DVD Releases for March 9, 2004

March 8, 2004

Every week films get a second chance at success from the home market; or, in some cases, a first chance at success. Here is a list of wide releases, limited releases and a few from the growing TV on DVD section. It was a really slow week this week. I may not even buy a single DVD tomorrow. How will the industry survive? I guess I'll rent Prey for Rock & Roll - (Buy from Amazon) If you're looking for a DVD recommendation for the week, check out some independent films on DVD. Independent films like Chance, Dagon and Six-String Samurai are definitely worth hunting down.

Here's the highlights, (and some lowlights) of the DVDs released today, January 20, 2004.

Dawn of the Dead - Divimax Edition - (Buy from Amazon)
With the Dawn of the Dead remake less than two weeks away, it's a perfect time to re-release the classic 1978 version. Extras for the DVD include audio commentary, collector's booklet and an advertisement, I mean preview for the remake. Wouldn't be surprised if another special edition came out with more extras by the end of the year.

Futurama - Volume 3 - (Buy from Amazon)
Futurama is another show that never got the audience it deserved while on TV, but has found a second life on DVD. And like many other shows of this nature, the DVD box sets are a way of thanking the loyal fans. Audio commentary on every episode, more than a dozen deleted scenes, Easter eggs and other features are a nice way to say thanks.

Mona Lisa Smile - (Buy from Amazon)
This film was a disappointment, both critically and financially. It was a movie that was looking for Oscar nominations but that didn’t pan out either. The DVD set isn't bare, but it isn't exactly overflowing with features either.

Mystery Science Theater 3000 - Volume 5 - (Buy from Amazon)
Four more episodes beamed to you from the Satellite of Love. The four movies included are Merlin's Shop Of Mystical Wonders, Touch Of Satan, Timechasers, and Boggy Creek II: And The Legend Continues. There are some extras, (introductions and interviews) but I'd much rather have full season sets instead of a mixed bag of best of DVDs.

Prey for Rock & Roll - (Buy from Amazon)
This is almost like a direct to DVD release. The film went nowhere during its theatrical release, which is a shame given all the horrible movies that get wide releases. According to most critics, the best part of this film was Gina Gershon's performance, especially her vocals; so it's nice to see extended concert footage on the DVD. Hopefully it won't be ignored on home market like it was theatrically.

Raquel Welch Collection - (Buy from Amazon)
Five movies from Raquel Welch's career released in one box set. They aren't even her five best films. The best of the bunch is arguably Bandolero! while Myra Breckinridge is considered one of the worst films ever made.

Schindler's List - (Buy from Amazon: Widescreen, Pan and Scan or Gift Set)
Schindler's List earned over $300 million worldwide, was nearly universally praised and won seven Oscars, so it should easily be the pick of the week, right? Well, not so fast. The movie itself is fantastic, but the extras are a little weak for the regular DVDs and the Gift Set is overpriced. And there's still no commentary from director Steven Spielberg. No commentary, no pick of the week. It's still worth a rental.

The Skulls III - (Buy from Amazon)
The second direct-to-DVD sequel to a movie that probably shouldn't have been made in the first place.


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Filed under: DVD and Blu-ray Releases, Home Market Releases, Mona Lisa Smile, Dawn of the Dead, Prey for Rock & Roll