What's new on DVD

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

The Godfather: The Coppola Restoration Giftset (Paramount)—Five discs, including all three films and more than four hours of supplemental materials, are presented here by the filmmaker as originally envisioned for the cinema. Beginning with the epic masterpiece featuring Marlon Brando in his Oscar-winning role as the patriarch of the Corleone family, Francis Ford Coppola directs Al Pacino, James Caan and Robert Duvall in career-making performances in the film that won Best Picture of 1972. Presented in allnew 5.1 digital surround sound, Coppola's influential trilogy is enhanced by a wealth of supplements. Bonus materials include four short films on "The Godfather."

L.A. ConfidentialTwoDisc Special Edition (Warner Bros.)—A double Oscar winner (Best Adapted Screenplay, Brian Helgeland/Curtis Hanson and Best Supporting Actress, Kim Basinger) this drama revisits 1950s Hollywood filled with mystery, corruption, romance and ambition. Based on one of the books in James Ellroy's "L.A. Quartet" series, this riveting bit of film noir also features Russell Crowe, Guy Pearce and Kevin Spacey. A trunkful of special features includes: "Making L.A. Confidential," "The Visual Style of L.A. Confidential," "From Book to Screen," "Off the Record" and extensive visuals of the various locations and sets used in the picture. All-new interviews with the cast are included.

The Adventures of Robin Hood on Blu-ray (Warner Bros.)—Nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and based on the classic English legend of the outlaw of Sherwood Forest, the dashing Errol Flynn is at his athletic, romantic best in the title role as nobleman Robin, the Earl of Locksley. With his band of Merrie Men, Robin robs the rich to aid the poor, who are heavily taxed at the hands of the Sheriff of Nottingham (Melville Cooper). An introduction by film critic Leonard Maltin, numerous shorts, a radio show version, outtakes and trailers are some of the components that make up the forestful of bonus features.

Lonesome Dove-Two-Disc Collector's Edition (Genius)— Robert Duvall and Tommy Lee Jones star in this 1989 miniseries as Gus McRae and Woodrow Call, former Texas Rangers and longtime friends seeking one more adventure before going out to pasture. The long list of featured artists include Chris Cooper, Anjelica Huston, Danny Glover, D.B. Sweeney and Steve Buscemi. Original interviews from the set, a detailed making-of segment and a gallery of the original drawings and sketches of the production design are part of the special features.

House, M.D.-Season Four (Universal)—Hugh Laurie returns in his double Golden Globewinning role as the perplexing and prickly Dr. Gregory House, a rather unconventional but brilliant physician who constantly puts his staff, new and old, through the medical wringer with his sarcasm and irreverent ways. Also featuring Omar Epps and Lisa Edelstein as House's boss, story lines on the fourdisc set include amnesia, synesthesia, long-distance diagnosis, the CIA and screening fellowship candidates. The use of visual effects and the show's writers are profiled in the extra features.

Globe Trekker: South America (Globetrekkertv.com)— The intrepid hosts of this popular travel series take viewers off the typical tourist tracks. Spread out over seven discs, this comprehensive box set includes visits to the glaciers of Patagonia, tango clubs in Buenos Aires, exploration of the Amazonian rainforest and the mysteries of Bolivia, the cradle of the amazing Incan Empire. Known for exploring areas not often serviced by packaged tours, here's an armchair adventure that takes you deep south of the border.

The Partridge Family-The Complete Third Season (Sony)—"C'mon, Get Happy!" This classic '70s comedy involving that groovy family of pop musicians arrives on three discs containing all 25 episodes from season three. The fatherless family of six tour the country in a psychedelically painted bus. Shirley Jones stars as the mother; teen idol David Cassidy is her son Keith; Danny Bonaduce plays the schemer; Susan Dey is the daughter on keyboards, while Brian Forster and Suzanne Crough are the youngest kids. Guest stars include Slim Pickens and Jodie Foster.

The Simpsons-11th Season: Limited Edition Collector's Box (Fox)—The most recent DVD product from one of America's favorite animated families of all-time comes with a cool 3-D cover, a special Krusty the Clown-themed box that contains a surprise insert for the diehard fan. Guest stars include Mel Gibson, Kid Rock, Willie Nelson and Britney Spears. In addition to all 22 episodes, this collection includes animation showcases, deleted scenes, a special introduction by creator Matt Groening and footage of the Simpsons receiving their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.