What's new on DVD this month

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.

This Sporting Life-Special Edition (Image/Criterion)- This stark, realistic 1963 drama is one of the finest films to ever come out of British cinema. Richard Harris explodes in a fury, an ape of a man, prone to expression primarily on a physical level as a miner-turnedrugby player locked in a losing romantic pursuit of a widow (Rachel Roberts) who is emotionally unreachable. Both were nominated for Academy Awards. Supplements abound in this two-disc presentation, including assorted features profiling acclaimed director Lindsay Anderson ("If....," "O Lucky Man!"), who made his feature film debut here.

Mrs. Doubtfire-Behind the Seams Edition (Fox)- In one of his best performances, Robin Williams stars as struggling actor Daniel Hillard. After he is separated from his fed up wife (Sally Field), who gets a court order restricting his visitation rights, he finds an inventive way to spend more time with his children. More than two hours of bonus material includes improvisational clips, retrospective and making of vignettes, and a look at extensive makeup applications to Williams.

American Gangster-Two- Disc Unrated Edition (Universal)- The acclaimed crime-thriller starring Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe comes to DVD in two versions. In addition to the original theatrical version, there is an extended cut with 18 additional minutes and an alternate ending. Washington portrays one of Harlem's most notorious crime bosses with a relentless, outcast cop (Crowe) pursuing him. Directed by Ridley Scott ("Gladiator," "Thelma & Louise") the dual presentation comes with deleted scenes, a look at the music, re-creating the '70s on the streets of New York and several documentaries connected with the film's production and historical research.

Tell Me You Love Me-Season One (HBO)- The story of three couples trying to make a go of it- and one sex therapist's efforts to show them how. Ten episodes on four discs explore the complications of love from the points of view of a 20-something couple dealing with fidelity, a mid-30s pair whose failed attempts to start a family have affected their sex life, and a husband and wife in their early 40s, who after two kids and a dozen years of marriage are wondering where the physical intimacy has gone. The groundbreaking series is created by Cynthia Mort and features Tim DeKay, Sonya Walger and Jane Alexander. Cast and crew audio commentaries are included.

America at War (A&E)- From the first musket shots at Lexington and Concord to the precision guided munitions in modernday Baghdad, more than 30 hours of documentaries on 14 discs explore in-depth the United State's involvement in war for more than two centuries. Noted historians, military authorities, engineers, scholars and war correspondents, with the support of a treasure trove of footage, convey the personal side of conflict. Presented chronologically, the American Revolution, the Alamo, the Civil War, WWI and WWII, as well as the conflicts in Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf and Iraq, are detailed in this megaset.

Destination: China/India (Globetrekkertv.com)- Accessible and informative travel guides to the planet's two most populous and enchanting countries. In addition to the classic attractions of the Taj Mahal and the Great Wall, the hosts provide new vacation ideas by exploring sites off the beaten path in all four corners of these massive lands.

The Odd Couple-Complete Third Season (Paramount/CBS)- The classic television series based on the Neil Simon play featuring sports-writing slob Oscar Madison (Jack Klugman) and neat freak photographer Felix Unger (Tony Randall) comes on four discs and includes all 23 episodes from the 1972-73 season. Story lines involve game show appearances, trouble from the IRS, spending time in a monastery and a mutiny on a cruise ship. Regulars Murray the Cop, exwives Gloria and Blanche, secretary Myrna and guests like Monty Hall, Bobby Riggs and Howard Cosell appear.

Love & Basketball-Music & Movie Edition (New Line)- This game within a game follows childhood friends (Sanaa Lathan and Omar Epps), both with strong dreams of making basketball their profession, from playground rivalry to romance. Includes a best-selling soundtrack CD featuring the Black Eyed Peas, Angie Stone, Al Green and exclusive bonus tracks from Elijah Kelley and Eugene. Animated storyboards breaking down the hoop sequences, a blooper reel and the original documentary are part of the package.

Tootsie-25th Anniversary Edition (Sony)- In an Oscarnominated performance, Dustin Hoffman portrays a talented but demanding and temperamental actor (Michael Dorsey) whose reputation has basically made it impossible for his agent (played by the film's director Sydney Pollack) to get him a role until Dorothy Michaels comes into the picture. Brilliant sub-plots incorporate an all-star cast: Teri Garr, Dabney Coleman, Charles Durning and an Academy Award turn for Jessica Lange. Deleted scenes, original screen test footage, a making-of feature and interviews with Hoffman and Pollack are included.