New in Home Entertainment
November 23, 2010
The Six Million Dollar Man: The Complete Collection
Available on DVD
In 1974, six million dollars could rebuild a man into a superhero. Now, in 2010, it might pay for a hip replacement, depending on your insurance. All kidding aside, there are few iconic television shows as deeply revered as The Six Million Dollar Man starring Lee Majors as Steve Austin, a crippled test pilot that is given a second shot at life when the scientists put him back together better and stronger than he was before. Time Life is now releasing this set, which includes 40 DVDs full of more 1970’s splendor than you can possibly wish for including every episode of the show, three pilot and three reunion movies, all Bionic Woman crossover episodes, 17 featurettes and more, all digitally remastered for this release. Unfortunately, they made it so you can only purchase it at www.6mdm.com for a very hefty chunk of change, but if you are a fan, it will be money well spent. “Gentlemen, we can rebuild him. We have the technology.” B+
Valhalla Rising
Not Rated
Available on DVD
When a mute ultra-warrior simply known as One Eye slays his viking captors, he teams with a group of soldiers on their way to the Crusades. After their boat escapes from an endless fog, they find themselves in a new world, nowhere near their destination, and in great danger from the natives. This uber-violent art film is unique in the fact that it is too bloody for most independent film aficionados, but not flashy enough to be enjoyed by action lovers. It is beautifully filmed and well acted, but there is a clear lack of any sort of narrative or plot. Many will appreciate the raw brutality, but I fear that most will just wonder where the film is going and why is this a journey worth watching. B-
The Disappearance of Alice Creed
Rated R for violent content, pervasive language and some sexuality/nudity
Available on DVD and Blu-ray
The story begins as two very scary-looking men prepare for what will soon be the kidnapping of a young woman named Alice Creed. After she is kidnapped, she is bound to a bed with a gag in her mouth, held for ransom in the hopes of taking millions off of her estranged father. But the tides turn when she discovers that one of the kidnappers is someone she is close to. This is a very tough film to watch due its graphic nature, but the writing and acting are incredibly solid by all involved. What appears to start out as a vile snuff film turns into a fast-paced thriller with only three actors getting screen time. I especially liked the twists and turns throughout the piece that lead to a very surprising ending. A-