This week, one DVD distinguishes itself from the crush of cash-grabs and tie-ins. Also, Criterion continues their commitment to awesomeness. Otherwise, a pretty slow week.
DVD of the Week: Normally, I would use this space to plug the latest DVD from The Criterion Collection. However, since I’m not particularly familiar with this week’s release, Mon Oncle Antoine, I would instead like to take this opportunity to mention Warner Home Video’s collection of Batman animated shorts, entitled Batman: Gotham Knight (Warner, also Blu-Ray). Much like The Animatrix did five years ago, Warner has taken what might on the surface appear to be a simple movie tie-in leading up to the release of Batman: The Dark Knight. But the studio is fully committed to its franchise and the tone set by the recent entries. A number of talented animators were brought on board to direct the shorts, which were written by screenwriters including Batman Begins screenwriter David S. Goyer and Academy-Award nominee Josh Olson (A History of Violence). Besides, as far as tie-ins go (this week also brings new versions of Batman Begins on both standard and Blu-Ray), this beats holy hell out of yet another new pressing of Batman & Robin, wouldn’t you say?
And speaking of cash grabs… like mummies? This week, Universal is releasing new Special Edition versions of The Mummy (1932), The Mummy (1999), and The Mummy Returns, all in advance of next month’s release of The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor. Also, there’s a new version of Van Helsing hitting the market, although heaven knows why.
New titles on DVD include: The Ruins (Paramount, also Blu-Ray); Stop-Loss (Paramount); Chop Shop (Koch); and The Tracey Fragments (Image).
Finally, in the TV-on-DVD front, this week brings I Dream of Jeannie Season 5 (Sony); Monk Season 6 (Universal); Psych Season 2 (Universal); Stargate Atlantis Season 4 (MGM). So now you know.