7-List: Recent and up-and-coming DVDs for your shelf
By Marcus Whalbring
Entertainment Editor
When it comes to the necessities of college life, a well-rounded DVD collection can accentuate the average dorm or apartment space. If you happen to have a particular taste in entertainment that no one seems to understand, such as “Weekend at Bernie’s II’” or the third season of “Gilmore Girls,” it’s likely that no one will want to sit on the couch with you on a Friday night. But have no fear. Here is a list of seven DVDs that have been released recently or will be in the near future. Not only does this list consist of classics that most people love, it also has a documentary, the latest Spider-Man flick and a cartoon series to keep the laughs coming.
7. “The Princess Bride: 20th Anniversary Edition,” Nov. 13. Most people probably are familiar with the romantic, epic hero parody. For those who aren’t, “The Princess Bride” is a fairytale-type story that’s great for men and women. It has romance for the ladies, and the gentlemen can enjoy the macho sword-fighting scenes. The new DVD supposedly includes a DVD game and two featurettes on fairytales and fencing.
6. “Close Encounters of the Third Kind: 30th Anniversary Edition,” Nov. 13. Spielberg’s critically acclaimed story of visitors from space is definitely worthy for a DVD library. Special features include an interview with Spielberg and a documentary about the film. Back in the 70s the film was nominated for eight Academy Awards including Best Director, and it won Best Cinematography.
5. “It’s a Wonderful Life” (Two Disc Collector’s Set), Nov. 13. Since the holiday season starts a little earlier every year anyway, having this DVD will be important, just in case Christmas commercials start September of next year. Joking aside, “It’s a Wonderful Life” is a great movie that can be watched any time of the year, and with the new collector’s set, you can watch it in color or the original black and white.
4. “Sicko,” Nov. 6. Michael Moore’s newest documentary investigates the health care system in the United States. The film explores the reasons why the U.S. is the only country that doesn’t offer universal health care. Moore’s earlier documentaries (“Fahrenheit 9/11” and the Oscar winner “Bowling for Columbine”) received more acclaimed responses than “Sicko,” but the film should still provoke thoughtful conversation and debate among its viewers.
3. “Family Guy: Freakin’ Party Pack,” Oct. 30. “Family Guy” fans were given a real treat for Halloween this year. The newest DVD release from Seth MacFarlane’s beloved cartoon featuring the Griffin family is an 18-disc set. It features over 90 episodes, along with a bonus disc that features games and other bonus material. The only problem is that while this set will keep die-hard Family Guy fans occupied until the new year, it comes at a high cost: well over $100. This set may be best asked for as a gift from the folks at Christmas time.
2. “In the Land of Women,” Oct. 30. I know it’s probably a bad idea to admit this, but I actually enjoyed this film. The previews made it look like it was just some sappy teenage love story, but it’s actually not a bad film. It deals with family issues, illness and unexpected attractions, and it’s even kind of funny. It won’t win any Oscars, and Adam Brody (“The O.C.”) is pretty much himself in the film, but it’s a guilty pleasure I’m willing to expose.
1. “Spider-Man 3” or “The Spider-Man Trilogy,” Oct. 30. Fans of the first two films had mixed feelings about the third installment of the Spider-Man story, but for those who own the first two films, completing the series would be a good addition to a DVD collection. For those who don’t have any of them yet, the trilogy is offered for purchase now.
