This week's must have DVD is not a recent blockbuster, nor is it a long awaited television series. This week's pick is a classic from a bygone era of science fiction. It was a time when robots were cool and Leslie Nielsen hadn't yet veered into the land of the spoofs. The pick, if you failed to read the subject is Forbidden Planet. It is a film that has stood the test of time and remained a classic of American cinema. Despite its silly effects and sets, at least by modern standards, it is a film that has created its own world and plays by its rules.
Originally released on DVD way back in 2000, it has been a must have for any DVD collector's collection. Unfortunately, it was a barebones release that was not without its image problems. I put off getting the disk as there were always rumors swirling of an upgraded release being right around the corner. This was originally slated for release last year, but was never officially announced. So, there was much rejoicing when this release was finally announced.
The new release boasts newly restored audio and video, as well as a host of extras. Among the extras are additional scenes, previously thought lost footage, and a pair of Robbie vehicles (including the 1958 MGM feature film The Invisible Boy), among a plethora of others. Going even beyond that, Warner is offering an Ultimate Edition that comes packaged in a nice looking tin, a collection of lobby cards, and a miniature replica of Robbie, plus an offer for a replica of the original poster.
This classic of 1950's cinema, based on Shakespeare's The Tempest, is a film that belongs in every film collection. This set looks like the perfect way to fill that hole.
Also out this week:
- The Da Vinci Code. One of the biggest films of the year, just in time for the holiday's. The perfect film to give as a gift considering its religious themes. I thought it was good, if not nearly as good as I was led to believe going in.
- Family Guy: Volume 4. Love the show and I cannot wait to see this added to my collection.
- Looney Tunes: Golden Collection Volume Four. It is impossible to go wrong with these collections, classic animation, classic comedy make for the perfect combination for fun.
- Adventures of Superman: The Complete Fifth and Sixth Seasons. The final two seasons of George Reeves as the Man of Steel. I have limited exposure to this series, but I bet I would have been all over it as a kid.
- Who Killed the Electric Car? I do not know, perhaps this film will shine a light in the direction of the culprits.
- King Kong: Deluxe Extended Edition. Just when you though it couldn't get any longer, here is a longer version of the Peter Jackson retake. It is also available in a deluxe edition that has a replica of Kong on the Empire State building.
- John Tucker Must Die. I heard this was a rather poor film, but cannot directly comment, outside of thinking the trailer looked rather dull.
- Adventures of the Gummi Bears: Vol. 1, Seasons 1-3. One of my lesser choices of the Disney post-school era, Watch as the candy comes to life and drinks juice to make them bounce. Remember kids, don't do drugs, you won't bounce.
- Ducktales: Volume 2. Uncle Scrooge and the gang in the second go around on the shiny disks. This I liked.
- Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers: Volume 2. The chipmunks continue their globetrotting adventures.
- Oldboy: Three Disc Ultimate Collector's Edition. Chan Wook Park's revenge classic in a nice tin, in a nice set with plenty of extras. Absolutely wonderful movie.
- Accepted. Surprisingly good film pitting the concept of a new educational model against the old school establishment.
- Maniac Cop: Special Edition. Bruce Campbell as a young cop on the trail of a killer cop.
What are you getting this week?
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