COUCH THEATER — DVD PREVIEWS
By DNA Smith
PICKS OF THE WEEK
“Sherlock Holmes” (PG-13) — Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law star as Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson in Guy Ritchie’s rollicking reimagining of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s legendary Baker Street detective stories. While the film does stray afield from Doyle’s source material, the affronts toward its literary canon are more than made up for by the electric chemistry between Downey and Law.
The mystery involves a secret society, black magic and a plot to overthrow the English government. Thankfully, Ritchie doesn’t dwell too much on the “whodunnit” or “howdunnit” aspects of this convoluted scheme and instead concentrates more on the relationship between Holmes and Watson, and (because it’s Guy Ritchie) lots of action scenes.
If you’re a Holmes purist, then I suggest you revisit the marvelous British television series starring Jeremy Brett, because this film may make you cringe. However if you’re a huge Sherlock Holmes fan who also enjoys watching alternative interpretations of the iconic character, then this film will not disappoint.
“Alice in Wonderland” (2-Disc Special Un-Anniversary Edition) (Rated G) — Coinciding with the release of Tim Burton’s reimagining of Lewis Carroll’s tale is the classic 1951 Disney animated film. In addition to the completely remastered film, this two-disc collection is packed with special features including: “Reflections on Alice,” a documentary on the nearly 20-year journey Walt Disney went through to get Alice on the big screen; the Mickey Mouse short “Thru The Mirror”; deleted scenes; sing-along songs and party activities; a set-top game and more.
“Sports Night: Season One” (Not Rated) — In 1998, Aaron Sorkin and Thomas Schlamme (“The West Wing,” “Studio 60”) created the dramedy “Sports Night,” a behind-the-scenes look at an SportsCenter-like TV Show. The crisp writing combined with a stellar cast (Josh Charles, Robert Guillaume, Felicity Huffman, Peter Krause, Sabrina Lloyd and Joshua Malina) made the show one of the best programs of the decade.
Special features include commentary tracks on selected episodes, an interview with Aaron Sorkin on the show’s history, a gag reel and a featurette with members of ESPN’s SportsCenter on how true to life “Sports Night” was to SportsCenter.
TV SERIES
“Steven Seagal Lawman” The Complete Season One
“The Real Housewives of New Jersey” Season One
“Deadliest Catch” Season Five
“The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty”
“The Abbott & Costello Show” The Complete Series Collector’s Edition
“Lord Peter Wimsey Collection” Set 1
© 2010 King Features Synd., Inc.