By DNA Smith
PICKS OF THE WEEK
Star Trek — In one fell swoop — and the help of a hackneyed time-travel plot device — director J.J. Abrams erases five decades of Trek canon. And because this “reboot” grossed eleventy-billion-trillion dollars, we can count on at least another decade of swish-pans, lens-flares and the angry blogging of disgruntled Trekkies nit-picking every frame.
Since this is a Major DVD Release Event, there are numerous editions and packagings to choose from. I’ll be commenting on the two-disc edition, since it’ll be the one most fans will probably buy. However, it’s worth noting that if you are a huge fan of the film, there is a limited-edition Blu-Ray boxed set with three discs and a massive metal replica of the Enterprise that weighs over a pound. The Replica Gift set retails for $130.
Hokay, back to the two-disc pack. In addition to the film, there is a commentary track with J.J. Abrams, the writers and producers; a documentary on the production and a gag reel. On disc two is a digital copy of the film, a lot of deleted scenes, featurettes about casting, the musical score, alien creation and more behind-the-scenes peeks.
“Gone With The Wind 70th Anniversary Ultimate Collector’s Edition” — This collection contains five DVDs, a CD soundtrack, a hardcover 52-page book of photographs and production art, 10 art prints and a reproduction of the original 1939 program all lovingly crammed into velvet box.
With a retail price of $70, the question is, “Is it worth it?” The answer is: If you don’t already own, say, the four-disc special edition that came out a while back, then yes it is. If you’ve already bought that edition there really isn’t much new here in terms of content. The only new feature is a documentary hosted by Kenneth Branagh with the unimaginative and obviously made-by-some-marketing wonk-title: “Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Presents 1939: Hollywood’s Greatest Year.”
So, if you’re a big fan of the film and don’t yet own a copy, this is a great set to own. It’s remastered for hi-def TVs, has eight hours of extras and let’s not forget that nifty velvet box. Or if you know someone who’s a fan, this would make an awesome Christmas gift.
TV SERIES
“Farscape” The Complete Series
“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” It’s A Very Sunny Christmas
“7th Heaven” Season Nine
“Rome” The Complete Series
“The Sopranos” The Complete Series
“Scrubs” The Complete Eighth Season
“Drawn Together” The Complete Series
“Andy Barker, P.I.” The Complete Series
© 2009 King Features Synd., Inc.