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 or at your retail store.

Dreamgirls (Dreamworks)- This is a two-disc, widescreen showstopper edition of the film about the dreams of a trio of female singers, which won a Golden Globe as Best Picture and earned Jennifer Hudson an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. There’s a bounty of extra clips, including a dozen new extended music numbers plus original screen tests and auditions.

An Officer and a GentlemanSpecial Collector’s Edition (Paramount)- A classic romantic tale between Debra Winger and aspiring naval officer Richard Gere. Louis Gossett Jr. won an Oscar as Gere’s tough drill instructor. Bonus materials include features about the music, location, hand-to-hand combat scenes and director commentary.

Errol Flynn Signature Collection Vol. 2 (Warner)- One of the most magnetic stars of the ’30s and ’40s appears as a pirate, soldier, pilot and boxer in five titles new to DVD: “Adventures of Don Juan,” “The Charge of the Light Brigade,” “The Dawn Patrol” and “Dive Bomber.”

Mrs. Doubtfire-Behind the Seams Collection (Fox)- Estranged father Robin Williams is hilarious in the title role posing as an elderly nanny desperate to see his kids. New interview with Williams, deleted scenes, alternate scenes, animation and makeup tests are a few featurettes.

Tyrone Power Swashbuckler Set (Fox)- The dashing star of the 1940s comes to DVD in a collection of five celebrated films- “Blood and Sand,” “Captain from Castile,” “Prince of Foxes,” “Son of Fury: The Story of Benjamin Blake” and “The Black Rose.”

Michael Palin’s Around
the World in 80 Days (BBC
Warner)- Inspired by Jules Verne’s acclaimed novel, award-winning explorer and
former Monty Python star Michael Palin attempts to retrace the footsteps of
Phileas Fogg’s legendary journey traveling by land and sea but never air.

History Channel PresentsThe Dark Ages (A&E)- A chilling journey to the depths of civilization with the fall of the Roman Empire and the rise of chaos, famine and a constant state of war. The show also looks at the heroics of brave souls like Charlemagne and Empress Theodora, who nurtured the seeds of modern civilization. Extra features include a documentary about the black plague of the 14th century.

Rick Steves’ Europe-All 70 Shows (PBS)- With summer coming upon us and families making vacation plans, this complete yet nuanced collection is a treasure chest of insights and information for those heading anywhere in Europe.

ER-The Complete Seventh Season (Warner)- Michael
Crichton’s emergency room drama portrays the pressures and often chaotic daily
life and death events for both patients and the medical team. Special features
on this six-disc, 22-episode presentation include outpatient outtakes and a gag
reel.




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