By DNA Smith
PICKS OF THE WEEK
“Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” — Released in 1937, “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” was the first feature-length animated film. The mixture of comedy, melodrama and musical numbers has served as a formula for virtually every Disney animated film for nearly three-quarters of a century.
Since we all know the story, let’s get to the nitty-gritty: the packaging. This release comes in a wide variety of packages. You can get just the two-disc set for about $25 — which includes the film and a bunch of archival material. There also is a three-disc set that comes in a box that looks like the one the evil queen gives to the woodsman to bring back Snow White’s heart. This edition also includes picture cards of all the dwarfs, and a massive hard-bound book filled with archival pictures for about $150. And finally, you can get the two-disc set in a nifty hat-bag-shaped tote filled with plush dolls of all the dwarfs for about $80.
“Anvil: The Story of Anvil” — This is a great little documentary about a Canadian metal band that’s funny, heart-breaking, and yes … heartwarming. Anvil started out in the ’80s during metal’s heyday. And while the band opened for some top acts and released a couple of decent albums, because of mismanagement and a host of other unfortunate Spinal-Tapish turns, the band just couldn’t quite crack the leather ceiling to become Rock Gods. Now, 20 years later, Anvil still hasn’t given up and is trying once again to make it in the business. And since you’ve never heard of these guys, I guess you know how this movie ends.
“How To Be A Man/How To Be A Woman” — These are two separate DVD releases, but are essentially the same thing. Both are collections of educational shorts from the 1940s through the 1980s instructing our nation’s youth on how to be proper examples of their respective genders. From sex education and hygiene to how to make a sandwich, these films are pure comedy gold.
TV SERIES
“Ken Burns: National Parks — America’s Best Idea”
“Ally McBeal” The Complete Series
“Stargate Atlantis” The Complete Series Collection
“Red Dwarf: Back to Earth”
“Bones” The Complete Fourth Season
“Nip/Tuck” Season 5, Part 2
“Medium” The Complete Fifth Season
“The Mary Tyler Moore Show” The Complete Fifth Season
© 2009 King Features Synd., Inc.