DVD Pick of the Week: Borat

This week is a little slim when it comes to interesting releases, at least for me. Its weeks like these that make writing the introduction a little difficult, knowing what is coming next. There is one thing to look forward to, and that is this week's pick, which also happens to be an Oscar nominee. The rest of the slate has a smattering of interesting titles, but in the end, this is a welcome respite from the recent heavy weeks.

This week's pick is none other than the fakumentary concerning a certain reporter who leaves his native land in order to learn from another land in the hopes of making his home a better place to live. That's right this week's most anticipated releases is none other than Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan. This was hands down one of the funniest films of 2006, right behind Clerks II in my estimation.

Borat is the story of a reporter from a foreign land on a journey across the United States for make glorious conversations with people of United States. This movie was absolutely hilarious, and oftentimes cringe inducing as it dug into the hidden prejudices of the people he meets.

My biggest problem with the movie was the hype. There was such an exorbitant amount of hype surrounding it, making it nearly impossible for the movie to really live up. I was sure getting tired of all of the promotions and interviews which had Sacha Baron Cohen appearing in character. Fortunately the movie was funny enough to stand on its own.

Extras of the DVD include a selevtion of deleted scenes, a Kazakhstan spoof of Baywatch, and a featurette on the promotion.

Also out this week:

• Peter Pan: 2 Disk Platinum Edition. One of Disney's all-time classics. It has gotten the full restoration treatment for this new extras filled release.
• Stargate Atlantis: Season 2. After a lackluster debut season, this sophomore outing found the show catching its stride and turning into an entertaining sci-fi series.
• Night of the Comet. Never seen this one before, but it has quite the cult following, so I am going to have to check it out.
• Fast Food Nation. This I also need to see, it is a fictionalized look inside the industry that spawned the Big Mac. This is from Richard Linklater, based on the book by Eric Schlosser.
• Megadeth: That One Night - Live in Buenos Aires. This latest concert release from the long running metal act is a very good one. This is definitely recommended for the metal fan in all of you.
• Revenge of the Nerds: The Atomic Wedgie Collection. Collecting all of the classic nerd adventures together in one set.
• Let's Go to Prison. This is not a good movie, but it is certainly funny. Will Arnett and Dax Shepard are a good pair. This is worth a rental.

What are you getting this week?