DVD Pick of the Week: Good Night, and Good Luck

Slim week we have here, filled with some A-list must haves, and a few potentially unnecessary double dips. Being what it is, choosing the title to honor this week was pretty easy.

The must have DVD of the week is George Clooney's masterpiece, Good Night, and Good Luck. The movie was nominated for 6 Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Unfortunately, it was unrecognized in all categories. However, that is no slight against the quality of this movie.

The film features a finely focused script, cowritten by Clooney with Grant Heslov. It knows what it wants to do and does it, it doesn't go off wandering into any side plots that are not directly needed for the story proper. Delivering the dialog, a fine assemblage of actors, led by Oscar nominee David Strathairn.

Good Night, and Good Luck chronicles the battle waged between journalist Edward R. Murrow and Senator Joseph McCarthy. McCarthy was hunting for Communists, and Murrow stood up to his fear mongering when no one else did. The movie combines archival footage with gorgeous black and white photography.

In short, see the movie. It is a fine piece of cinema.

Also out this week:

• Babylon 5: The Legend of the Rangers. This was made for the Sci-Fi Channel, and I cannot recall if I have seen it or not. In any case, it has gotten wildly mixed reviews, with many not caring for it at all. I think I should see it first.
• Basic Instinct: Ultimate Edition - Unrated Director's Cut. This has already had a number of releases. This is nothing but there to cash in on the impending, and equally unnecessary, sequel.
• A History of Violence. Here is a great movie that was ignored in some of the categories it should have been nominated for. In any case, it is not the award that makes the movie. Here is a rumination on the long reaching effects of violence in a wonderful story.
• Remember the Titans: Director's Cut. I haven't seen this, despite its positive reception. My question is, do we really need a director's cut?
• Type O Negative: Symphony for the Devil. This was a concert recorded back in 1999 and is the first live release from the masters of gothic metal. Can't wait to get ahold of it.

What are you getting this week?

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