland's death, Scottish American actor Sidney Toler was cast as Chan; Toler made 22 Chan films, first for Fox and then for Monogram Studios.  After Toler's death, six more films were made, starring Roland Winters.  The character has also been featured in several radio programs, two television shows and a number of comics.

Review: The Turner Classic Movies (TCM) spotlight on Charlie Chan DVD collection features four of Chan's best films.  We're talking about Dark Alibi, Dangerous Money, The Trap and The Chinese Ring.    What is so special about this set?  If you're asking yourself that, then you're clearly not a huge Charlie Chan fan!  This is the very first time that these films are seeing the light of day on DVD!

Warner Bros. has had a huge push through WB and the Warner Archive series in getting old tv and film to DVD that has otherwise been lost.  This set is the newest addition to that mentality.  These are four classic and enjoyable films.  The Charlie Chan mysteries are legendary and a great and missed part of movie history.  This set is a must-have!

Links: www.warnerbros.com

 You can own this on DVD and Blu-Ray today

Synopsis: Take a journey beyond your wildest imagination with this amazingly inventive, hugely entertaining collection of 26 animated shorts sure to delight viewers of all ages! With everything from modern masterworks such as Madame Tutli-Putli and Sleeping Betty to groundbreaking experimental shorts and classic cartoons, emerging talents join seasoned directors from the National Film Board of Canada, employing a startling palette of technologies to create animation magic. Films Include: Madame Tutti-Putli, Spare Change, Forming Game, The Spine, Hungu, The Man Who Slept, Rosa Rosa, How People Got Fire, Rains, Robes of War, Retouches, Drux Flux, Subservience, Sleeping Betty, Invasion of the Space Lobsters, The Necktie, Sainte Barbe, Come Again in Spring, Paradise, HA'Aki, Vive la Rose, Here and There, Land of the Heads, Flutter, Runaway, Engine 371.

Review: This amazing collection from The National Film Board of Canada features a lot of experimental and innovative new animation projects.  There is a total of 26 animated shorts that cover a great range of interest levels.  I'm a huge fan of animation, so I really dig sets like this.

I found at least 90% of the shorts on this collection to be absolutely stunning and entertaining.  I was very impressed overall with this release.  I would personally prefer it on blu-ray, but it is available on DVD for those that may want to save a few dollars or just plain don't have the technology yet for blu-ray.

Interest Range: Animation Fans, Cartoons, Animated Shorts