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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2008
11
NEWDVDRELEASES BY RANDY WILLIAMS
Photo courtesy Paramount
‘Iron Man’ Ultimate Two-Disc Edition In this smart update of the old Marvel Comics hero, billionaire industrialist Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr.) is forced to build an armored suit after a life-threatening incident and ultimately decides to use its technology to fight against the forces of evil. Co-starring Gwyneth Paltrow and Jeff Bridges, there is a ton of special features, almost four hours worth. In addition to deleted and extended scenes, there are multi-episode features on both the making of the film and history of the hero. Visual effects, a stills gallery and the star’s screen test are also part of the doubledisc package. (Paramount)
‘Nixon’ Election Year Edition Oliver Stone’s Oscar-nominated story featuring Anthony Hopkins as President Nixon, is presented as the director’s cut adding nearly a half hour to the film. The acclaimed director takes a look at the complex Nixon whose chance at greatness was ultimately washed over by his zeal for power. Extra material includes deleted scenes introduced by the director, a new documentary by Sean Stone, commentaries and interviews. (Disney)
‘The Office’ Season Four Steve Carell returns in his Golden Globe winning role of “The World’s Greatest Boss,” Michael Scott. Rejoining him are Jenna Fischer, Rainn Wilson, and John Krasinski. Story lines from 14 episodes on four discs revolve around a team charity race, a dinner party, a job fair, promotions, vacations and the constant of office politics. Rabies: The More You Know, episode commentaries, two hours of deleted scenes, a blooper reel and a tabled draft of the “Dinner Party” episode script are part of the bonus features. (Universal)
‘The Streets of San Francisco’ Season 2 Volume 1 The popular cop series from the early 1970s featuring the city as a lead character, stars Karl Malden as Lt. Mike Stone and Michael Douglas as inspector Steve Keller. These partners of the San Francisco homicide department confront a hired assassin, ruthless bank robber, a crazed religious killer and escaped convicts among other villains in this three-disc, 11 episode offering. Martin Sheen, Ricky Nelson, Peter Strauss and Leslie Nielsen are among the guest stars. (Paramount/CBS)
‘WWII: A Filmed History’ From our nation’s record keeper, the National Archives, comes the largest collection of Second World War history in one massive box set. The 24-DVD package features historical newsreel footage and documentaries narrated by Hollywood legends covering the entire theater of war. Subsets include the War in Europe, War on the Homefront, War in the Pacific and the Oscar-winning “Why We Fight Series” with movie luminaries Frank Capra, John Ford, Walter Huston and featuring Edward R. Murrow. Among the writers are twins Julius and Philip Epstein who won an Academy Award for penning “Casablanca.” Jimmy Stewart, James Cagney and Clark Gable also contribute to this living milestone of history. (Discovery)
‘Fantastic Four’ The Complete First Season Mr. Fantastic, The Invisible Woman, The Human Torch and The Thing comprise the super hero team as they battle villains around the globe. All 26 episodes from the debut year are included. The cosmically-altered superheroes go up against such notorious villains as Doctor Doom and The Puppet Master. Helping to save the universe are Iron Man and The Incredible Hulk. From Origin to Animation, Rise of the Rogues, Traveling to New Dimensions and The Art of Fantastic Four are the titles of some of the bonus segments. (Fox)
‘First Among Equals’ Based on the bestselling novel by Jeffrey Archer comes this 10-part adaptation revolving around sex, money and power in the halls of British Parliament. Starting in 1964, it follows the careers of four members of Parliament through over two decades of alliances betrayals, triumphs and setbacks. The three-volume presentation features double Oscar nominee Tom Wilkinson (“Michael Clayton,” “In the Bedroom”). (Acorn Media) Randy Williams can be reached at writtenbyrw@yahoo.com
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