DVD Pick of the Week: This Week is Super, but the Pick Isn't

You could call today Super Tuesday. The market is being flooded with all manner of Super-titles. Box sets, new stuff, old stuff, you name it and its here. That said, my selection for the week does not wear red and blue tights, nor does it wear a cape. I could have gone the easy route and selected one of these titles or sets, but I rarely take the easy route. This week's selection for the title of "must have" goes in a different direction. It does not leave the realm of fandom, but it is not of the genre. Read on to find out.

This week's pick is Kevin Smith's first genuine sequel, Clerks II. It was a long time coming. The tale of his Jersey characters has wound its way through a number of films, but it is only know, 12 years after it all began that they have come back together.

Dante and Randall are back. However, they are not in their familiar locale of the Quik Stop. This time out they are working at the local Mooby's fast food joint. While the location maybe different, the attitudes are the same, and they even brought their buddies Jay and Silent Bob with them, doing their dancing and dealing in the drive through.

I was worried that Smith wouldn't be able to do it. I feared that he would not be able to give these characters the story they needed, or the edge they deserved. In short, I was scared that it would not live up to the original and that it would sully my happy memories of the hilarity I encountered there. All of those fears were for naught as this is one of the funniest movies I have seen all year. Not only is it laugh out loud hilarious, it has a solid heart to it, it is a wondrous blend of over the top gross out humor and genuine feeling. It is a must see and a must own.

Now for the Superman related portion of todays show.

You will have the option getting you Big Blue Boyscout in a variety of flavors. Whatever you desire, new or old, it's here.

• Superman: Ultimate Collector's Edition. This is everything, 14 disks of Superman. It includes most of what follows. The four disk original movie, two disk of Returns, the two disk Donner cut of II, the two disk theatrical II, III, and IV. The final two disk is documentary and interview footage that didn't fit with the rest of the set.
• Superman Returns: Two Disk Special Edition. If you would prefer only the new Brandon Routh version, and you like extras, this is the flavor you want.
• Superman Returns. Perhaps you like the big guy, but don't care for the bells and whistles, this is the single disk version. It is available in widescreen (Yes!) and full screen (Boo!).
• The Christopher Reeve Superman Collection. This includes the original four films, sans Donner cut, equaling 8 disks.
• Superman: The Movie (Four Disc Special Edition). Fully remastered and hopefully gorgeous. This probably has all the supplements you will ever need.
• Superman II: Two Disc Special Edition. Finally, a special edition of this excellent sequel.
• Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut. For those who don't know, the first two films were originally to be made concurrently. Donner shot a bunch of footage for it but left over creative differences once the original was done. Richard Lester took over and reshot some of the footage and filmed more to make the version we know. This new cut is based off of Donner's notes and the footage that was unused in addition to some of what we have already seen. I am looking forward to checking this one out.
• Superman III: Deluxe Edition. I liked this as a kid, but it hasn't aged well. It injects a more comedic feeling with the presence of Richard Pryor.
• Superman IV: The Quest for Peace Deluxe Edition. I have never actually seen this. I have no idea how it escaped my eyes for so long.
• Superman: The Theatrical Serials Collection. These aired in chapters before the main features at the theaters in 1948 and 1950.
• Supergirl. Starring Helen Slater and Faye Dunaway, this is for those of you who like a little less testosterone with your heroes. It is a flawed, but oddly enjoyable film featuring the cousin of Kal-El.

Also out this week:

• Bones: Season One. David Boreanaz and Emily Deschanel star in this medical mystery series. It stands apart from the others by having a stronger focus on the main characters at the expense of the mystery, plus a good dose of humor. It is enjoyable and a little easier to watch than the CSI shows.
• Robin Hood: Most Wanted Edition. Disney's take on the character is an enjoyable one with a fox stepping into the shoes of the arrow shooting rebel. I really like this incarnation.
• Dane Cook: Vicious Circle. I find Cook to be a little hit or miss. He can be as funny as he can be annoying, where does this fall?
• An Evening with Kevin Smith 2: Evening Harder. The perfect tie in with the release of Clerks II, Smith puts himself in front of an audience for an extended chat.
• The Ant Bully. Mediocre and forgettable, but the kids seem to like it.
• See No Evil. The first movie from WWE Films. It is an entertaining horror romp. It doesn't break any new ground, but what it does, it does well.
• Van Wilder: Two Disk Gone Wilder Edition. Never got around to seeing this, but the the sequel right around the corner, it is the perfect time for a new edition of the original.
• Die Before I Wake. Never heard of this, but it looks like an interesting horror film. It is centered in a town that is under quarantine and the strange denizens that lurk in the shadows. Besides, I like th title, and the cover looks cool.
• Mamoru Oshii: Cinema Trilogy Collection. Looking for something a little outside the norm? Check this set out. It contains three films, The Red Spectacles, Stray Dog: Kerberos Panzer Cops, and Talking Head. I have only seen the first, but they offer up a little something off the beaten path.

What are you getting this week?