What's new on DVD this month

Film and television writer Randy Williams reviews the latest movies, TV shows, documentaries and music programs now available for purchase online and at retail stores.

300 Special Collection (Warner Bros.)- Based on Frank Miller's graphic novel, "300" concerns the 480 B.C. Battle of Thermopylae where the King of Sparta led his army against the advancing Persians. The battle is said to have inspired all of Greece to band together against the Persians and helped usher in the world's first democracy. Extras include a fact-or-fiction feature and author interview.

Cast Away Special Edition Steelbook (Fox)- Chuck Noland (Tom Hanks), a FedEx systems engineer, must transform himself psychologically and physically after surviving a plane crash and washing up on a remote island. Special features include a look at Wilson- the pivotal volleyball "character"- art gallery, trailers, an interview with Hanks, a special effects vignette, HBO documentary, director Robert Zemeckis' commentary and storyboard-to-film comparison.

Bridge to Terabithia (Disney)- Based on Katherine Paterson's popular book, this fantasy adventure is about the magic of friendship and the power of imagination as a pair of bullied and neglected kids Jesse (Josh Hutcherson) and Leslie (Anna Sophia Robb) escape into a world of their own, which changes their lives forever. Extras include Robb performing on a music video, "Keep Your Mind Wide Open" as well as a "Behind the Book" feature exploring topics of friendship and family and how it was all based on an actual incident.

Die Hard Collection (Fox)- On the heels of the new theatrical release "Live Free or Die Hard" comes the trilogy that preceded it. Bruce Willis as NYC cop John McLane who amazingly finds himself in unique predicaments has been an enduring hit since the original was released in 1988. "Die Hard 2: Die Harder" and "Die Hard with a Vengeance" are included as well. A fourth bonus disc includes a documentary, a featurette on the McLane character and a trailer of the newest version. Yippee ki yay.

Platoon Collector's Edition Steelbook (MGM)- Written, directed and experienced by Oliver Stone, this haunting look at the Vietnam War stars Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger and Willem Dafoe. It is war against the enemy, each other and within oneself. Winner of four Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director, Platoon is ranked among the Top 100 films of all time by the American Film Institute. Supplements include commentary by Stone and military adviser Dale Dye, trailers, photo gallery, deleted scenes and several documentaries, including cast and crew preparations and production.

The Verdict Collector's Edition (Fox)- Paul Newman portrays attorney Frank Galvin, beaten down by life, turning to alcohol as a coping mechanism and fumbling legal handouts from friend and seasoned attorney Mickey Morrissey (Jack Warden). Instead of settling a medical malpractice case involving a comatose woman, Galvin takes on the Roman Catholic church and a high-powered law firm (headed by James Mason), salvaging his career and selfrespect. Bonus material include features with Newman on acting and Lumet on directing.

Rockford Files Season Four (Universal)- James Garner is the wisecracking ex-con turned private investigator in one of the most acclaimed detective series on television. Combining a folksy charm and a rough-edged ability to get an inside edge on crooks honed from his own jail time, Rockford is joined this season by Larry Hagman, Robert Loggia, and Tom Selleck in a role that would be the genesis for Selleck's "Magnum P.I." series. Extras include a feature on film and television's greatest sleuths and a bonus episode from season five.

Hogan's Heroes Sixth and Final Season (Paramount)- This four disc offering contains all 24 of the closing episodes of the Allied hijinks disrupting the Nazi war effort through POW camp Stalag 13. Starring Bob Crane and Richard Dawson, the series was created by the same man who launched Burt Reynolds in "The Longest Yard" and won an Oscar for "The Godfather" and "Million Dollar Baby," producer Al Ruddy.

Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom (Discovery)- The multi-Emmy winning classic nature series is presented in a definitive seven-disc, 50-episode set. Legendary hosts Marlin Perkins and Jim Fowler take us around the world with a suspenseful look at animal survival in all habitats.

Extras Second Season (HBO)- Popular British comedian Ricky Gervais ("The Office") is back for more as aspiring actor Andy Millman working hard to succeed despite being hampered by an inept agent (Stephen Merchant). Guest stars include David Bowie, Robert DeNiro and Daniel Radcliffe ("Harry Potter"). The two-disc, six-episode unit offers more than 100 minutes of bonus material.

The New Adventures of Superman/Batman (Warner Bros.)- Sold on separate discs, these DC Comic Classic Collections combined offer more than 50 episodes of the popular caped crusaders. In the first Superman project designed specifically for television, this series marked the animated debut of Jimmy Olsen and villains Lex Luthor and Brainiac and contains all 36 episodes from the show's first season. Batman features the voices of the stars from the live action television series, Adam West (Batman) and Burt Ward (Robin).

Everest: Beyond the Limit (Discovery)- A double amputee and a former Hell's Angel with metal plates holding his spine together are among the climbers testing the limits of human endurance in this six-disc adventure series that gives the viewer a breathtaking view of the top of the world, with drama and danger at every turn. 

- Randy Williams