BuzzSugar -- Entertainment hourly.

What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday

BuzzSugar — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 08:30:14 -0700

Iron Man
Hurray! It feels like just yesterday the Summer box office was electrified by this superhero hit. I really loved it (and saw it twice in the theaters), mostly due to a super cool performance by Robert Downey Jr. and the skillful storytelling abilities of director Jon Favreau. Gwyneth Paltrow, Jeff Bridges, and Terrence Howard also do well in this fun action movie. It's a good way to go back in time and shake off those dark, depressing blues you may have caught from your 10th viewing of The Dark Knight.

Special features include deleted and extended scenes, featurettes titled "I Am Iron Man: 7-Part Making-of Documentary," "The Invincible Iron Man: 6-Part History of the Hero," and "Wired: The Visual effects of Iron Man." Something I'm really curious to see in the extras is a Robert Downey Jr. screen test and a featurette on his acting process. More time with RDJ is always good.

Two more spiffy choices, so

What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday

BuzzSugar — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 06:30:57 -0700

All of the new DVD releases hit stores (and Netflix) on Tuesdays. So each week in What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday, I sort through the best of the batch and tell you what to add to your queue. In addition to my selections below, you can also check out the dreamboat special that is Leatherheads and Simon Pegg's comedy Run, Fat Boy, Run.

Sex and the City: The Movie
Well, the big day has arrived: the Sex and the City movie is here for you to rent or own. Whether you missed this one in theaters (hard to imagine) or are excited to fast-forward to your favorite parts, the fab four has come full circle back to your small screen. I'm interested in revisiting this one, since the movie is super long and there is a lot to take in.

This is the kind of movie for which special features were made. Get a load of these: commentary by director Michael Patrick King; a conversation with Sarah Jessica Parker and Michael Patrick King; featurettes titled, "The Fabulous Fashion of Sex and the City," "Fergie in the Studio: Watch a Hit in the Making as the Singer Records Labels or Love for the Movie Soundtrack," and additional scenes.

So, are you bringing this one home this week?

Three more selections to go, so

What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday

BuzzSugar — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 08:30:44 -0700

All of the new DVD releases hit stores (and Netflix) on Tuesdays. So each week in What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday, I sort through the best of the batch and tell you what to add to your queue. In addition to my selections below, you can also add Speed Racer, Made of Honor and a little independent film starring Kate Beckinsale called Snow Angels to your lists.

TV-to-DVD Debuts
Today's a big day for several television series that are now available for the first time on DVD. Whether you love these shows and want to cherish them forever or just need a refresher before the next seasons start up again, here's a guide to what's out this week.

Pushing Daisies: Season One
Special features include the cast and creative team members chatting about the show secrets.
Dirty Sexy Money: Season One
Special features include bloopers, deleted scenes, and creator commentary on the inspiration for the Darling family.

Private Practice: Season One
Special features include a featurette titled, "Practice makes perfect — Journey with Kate through her acting career to see how she landed one of TV's most sought-after roles," behind-the-scenes footage, extended episodes, deleted scenes, and outtakes.
Chuck: Season One
The DVD includes special featurettes like, "Chuck's World: Character development and original casting sessions," "Chuck vs. the Chuckles: Gag reel," and "Chuck on Chuck: Series stars join creators for some point/counterpoint."

Two more movies out on DVD, so

What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday

BuzzSugar — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 09:30:32 -0700

Baby Mama
Hurray for Baby Mama out on DVD! I really enjoyed this good-natured, fun ride when I saw it in theaters and I'm so eager to go back for more now that I can add it to my Netflix queue. The movie stars Tina Fey and Amy Poehler as total opposites who band together in order to make a baby. Basically, Fey's character is a successful woman who wants to have a baby, and Poehler is her wrong-side-of-the-tracks surrogate. Together they make a hilarious comedic team, and while the movie has its faults, it's mostly an all-around good time.

I would love to spend some behind-the-scenes time with Poehler and Fey, and thankfully the special features give me that chance! They include deleted scenes, an alternate ending, and featurettes including "From Conception to Delivery: The Making of Baby Mama" and "Saturday Night Live: Legacy of Laughter" in which Tina Fey and Amy Poehler talk about working with other SNL alums.

Two more titles to chat about this week, so

What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday

BuzzSugar — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 12:30:15 -0700

The Office: Season Four
There are a handful of TV shows that I love to own and have handy for when I need a pick-me-up, and The Office is definitely one of them. Hurray for the release of season four and more of "The World’s Greatest Boss!" The season started out slow for me but got a lot better as it progressed, and Jim and Pam tentatively entering into a romance was a definite highlight.

Special features include deleted scenes, outtakes, commentary on "Did I Stutter?" and featurettes titled "The Office Convention: Writer's Block Party" and "Goodbye, Toby Music Video."

Two more movies, so

What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday

BuzzSugar — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 08:30:16 -0700

All of the new DVD releases hit stores (and Netflix) on Tuesdays. So each week in What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday, I sort through the best of the batch and tell you what to add to your queue. In addition to my selections below you can also take home the fourth season of Entourage, as well as season five of One Tree Hill (you know, the one where they leap ahead in time and everyone owns a business or is a famous writer or something). Also, Morgan Spurlock's documentary Where in the World is Osama Bin Laden? is out on DVD along with another great indie film, Son of Rambow.

What Happens in Vegas
This comedy starring Ashton Kutcher and Cameron Diaz didn't do so hot with critics when it first came out, but I found myself charmed by it, despite how staggeringly absurd it is at times.

Two opposites (Cameron Diaz, Ashton Kutcher) are forced to live together in matrimony so they can collect a large sum of money they accidentally won together in Las Vegas. Not only do the leads have a surprising amount of chemistry (well, I didn't expect any,
so. . .) but two supporting actors, the droll Lake Bell and The Daily Show's Rob Corddry, anchor the ridiculous moments with superb comic timing. All in all, it's a decent choice for your at-home enjoyment.

Special features include commentary from the director and a featurette titled "Sitting Down With Cameron and Ashton."

Two more up next so

What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday

BuzzSugar — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:32:02 -0700

All of the new DVD releases hit stores (and Netflix) on Tuesdays. So each week in What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday, I sort through the best of the batch and tell you what to add to your queue. In addition to the selections below you can also check out the fourth season of House, Street Kings starring Keanu Reeves, and the HBO movie, Recount which I chatted about with Citizen here.

Gossip Girl: Season 1
Try to ignore for a moment that nobody on that DVD cover looks like a character I recognize from the show. Am I right? That is some wacky Photoshopping there. But anyway, the first season of Gossip Girl is now out on DVD so you can get your collection started and catch up if you haven't seen all the episodes. I'm sure some of you will appreciate this as the CW was not great about putting all their episodes on the Web, especially during the latter part of the season, so you may have missed some pivotal episodes.

I'm excited to relive the early GG days — especially the pilot — but I'm most looking forward to the special features. They include unaired scenes, featurettes titled "The Beginning, XOXO: Concept to Execution," "Gossip Girl Couture," "A Gossip Girl Wedding," and "LOL: Gag Reel." The DVDs also include music videos from The Pierces. How sweet is that?

Three more good ones, so

What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday

BuzzSugar — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 08:30:16 -0700

All of the new DVD releases hit stores (and Netflix) on Tuesdays. So each week in What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday, I sort through the best of the batch and tell you what to add to your queue.

Smart People
I had high hopes for Smart People, mainly due to the stellar cast that includes Sarah Jessica Parker, Ellen Page, Thomas Haden Church, and Dennis Quaid.

The story takes place near the Carnegie Mellon campus and centers around a family headed by a widowed professor (Quaid) who are all having a terrible time relating to each other and the outside world, despite how book smart they are. When the professor's free-spirited brother (Church) crashes into their lives they all start to thaw out a bit and discover how far a little humanity can go.

The movie didn't quite meet my expectations but it's certainly a worthwhile rental if you're looking for a few laughs and a genuinely talented ensemble cast.

Special features include interviews with the producers, cast and crew of the movie, commentary from the director and writer, a collection of outtakes, nine deleted scenes and exclusive footage from the premiere of Smart People at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival.

Two more new options on DVD if you

What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday

BuzzSugar — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 09:30:30 -0700

All of the new DVD releases hit stores (and Netflix) on Tuesdays. So each week in What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday, I sort through the best of the batch and tell you what to add to your queue. In addition to the the titles below, you can get to know the presidential candidates a little better with election-edition A&E Biography docs on Obama and McCain.

The Counterfeiters
Winner of this year's Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film, The Counterfeiters tells the dramatic true story of Jewish forger Salomon Sorowitsch, who is sent to a concentration camp and becomes part of an assembly of counterfeiters whose work is aiding the Nazis and undermining the Allies' economies. The film centers on Sorowitsch's unthinkable choice between continuing to help the Nazis or face death. You can watch a preview of the movie here.

As is often the case with foreign cinema, the movie had a limited release and I missed it when it came out, so I'm excited to get this one in the mail.

Special features include commentary with director Stefan Ruzowitzky, deleted scenes, a making-of featurette, and interviews with real-life counterfeiter Adolf Burger and actor Karl Markovics.

One more (and more family friendly) title, so

What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday

BuzzSugar — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 06:30:26 -0700

All of the new DVD releases hit stores (and Netflix) on Tuesdays. So each week in What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday, I sort through the best of the batch and tell you what to add to your queue.

Harold and Kumar Escape From Guantanamo Bay
My pal Molly had the honor of heading out to the screening of Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay to let the rest of us know how it was. She basically came away feeling that it was a bit on the offensive side of the fence, even for a movie like this. But she also acknowledges that it could be the kind of movie that gets funnier with each viewing, and that Neil Patrick Harris is once again pitch-perfect in his ability to make anything hilarious.

So I'll be honest: I'm adding this to my queue for when I'm in the mood for some dumb laughs. Also, after enduring that-of-which-we-do-not-speak and an Eddie Murphy bomb in the past month, I kinda feel like I can't get too picky about my at-home comedy at this point.

Special features include commentary with the directors and stars as well as a featurette titled "The World of Harold and Kumar."

Two totally fascinating documentaries if you

What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday

BuzzSugar — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 06:30:50 -0700

All of the new DVD releases hit stores (and Netflix) on Tuesdays. So each week in What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday, I sort through the best of the batch and tell you what to add to your queue.

21
The box office winner 21 is the kind of movie I'd be happy to come across on basic cable whilst channel surfing. It has a likable cast and a not-mind-numbing-but-not-confusing plot that is perfect for a day on the couch. The movie stars newly anointed heartthrob Jim Sturgess as a geeky genius MIT senior who's having trouble drumming up enough tuition money. He's soon recruited by the no-good professor Rosa (Kevin Spacey) into a secret little card-counting operation (which includes five other MIT students, one of whom is played by Kate Bosworth) to scheme Vegas out of a lot of cash.

It's based (loosely) on the true story documented in the memoir Bringing Down the House: The Inside Story of Six MIT Students Who Took Vegas for Millions, and overall I had a good time seeing it in theaters. Special features on the two-disc edition include featurettes titled "The advantage player: The cast explains the game of blackjack and card counting," and "Money Plays: A tour of the good life."

One more for TV fans so

What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday

BuzzSugar — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 07:30:29 -0700

All of the new DVD releases hit stores (and Netflix) on Tuesdays. So each week in What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday, I sort through the best of the batch and tell you what to add to your queue. In addition to the titles below you can also rent the complete fifth season of Reno 911 as well as the Raven-Symoné comedy (and that's being generous) College Road Trip.

The Bank Job
I wouldn't be surprised if you missed The Bank Job while it was in theaters because it may have been written off as yet another bank heist flick. Now that it's out on DVD I think it deserves your rental/Netflix queue consideration.

Like I said before, it's an entertaining movie that is supposedly based on a true story. It centers around a group of crooks led by Terry Leather (Jason Statham ), who catches wind of a vulnerable vault of safe-deposit boxes. Little does Terry know, however, that the heist will end up having much farther-reaching implications involving several parties with a keen interest in this particular vault. It's not rocket science, sure, but it is a whole lot of fun and smartly directed. I highly recommend you check it out for yourself.

Special features include commentary with director Roger Donaldson, actress Saffron Burrows and composer J. Peter Robinson, and an "Inside The Bank Job" featurette.

Two more fun picks, so

What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday

BuzzSugar — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 08:30:57 -0700

Stop-Loss
Stop-Loss joins an ever-growing list of Iraq war movies that bit the dust at the box office. This has little to do with the quality of the films and probably more to do with folks not looking for difficult subject matter when they head to the movie theater. But while director Kimberly Peirce's follow up to Boys Don't Cry isn't flawless, it is well worth your time.

Starring Ryan Philippe, Channing Tatum, Abbie Cornish and a scene-stealing Joseph Gordon-Levitt, the movie centers around a group of friends and family members in Texas struggling with their loved ones in the military who return from serving in Iraq only to be called back.

Special features include 11 deleted scenes, commentary by director Kimberly Peirce and co-writer Mark Richard, and a featurette titled, "A Day in Boot Camp."

One more fun choice so

What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday

BuzzSugar — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 07:30:19 -0700

All of the new DVD releases hit stores (and Netflix) on Tuesdays. So each week in What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday, I sort through the best of the batch and tell you what to add to your queue. In addition to the titles below you can also now find the third season of TNT's The Closer on DVD, along with the brutal but stunning Brazilian film City of Men.

Mad Men: Season 1
I'm excited for the release of Mad Men's first season because I've been running around town, preaching to anyone who will listen that they should hurry up and watch it before the second season starts Sunday July 27! The series initially flew under the radar, as it was AMC's first venture into original programming, but it much-deserved attention and credibility by winning multiple Golden Globes.

The series is set in 1960s Manhattan, in the heart and soul of the advertising industry. It follows the trials and tribulations of one Madison Avenue firm's employees who (true fact) named themselves "Mad Men." The attention to detail in this show is impeccable, right down to the coned-bras and smoking in the work place. The series is as wonderful to look at as it is dark, and it doesn't flinch from the politically incorrect behavior of the era, including uncomfortable scenes rife with sexual harassment, racism, and anti-semitism. It may leave your soul a bit shattered and battered at its portrayal of America during this time, but it's so well-executed you'll probably recover fast. Plus, Don Draper is among the dreamiest characters to come along in a while (despite the fact that his behavior is often repugnant).

Special features include cast and crew interviews, a photo gallery, Mad Men music, and commentaries on every episode.

Two more great choices up next so

What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday

BuzzSugar — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 08:30:50 -0700

Definitely, Maybe
It's not a perfect movie, but I found myself totally happy with the charming Definitely, Maybe, despite a few faults. The main characters are nicely thought-out and far easier to identify with than characters in other romcoms this year like, say, Fool's Gold. Plus, Abigail Breslin is always an adorable treat.

The film follows Will Hayes (Ryan Reynolds), a recent divorcee attempting to explain the complications of love to his smart little girl (Breslin). The movie takes on a How I Met Your Mother plot structure, going back in time to the three major loves of of Will's life: Emily (Elizabeth Banks), April (Isla Fisher) and Summer (Rachel Weisz). He doesn't reveal to Breslin's character or the audience who the mother is and it's unclear who he'll end up with. Overall, it's a fun twist on the old romcom formula. If it didn't seem worthy of movie theater prices, you'll definitely (maybe?) feel good about watching this at home.

Special features include commentary with director Adam Brooks and Ryan Reynolds and deleted scenes.

Two more animated movies so

What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday

BuzzSugar — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 08:30:32 -0700

All of the new DVD releases hit stores (and Netflix) on Tuesdays. So each week in What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday, I sort through the best of the batch and tell you what to add to your queue. In addition to the titles below, you can also pick up Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson's romcom Fool's Gold and the complete Jericho series on DVD.

Be Kind Rewind
Director Michel Gondry is known for a bizarre brand of humor (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind) and Be Kind Rewind delivers just that. It stars Jack Black and Mos Def as friends who have to recreate old movies because Black's character accidentally erases all the videos in Def's video rental store. They tackle classics like Ghostbusters and Driving Miss Daisy using hilarious dumpy props and less-than-special effects. Surprisingly, their remakes are a big hit with customers. I called it a must-see for fans of Gondry, and everyone else might enjoy how endearingly funny Jack Black and Mos Def are as they play off each other.

Extras on the disc include the trailer for the film and a featurette titled "Passaic Mosaic."

A movie and a TV show up next so

What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday

BuzzSugar — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 08:30:05 -0700

All of the new DVD releases hit stores (and Netflix) on Tuesdays. So each week in What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday, I sort through the best of the batch and tell you what to add to your queue.
Army Wives: Season 1
I admitted earlier this month that I'm addicted to the Lifetime series Army Wives when I added it to my must-haves list for June, and when I declared it No. 3 of the top 10 reasons to keep your TV on this Summer. And I'm the first to admit that the show (based on Tanya Biank's memoir Under the Sabers: The Unwritten Code of Army Wives) didn't entice me when I first heard about it. Now, however, I find it to be intelligent, humorous and awfully compelling, given that it centers around the current war.

The second season just premiered last Sunday, so you've got some time to catch up while recording the new episodes.

Special featurettes include titles like: "'Have at It' With the Army Wives" which is a "Q&A Session with the cast of Army Wives featuring questions submitted by fans" and "Wives On the Homefront," including "an inside look at real army wives as they share their fascinating stories and experiences."

Two more titles, so

What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday

BuzzSugar — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 07:30:38 -0700

All of the new DVD releases hit stores (and Netflix) on Tuesdays. So each week in What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday, I sort through the best of the batch and tell you what to add to your queue.

Weeds: Season 3
I added the third season of the hit Showtime series Weeds to my must-haves for June because it's a must-watch before the fourth season starts up this month. This is a series I love to own because I want to watch the lovely Mary-Louise Parker and gang whenever I get the urge.

As I said in my must-haves post, the seasons prior to this one always balanced dark elements with high comedy but this third go-around is mostly dark. New faces in the cast this third season include Matthew Modine playing a real estate mogul and Mary-Kate Olsen as the religious (yet still tokey) girlfriend of Nancy's (Parker) son Silas. Even Carrie Fisher pops up — but that's all I'll say, so as not to spoil the fun.

Special features include eight commentary tracks, the full set of Good Morning Agrestic videos, and a sampler of the show's soundtrack.

Two more new titles — one TV, one movie — up next. So

What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday

BuzzSugar — Tue, 27 May 2008 08:15:03 -0700

All of the new DVD releases hit stores (and Netflix) on Tuesdays. So each week in What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday, I sort through the best of the batch and tell you what to add to your queue. In addition to the titles below you can now rent the fourth film in the Rambo franchise, simply titled Rambo, and Woody Allen's Cassandra's Dream, starring Ewan McGregor and Colin Farrell.

Absolutely Fabulous — Absolutely Everything
"Is it Lacroix Darling? I'll love it if it's Lacroix." — Edina Monsoon. While it might not be Lacroix, it's certainly the next best thing. That's because this Absolutely Fabulous box set, just like its title, has absolutely everything. For a series previously available by season only, this box set compiles every episode from 1992 to 2005.

The British comedy follows Edina, who owns a public relations firm, and her best friend Patsy, who doesn't do much of anything. The duo is consumed by the latest fads and fashion and obsessed with regularly putting drugs and booze — and little else! — into their bodies. Edina's daughter Saffron provides the motherly voice of reason for the out-of-control spinsters. Ab Fab is definitely an acquired taste, but if you are a fan of British humor, I recommend the purchase.

Two more titles if you

What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday

BuzzSugar — Tue, 20 May 2008 08:15:57 -0700

National Treasure: Book of Secrets
Just as the big action-adventure blockbusters roll into theaters this summer, here's a blast from the past (er, a blast from last December). National Treasure: Book of Secrets is available for home viewing, just in case you want more of that genre right now. This is the second in the successful Disney franchise about a group of adventure seekers looking for treasure via American history. In this installment, Nicholas Cage stars as Benjamin Franklin Gates and goes on the hunt with his pals for the truth behind the assassination of President Lincoln by John Wilkes Booth.

It's a wee bit hokey and a lot goofy, but at the end of the day, a lot of moviegoers really like these flicks. Plus, it is nothing if not a family-friendly PG-rated action-adventure that kids will get a kick out of. Special features include cast bloopers and outtakes and featurettes titled "The Book of Secrets: On Location," and "Street Stunts: Creating the London Chase." One featurette struck me as particularly funny: "Inside the Library of Congress" (woo-hoo!).

One more kid-friendly title so

What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday

BuzzSugar — Tue, 13 May 2008 06:30:48 -0700

All of the new DVD releases hit stores (and Netflix) on Tuesdays. So each week in What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday, I sort through the best of the batch and tell you what to add to your queue. In addition to the titles below you can now rent the Diane Lane thriller Untraceable, Francis Ford Coppola's Youth Without Youth, and Mad Money.

The Great Debaters
The Great Debaters stars Denzel Washington (who also directs), Forest Whitaker and newcomer Nate Parker in a movie that is maybe formulaic but also poignant and powerfully acted. As I pointed out in my review, the film borrows the the same elements of storytelling you find in underdog sports movies and inspirational teacher movies. However the film, based on a true story, is no less inspiring thanks to some moving performances.

The movie takes place in Texas circa 1935 when schools were segregated and economic times were hard all around. A group of young black college students work to become a debate team worthy of challenging Harvard. Washington plays the hard-driving debate team coach who encourages his students to succeed. You've definitely seen this all before in one form or another, but it's a great family rental with an inspirational message. The movie was honored earlier this year with an NAACP Award to boot.

Special features include deleted scenes and featurettes titled, "The Great Debaters: An Historical Perspective," and "Learning the Art: Our Young Actors Go to Debate Camp."

One more release to go so

What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday

BuzzSugar — Tue, 06 May 2008 07:30:26 -0700

I'm Not There
I'm Not There was a highly buzzed-about film last year with a lot of the attention focusing on director Todd Haynes' unique conceptualization of Bob Dylan's (or, "a musician like Bob Dylan") life through the years. The talent associated with this film was staggering but the untimely death of one of the stars, Heath Ledger, added even more poignancy to Haynes' ambitious endeavor.

In the movie, six different actors emulate Bob Dylan using different names and appearing in different eras. I wasn't the biggest fan of the film, but other folks were enamored with this movie, more willing than I to ignore the annoying parts and focus on the great performances by Heath Ledger, Cate Blanchett (who won the Independent Spirit award for her role), and Christian Bale. This is a good addition to your queue if you have been curious about this film but would enjoy the luxury of a fast-forward button.

Special features include commentary by director/co-writer Tod Haynes, red carpet footage, and deleted scenes.

Two more titles if you

What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday

BuzzSugar — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 07:30:58 -0700

All of the new DVD releases hit stores (and Netflix) on Tuesdays. So each week in What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday, I sort through the best of the batch and tell you what to add to your queue. In addition to the titles below, you can now rent or own the fourth season of Beverly Hills 90210, which — according to Netflix and my memory—includes moments like Andrea finding out she's pregnant and Brandon meeting Bill Clinton!

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is based on an astonishing true story of Jean-Dominique Bauby, the one-time glamorous editor of Elle France living the high life when he suddenly suffers a stroke and is rendered paralyzed except for the movement of one eyelid. From a premise that sounds unspeakably bleak, director Julian Schnabel (nominated for an Oscar for his work on this film) takes Bauby's own words and whips them into a film imbibed with gorgeous images and touching performances to tell what is actually a very hopeful and life-affirming tale.

I enjoyed this movie very much and think you should consider bumping it up to the top of your queue today. Special features include a featurette titled "Submerged: The making of The Diving Bell and the Butterfly"and a Charlie Rose interview with Julian Schnabel.

Two more titles after the jump, so

What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday

BuzzSugar — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 09:30:01 -0700

All of the new DVD releases hit stores (and Netflix) on Tuesdays. So each week in What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday, I sort through the best of the batch and tell you what to add to your queue. In addition to the titles below you can also watch the Tom Hanks-Julia Roberts political movie Charlie Wilson's War and the horror flick One Missed Call.

Cloverfield
With the release of Cloverfield to DVD it seems like this is one JJ Abrams chapter that has officially come to an end (well, at least until the sequel comes out, and the viral marketing campaign for that will surely precede it by about a year). Cloverfield was so overly hyped that I had some reservations going into the movie, but I was happy to report that I had been worried for nothing. It is a frightening monster movie that kept my heart racing.

This movie also earned a reputation for the shaky-cam visual style making some people feel nauseated, though if you were worried about that on the big screen, your home entertainment center will likely make for a much mellower experience. The movie follows a gaggle of 20-somethings at a going away party in New York. When the city comes under attack by a monster, what ensues is a great balance of action, relief, tender moments and "real-life" drama and humor.

As expected, this DVD is packed full of special features including commentary by director Matt Reeves, alternate endings, and the making of the film.

Two more excellent (albeit dark) films out this week, so

What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday

BuzzSugar — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 09:30:38 -0700

All of the new DVD releases hit stores (and Netflix) on Tuesdays. So each week in What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday, I sort through the best of the batch and tell you what to add to your queue.

Juno
Yes, the day has come. Ladies and gentlemen, Juno is now available to rent or own. Me? I'll own this one because before all the hype and all the Oscar nods (and win), I went to a little movie that warmed my heart and cracked me up, and I knew then that I'd want to take it home and love it forever.

Juno stars Ellen Page, a Minnesota teenager who grows up quickly when she accidentally gets pregnant. The film is just littered with endearing performances from Jason Bateman, Michael Cera, Allison Janney, J.K. Simmons and Jennifer Garner, but some would argue the real star of the film is the snappy script written by Diablo Cody (one of the few screenplay writers to ever become a household name, thanks to this little movie).

The two-disc special edition is loaded with extras for anyone looking to squeeze more goodness out of it. There's audio commentary by director Jason Reitman and Diablo Cody, a gag reel, screen tests (can you imagine Michael Cera doing one of these? So cute!), and a couple of featurettes including one titled, "Cast & Crew Jam."

Two more good ones out this week, so

What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday

BuzzSugar — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 07:30:00 -0700

All of the new DVD releases hit stores (and Netflix) on Tuesdays. So each week in What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday, I sort through the best of the batch and tell you what to add to your queue. In addition to the titles below, you can also rent Reservation Road (not to be confused with Revolutionary Road), and Leonardo DiCaprio's global warming warning, The 11th Hour.

There Will Be Blood
This April is a great month for renting DVDs because a new stellar, Oscar-nominated film seems to come out every week. Today's release is the stirring Paul Thomas Anderson masterpiece, There Will Be Blood. The film is loosely based on Upton Sinclair's novel Oil! and follows the story of an ambitious oil man, Daniel Plainview (Daniel Day-Lewis) as he becomes one of those famed self-made American magnates, a la William Rockefeller and Andrew Carnegie.

If you haven't heard by now that this film is both visually stunning and soul-stirring, and that Daniel Day-Lewis gives the Oscar-winning performance of the year, then you've had a very distracting year. I stuck this movie on my April must-haves list not only because of its classic story of greed vs. compassion, but also because Day-Lewis only seems to emerge to knock one out of the park every five years or so, which in Hollywood years can seem like a lifetime. You'll want to own this one to get you through to 2013 when he's had enough of shoe-making on the Italian Coast or something and decides to show the rest of those amateurs how it's done. Again.

For two more titles that couldn't be more different than each other,

What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday

BuzzSugar — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 09:30:00 -0700

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
It's no secret that Tim Burton's film adaptation of the musical Sweeney Todd was a major critical hit. It racked up tons of awards, including the Golden Globe for Best Picture and several Oscar nominations in visual categories, not to mention a Best Supporting Actor nod to the film's star, Johnny Depp. Accolades aside, this movie is simply a match made in heaven, with Tim Burton's dark film aesthetic falling perfectly in sync with Stephen Sondheim's bloody, scary musical.

Johnny Depp plays Sweeney Todd, the disturbed barber who becomes a psychopathic serial killer after being wrongfully imprisoned. Burton's beautiful visual style along with an outstanding cast that includes Helena Bonham Carter and Alan Rickman make this movie a can't-miss. One word to the wise though: it's incredibly gory — not just lots of blood but also chopped-up human meat. So, proceed with caution if that kind of thing makes your stomach turn.

The special edition two-disc set features behind the scenes footage of the cast in rehearsals as well as a featurette titled, "Sweeney Todd Is Alive: The Real History of the Demon Barber."

A couple lesser-known titles up next so

What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday

BuzzSugar — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 09:30:00 -0700

All of the new DVD releases hit stores (and Netflix) on Tuesdays. So each week in What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday, I sort through the best of the batch and tell you what to add to your queue. In addition to the titles below, you can watch some very funny recorded improv comedy starring Amy Poehler when you rent The Upright Citizens Brigade: Asssscat!

The Kite Runner
If you enjoyed Khaled Hosseini's bestselling novel, you won't be disappointed by how closely the screen adaptation resembles the book in both plot and its ability to tear your feelings apart. I gave this warning in my review and will say it again: The Kite Runner is not for the faint of heart, and some of the most gut-wrenching scenes from the book are even harder to take visually.

That said, there is much to appreciate about this story, which follows two young boys growing up in Afghanistan before and after the Taliban come to power. The relationship between the two friends is beautifully explored, as tense political events unfold around them. When one of the boys stands mutely aside while his best friend is brutalized, the decision sets off a series of mostly agonizing events and haunts him the rest of his life. In the end, however, it's a tale of love and redemption. Special features include commentary from Khaled Hosseini and the filmmakers.

Two more titles to go — one spooky, one that will take you back in time — so

What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday

BuzzSugar — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 06:30:00 -0700

All of the new DVD releases hit stores (and Netflix) on Tuesdays. So each week in What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday, I sort through the best of the batch and tell you what to add to your queue. In addition to the titles below, Guy Ritchie's Revolver and Southland Tales starring Justin Timberlake, The Rock, and Sarah Michelle Gellar are also available today.

Enchanted
Is it just me or does it feel like we've been waiting for this movie to come out on DVD for forever? Enchanted is a treat for anyone who grew up loving those good old-fashioned animated Disney films (remember life before Pixar?). I truly enjoyed this trip down Disney Memory Lane and I know a lot of you did, too. The movie, starring Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, Susan Sarandon, and James Marsden is a wonderfully fun twist on the classic princess tale.

The story centers around Giselle (Adams), an amalgamation of Disney heroines from the days of yore who lives in a land called Andalasia. Giselle's chief concerns are marrying Prince Edward (Marsden), singing, and dancing with forest creatures. Edward's stepmother (Sarandon) is unhappy with Gisele and Edward's relationship, and she uses her evil magic to boot Giselle out of the animated world and into real-world Times Square. Once there, Giselle's simple, optimistic outlook on life is challenged by a force much darker and more cynical than any evil witch: a New York divorce attorney (Dempsey).

This DVD comes with lots of special featurettes including bloopers, a glimpse behind the creation of Andalasia, and extra shorts about Pip's (Giselle's trusty chipmunk friend) adventures.

More romance and adventure coming out this week, so

What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday

BuzzSugar — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 07:30:00 -0700

No Country for Old Men
If you haven't heard about No Country for Old Men, the staggering, Oscar-winning adaptation of Cormic McCarthy's novel, you might well be living under a rock. Not for those looking for warm fuzzies, this is the Coen Brothers at their best: entertaining, dark, and thought-provoking. Javier Bardem (um, how scary is he on that DVD cover?) won a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his portrayal of Anton Chigurh, a demented serial killer whose evilness will haunt you for days. The film also stars Josh Brolin as a man on the run from Chigurh and Tommy Lee Jones a local sheriff on both of their trails.

Though the film's ending is obscure and has left many scratching their heads, I really thought it worked and I was completely entranced by the suspenseful cat-and-mouse plot. If you haven't yet seen this darn-near-perfect flick, now is your chance. Special features include a featurette about the making of the movie and one titled "Diary of A Country Sheriff."

One more release starring a beloved comedian if you

What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday

BuzzSugar — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 09:30:00 -0800

Into the Wild
There has been no shortage of buzz around this heartbreaking and visually stunning film directed by Sean Penn and starring Emile Hirsh. While it didn't make it as far at the Oscars as many hoped it would, it did make it onto my March Must-Haves, and I know many people are just as excited as I am that this movie is finally out on DVD. Into the Wild is based on the best-selling true story by Jon Krakauer all about a young, upper-middle class man with the world at his feet who decides to part with his normal, steady life in search of adventure. He sets out on a journey across the country and eventually ends up alone in the wilderness of Alaska.

The breathtaking scenery and unforgettable characters, along with the thought-provoking tale of a young man's journey on the path less taken makes for an important and moving film. Special features include interesting information about the true-life inspirations for the movie.

For two more selections,

What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday

BuzzSugar — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 07:30:00 -0800

All of the new DVD releases hit stores (and Netflix) on Tuesdays. So each week in What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday, I sort through the best of the batch and tell you what to add to your queue. In addition to the titles below, 30 Days of Night is available if you have the need to get the bejesus scared out of you, and you can finally catch the emotional Extras: The Extra Special Series Finale on DVD.

The Darjeeling Limited
In the latest addition to director Wes Anderson's growing collection of movies that feature dysfunctional families, The Darjeeling Limited gives us Anderson's typically quirky characters, his stylized look and of course some witty, awkward dialogue. The movie stars Adrien Brody alongside Anderson regulars Owen Wilson and Jason Schwartzman as brothers who plan a road trip across India.

The first part of the film contains all the goofy and neurotic trademarks of this director's films, though the story takes an unexpected dark turn in the middle. While there are certainly problems with this movie, fans of Wes Anderson won't be disappointed. The DVD's special features include the film's prequel Hotel Chevalier which stars Natalie Portman.

Two more movies you might enjoy are out this week, so

What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday

BuzzSugar — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 08:30:00 -0800

All of the new DVD releases hit stores (and Netflix) on Tuesdays. So each week in What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday, I sort through the best of the batch and tell you what to add to your queue. In addition to the titles below, wartime movies Rendition and In the Valley of Elah are also out this week. If you missed Noah Baumbach's Margot at the Wedding starring Nicole Kidman, you can add that to your queue as well.

American Gangster
Great timing for this stirring drama to be released on DVD if you're trying to view Oscar nominees before the big ceremony. Director Ridley Scott recreates 1960s and 1970s Harlem to bring the true-life story of Frank Lucas to the silver screen. Played to eerie perfection by Denzel Washington, American Gangster follows Lucas as he comes to power in New York via a heroin drug ring. His savvy business instincts eventually put Lucas' business on par with that of the Italians, and catches the attention of one of the only non-corrupt law enforcement officials in town, Richie Roberts (Russell Crowe).

This film earned Rudy Dee an Oscar nod for her role as Lucas' mother, and has been nominated for Best Achievement in Art Direction. Special features include a taping of the still-living Frank Lucas and Richie Roberts discussing the film and their roles in making it.

Two more interesting films, so

What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday

BuzzSugar — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 10:29:32 -0800

Damages
If you missed FX's summertime legal drama Damages, it's worth viewing now on DVD if only for Glenn Close's performance as Patty Hewes. She's already won the Golden Globe and was nominated for a SAG award for her work on this dark show. It's definitely a treat to check out this stunning Glenn Close performance from the comfort of your own home.

Like Lost, the plot line has a lot of twists and turns, making it a hard one to just jump into mid-season. However, the finale ties everything together in an exciting way and easily sets up an awesome premise for the next season. Special features include a look behind the scenes, audio commentaries and the funny but potentially useful featurette "Understanding Class Action."

A couple more fun choices for you Netflix queue, so