New on DVD
North by Northwest: 50th Anniversary Edition
Not Rated
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
In this Hitchcock classic Carey Grant is Roger O. Thornhill, a mild-mannered advertising executive who is mistaken for an undercover agent named George Kaplan. This case of mistaken identity sets him off on a dangerous adventure around the country with some of the most memorable set pieces in movie history such as a plane attacking him in a cornfield with nowhere to hide and the grand finale at Mount Rushmore. If you have seen this film you will probably agree that this is one of the most entertaining films ever made. If you haven’t seen it then shame – get it! This new edition is loaded down with special features including a commentary by screenwriter Ernest Lehman, a brand new documentary on Hitchcock and a music only score featuring the composition of Bernard Hermann. A+
The Maiden Heist
Rated PG-13 for some strong language, nudity and brief fantasy violence
Available on DVD
Morgan Freeman, Christopher Walken, and William H. Macy are security guards for a museum determined to steal pieces that they can’t live without when they discover that the exhibit is moving to Europe. This is one of those of the films that you hate not to like. The three have good enough chemistry, but the script is just not that great and the film lacks the energy needed to keep the pacing up. I’m not sure why Sony decided to go straight to DVD with this one being that it might have had a small art house crowd, especially amongst older audiences. C
Rocky: The Undisputed Collection
Available on Blu-ray
This collection of all six Rocky films on blu-ray sounded a little hoakie at first, but after digging in I forgot just how fun the Rocky franchise has been. The first Rocky was a truly ground-breaking film and the second a great compliment. But then how can you not love Rocky taking on Mr. T and Dolph Lundgren in 3 and 4 as well? The films were total formula but the formula works. Rocky 5 was a stinker, but 6 was tight and to the point. Containing both brilliance and cheese in the same box set, this is a terrifically entertaining set of fight pics. A-
Mummies: Secrets of the Pharaohs
Unrated
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
This IMAX documentary film about how mummies were discovered and created is a fascinating and stunningly filmed look at a world very few people will be familiar with. Using historical recreations to dramatize the ancient Egyptian world and modern science to unravel the mummies’ secrets (no pun intended) the film should provide an interesting educational experience for kids and adults. What’s most surprising is how much is packed into only 39 minutes of film. The only negative is they tried too hard to show how the mummies of old were helping medicine of today and the link seemed a little weak. If anything, it wasn’t interesting enough to put into an IMAX presentation. B
Say Anything: 20th Anniversary Edition
Rated PG-13
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
It’s hard to believe that twenty years have passed since this classic high school romance hit screens. John Cusack was just an unambitious teenager who wanted to date the smartest girl in school, played by Ione Skye. The two had an unbelievable chemistry, which played against a Peter Gabriel soundtrack that most of us around my age can still recite even now. This new edition holds up great. The movie looks like a period piece that was made yesterday, except with a starry-eyed Cusack. The disc is full of special features including an engaging trivia track that plays while you are watching the film and a great interview with director Cameron Crowe. A