DVD Pick of the Week: Capote

This week features a nice variety of releases, from Oscar winners to Oscar losers, to those that will never even be near an Oscar. In addition to the films, there are also some good music and television related releases.

This week's Pick of the Week is none other than the "proof that not all gay men are virile cowboys, some are effete New York intellectuals" (Jon Stewart). That movie is the Oscar winning biopic, Capote. The film netted Phillip Seymour Hoffman a Best Actor Oscar for his phenomenal portrayal of the author.

The movie follows Truman Capote during the period where he wrote In Cold Blood. The book is based on the murder of a family in Kansas. During the research, he developed a relationship with one of the accused, Perry Smith.

Prior to this film, I knew nothing about Truman Capote. Of course, I had heard of him, and his books, but outside of that, nothing. This movie has proven to be a fantastic introduction to this strange man. I may even try to read his work. But more than that, it is an absolutely wonderful film that deserves to be seen, if for nothing else, Hoffman's performance.

Also coming out this week:

• Arsenal of Megadeth. A 2 disk collection of videos, live footage, vintage interviews, and a variety of other clips. It is a must have for fans of Megadeth.
• Batman Beyond: The Complete First Season. A surprisingly good future take on the Dark Knight. Bruce Wayne has a new herald to bear his mantle. He comes the first season, replacing the earlier single disk themed releases.
• The Black Crowes: Freak n Roll Into the Fog. A concert disk from the blues rockers, shot during their reunion tour last year. Should be a good show, I had seen them during their "undercover" warm up shows and they sounded great.
• David Bowie: Serious Moonlight. I have seen mixed reviews on this concert video from the early 1980's. In the end, it's Bowie, how bad can it be?
• Derailed. This thriller with Clive Owen and Jennifer Aniston is a decent, if minor, work. I remember liking it, but the details are escaping me.
• Dreamer: Inspired by a True Story. I didn't get to see this in the theaters, but it looked like a quality film. Dakota Fanning is a wonderful young actress, and Kurt Russell is always dependable.
• Everything is Illuminated. Another one missed in the theater. This film looked good, in a quirky sort of way. It marks Liev Schreiber's directorial debut.
• House of the Dead 2. Better than the original, although derivative, this was a fun zombie killing romp. This originally aired as a Sci Fi Channel original.
• Justice League: Season One. After ther Batman and Superman animated era ended, the next logical step was to introduce the full fledged League, and it is done in great fashion.
• Mind of Mencia: Uncensored Season 1. I watch the show sporadically, but each time always ends in fits of laughter.
• Over There: Season 1. It began its run amid controversy, but has proven itself to be a compelling war show. The characters have developed well over the course of the season. Looking forward to season 2.
• Paradise Now. This has been met with its own critics. The film is about a pair of friends who are recruited for a suicide bombing in Tel Aviv.
• The Squid and the Whale. The ending was a bit abrupt, but there is no denying how good this film is. It takes a humous, yet serious look, at the disintegration of the nuclear family.

What are you getting this week?

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