HOT TUB TIME MACHINE *— Best title since Snakes on a Plane! John Cusack, Craig Robinson, Clarke Duke & Rob Corddry work the premise will comedic flair. The DVD & Blu-ray are UNRATED for a gross-out level equivalent to The Hangover.   SALE

THE WHITE RIBBON *—Michael Haneke’s unsettling tale of bizarre occurrences in a German village on the eve of WWI was nominated for an Oscar for Best Foreign Language film & Best Cinematography. Please read more over on local film critic Sean Axmaker’s blog. SALE

BASS ACKWARDS—Local filmmaker/Stranger Genius award winner Linas “Walking to Werner” Phillips’ soul-searching road movie.

EDGE OF QUARREL—It’s the straightedgers vs. the punks in this local film from 2000 starring Rocky Votolato, Botch and The Murder City Devils.

WHEN YOU’RE STRANGE: A FILM ABOUT THE DOORS*–Johnny Depp narrates Tom DiCillo’s revealing documentary about Jim Morrison & The Doors.

THE CRAZIES *—The recent remake of George Romero’s 1973 film features a town ravaged by a deadly toxin that turns people…CRAZY! It stars Radha Mithcell and Justified’s Timothy Olyphant.

THE WARLORDS *—Jet Li, Takeshi Kaneshiro and Andy Lau form a blood-soaked brotherhood in this action-packed historical epic.

CREATION—Paul Bettany is Charles Darwin in the biopic which focuses on his relationship with his eldest daughter Anne (Martha West) & wife (Jennifer Connelly) while writing On The Origin of Species.

PERCY JACKSON & THE OLYMPIANS: THE LIGHTNING THIEF *—The adventure begins as Percy learns of his mythological heritage and sets out to prove it wasn’t he who stole the lightning.

LIVING ROOM CINEMA: FILMS FROM HOME MOVIE DAY-VOLUME 1—A compilation of home movies screened over the years at Home Movie Day screenings across the country.

WHOPHIN 11—The latest issue of McSweeney’s DVD magazine features time traveling Vikings, Werner Herzog as the voice of a plastic bag, and the world’s most dangerous jog:

EVERLASTING MOMENTS *—The Emigrants director Jan Troell’s latest film is based on the moving true story of a woman who found her voice through photography. It’s now available from The Criterion Collection. SALE

NIGHT TRAIN TO MUNICH—Carol Reed’s thrilling, romantic WWII adventure starring Rex Harrison & Margaret Lockwood is now on Criterion. You can see a bit on the Criterion website.

THE LEOPARD—The Criterion edition of Luchino Visconti’s dazzling period epic is now on Blu-ray. It includes both the original Italian version & the shorter English-language release (with Burt Lancaster’s real voice!).

MICMACS—If you missed Jean-Pierre “Amelie” Jeunet’s latest at SIFF, we’ve got the PAL import available now.

ANIME NEW RELEASES

Bleach Vol. 28—The Arrancar
Initial D: Project D Fourth Stage, Part 2

FAMILY NEW RELEASES

Ben 10: Alien Force—Volume 7
Clash of the Titans: Season 1 Volume 1
Flicka 2
ICarly:ISaved Your Life
Madeline’s Great Adventures
Max & Ruby: A Visit with Grandma
Star Struck (Extended Edition)
Yo Gabba Gabba! Clubhouse
Zorg and Andy

NEW BLU-RAY: FORMAT OF THE FUTURE

Black Sabbath: Paranoid
Circle of Pain
Emerson, Lake & Palmer: Live at Montruex
Entourage: Season 6
Five Minutes of Heaven
Illusionist
Moody Blues: Threshold of a Dream
Power Kids
Remember Me
Sanctuary: Season 1
Sanctuary: Season 2
Shadows, The: The Final Tour
Supernatural: Season 1
Tromeo & Juliet
Uncle Sam (1997)
Wild Things: Foursome

NEW TV ON DVD

Eureka: Season 3.5
Hoarders: Season 1
Van Der Valk Mysteries: Set 2
Warehouse 13: Season 1

NEW IMPORTS & FOREIGN FILMS

Alone (2007)(Code 3)—Thailand
Around 40 (2008)—Japan
Away With Words (1998)(PAL Code 2)—Hong Kong
Beautiful (2009)—Australia
Black Jack (1979)(PAL Code 2)—UK, Ken Loach director’s cut
Blue Brave: The Legend of Formosa in 1895 (2008)—Taiwan
Body (2007)—Thailand
Boy Meets Ghost (2006)(Code 3)—Japan, live action manga
Burning Paradise (1994)—Hong Kong, directed by Ringo Lam
Colic (2007)(Code 3)—Thailand
Empyreal Doctor (2006)—China
Father & Son (2008)(PAL Code 2)—UK
Gabai Granny (2006)(Code 3)—Japan
The Graduates (2007)(Code 3)—Japan
Grand Jeu (1934)(PAL Code 2)—France
Jennie: Lady Randolph Churchill (1974)—UK
It Started With a Kiss (2005)—Taiwan (TV series)
Kirakira Kenshui (2007)—Japan
Love Games (1979)—Italy
Luther (2010)(PAL Code 2)—US
Melody Time (Uncensored)(PAL Code 2)—US
My Sister, My Love (2007)(Code 3)—Japan
New Blood (2002)—Hong Kong
Nine Girls and a Ghost (2002)—China
Nobody Is Perfect (2008)(Code 3)–US
Our School’s E.T. (2007)(Code 3)—Korea  Every school should have an E.T.!
Police (1985)(PAL Code 2)—France, directed by Maurice Pialat
Ready When You Are, Mr. McGill (1976)(PAL Code 2)—UK
Romantic Princess (2007)—Taiwan, live action manga
Sandok (1965)—Italy, directed by Umberto Lenzi
Submission Of A Woman (1991)—Italy (Giallo!)
Suspect X (2007)(Code 3)—Japan
Tank Malling (1989)(PAL Code 2)—UK
10 Promises To My Dog (2008)(Code 3)—Japan
Tokyo Train Girls 2-4 & Private Lessons (2009)—Japan
Tracing Shadows (2009)—Hong Kong
Tripping (2006)(Code 3)—Taiwan
Valhalla Rising (2010)(PAL Code 2)—Denmark/UK  New Viking action from Pusher director & friend of the store Nicolas Winding Refn
Van Diemen’s Land (2009) (PAL Code 4)—Australia
Wild Target (1993)(PAL Code 2)—France

NEW IMPORT FOOTBALL DVDs

Arsenal: Season Review 2009-10 (PAL Code 2)
Barclay’s Premier League: 2009-10 Season Review (PAL Code 4)
Manchester United: Season Review 2009-10 (PAL Code 2)
World Cup Final 1966: England vs. West Germany (PAL Code 2)

NEW KOREAN TV SERIES

Far And Away Nation
General Hospital 2
Hard Love
Loving You
Miss Kim’s Million Dollar Quest
My Man’s Woman
My Older Sister
My Sweet City
Oh! Pilseung Bong Soon Young
Person I Love
Princess Lu Lu
Seo Dong Yo
Three Dads and One Mom
War of Money
Winter Bird
Women Of The Sun
Young Jae’s Golden Days

NEW DOCUMENTARIES, ART, MUSIC, STAND-UP COMEDY & OTHER NON-FICTION FARE

Art of Violin—“The 20th century’s most celebrated violinists, including Jascha Heifetz, Fritz Kreisler, David Oistrakh, Yehudi Menuhin, Isaac Stern, and Eugene Ysaye, take well-deserved bows in this collage of rare archival footage. Audiences will savor the unique sound and style of each influential artist. Additional segments feature contemporary violin virtuosos such as Itzhak Perlman, Ida Haendel, Hilary Hahn, Ivry Gitlis, and Mstislav Rostropovich.”

Atomic Journeys: Welcome to Ground Zero—“Visit and experience America’s original nuclear weapons testing sites… Through the use of spectacular, never-before-seen nuclear test footage, travels to ten former testing sites and explores the history, physical changes resulting from the tests and current condition of these amazing and important places.”

Edward Biberman: Brush With Life: “Brush With Life: The Art of Being Edward Biberman brings alive a remarkable artist’s passionate journey through a turbulent century. Both epic and surprisingly intimate, the film presents a classic American immigrant saga, an inspiring search for artistic independence, and a great romance. Along the way, Biberman’s growing commitment to social justice and struggle against McCarthy-era repression (his brother, director Herbert Biberman, went to prison as one of The Hollywood Ten) combine with his efforts to create both a loving family life and a groundbreaking body of work. With its grand scope, rich personalities, and vast array of breathtaking artwork, Brush With Life connects us in a deeply personal way to a brilliant artist who lived by the same high standards he set for his paintings.”

La Boheme—A 2010 production by the English National Opera.

Brock Enright: Good Times Will Never Be The Same *—“Artist Brock Enright packs a minivan and travels across the country with his longtime girlfriend Kirsten Deirup to create his first major New York City solo show at her family’s cabin in Mendocino, California. Brock dives into his work, disregarding the gallery’s mandated budget, schedule, and Kirsten’s financial concerns for life after the show. The couple soon begins making an often violent and sexually graphic road film that pushes boundaries and sets the artist on an irreversible path toward an impending emotional breakdown.”

Follow Me (1969)—“In the tradition of Endless Summer, Follow Me is a surfing documentary/travelog that has not been screened in 40 years until now. Three young people, Claude Codgen, Mary Lou McGinnis, and Bob Purvey, eager for exciting new experiences, band together in what they call the Surf Corps and take off on a round-the world search for adventure.”

Frontline: Dancing Boys of Afghanistan—“ In Afghanistan today an ancient tradition has re-emerged, it’s called Bacha Bazi, translated literally as, boy play. Boys, some as young as eleven, are dressed in woman’s clothes, taught to sing and dance for the entertainment of male audiences, and then sold to the highest bidder or traded among the men for sex. The Afghan authorities responsible for stopping these crimes are sometimes themselves complicit in the practice.”

Global Brain/White Hole In Time—Global Brain: “Peter Russell’s original ground-breaking video explores the idea of the Earth as an integrated self-regulated living organism (Gaia), and considers what function the human race may be playing in this system.” The White Hole In Time: “Peter Russell proposes that we stand on the threshold of a major leap in evolution, as significant as the emergence of life itself, and the essence of this leap is inner spiritual development.”

Gold (1968)(40^th Anniversary Edition)—“In 1968, filmmaker Bob Levis led a rag-tag band of dreamers, drop outs and drug-happy darlings into the wilderness to make a movie and emerged months later with Gold, a bizarre and beautiful journey into the mind and madness of the late 1960s – one overflowing with fantasies of revolution, recreation and raunchy free love. At once a western, a comedy, a nudie, a drama and a musical – Gold is a profound potpourri made in the spirit of shaking down square society, while systematically shattering every movie rule in the process.”

How The Earth Changed History *—“This series reveals for the first time on television how geology, geography and climate have had a far more powerful influence on mankind than has previously been acknowledged. With passionate storytelling and extraordinary HD camerawork, this series combines bold ideas with a new science, geo-determinism, to form an original version of human history. Discover why societies have succeeded or failed, and how the environment has influenced every aspect of our history from art to industry, religion to war, world domination or collapse. This series overturns preconceptions about our nations and our cultures to offer a new perspective on who we are today.”

I’m No Dummy—“This whimsical and insightful documentary about ventriloquism gives comedy fans a ‘behind the strings’ glimpse in the world of ‘venting.’”

Rem Koolhaas: A Kind of Architect—Meet the man who made our downtown library! “Rem Koolhaas: A Kind of Architect is an engaging portrait of a visionary man that takes us to the heart of his ideas. Directors Markus Heidingsfelder and Min Tesch have made a visually inventive, thought-provoking portrait of the architect, prompting Rem Koolhaas to state, ‘It’s the only film about me that I have liked.’”

Merry Widow (2010)—A production by the National Ballet of Canada.

National Geographic: Traveler’s Guide To The Planets—“National Geographic takes off beyond Earth’s boundaries for the ultimate tour of our solar system. From Mars’ monstrous mountains to Saturn’s glittering rings, the sights are out of this world.”

NOVA: Mind Over Money—“Mind Over Money investigates the shattering impact the recent global financial meltdown had on how economists think. Why did so few of the brightest minds in finance not only fail to predict the crash but also argue that it was impossible? With insights from experts and scientific experiments that highlight the hidden money drives in us all, NOVA explores a seismic shift in our efforts to understand the marketplace.”

Real Story: Escape From Alcatraz—“On the night of June 11, 1962, three prisoners, convicted bank robbers Frank Lee Morris and brothers Clarence and John Anglin, achieved the impossible, breaking out of Alcatraz, a.k.a. ‘The Rock,’ the world’s most impregnable prison. Or did they? Their absence was discovered during a routine morning count. Strenuous efforts to track down the convicts proved futile. But were they actually free … or lost in a doomed escape? The Real Story: Escape From Alcatraz recounts the true tale behind the break-out, featuring interviews with key individuals, including Darwin Coon, the inmate who assisted them, the wardens who discovered them missing and the FBI agents who tried to track them down.

Rifftrax Shorts: Rifftrax Plays With Their Shorts & Shorts-A-Poppin’—The former MST3Kers humorously riff on a variety of short films.

Run, Ricky, Run—From the ESPN 30 for 30 Series: “In 2004, Heisman Trophy winner and professional football running back Ricky Williams traded adulation and a mansion in South Florida for anonymity and a $7 a night tent in Australia. Failing two drug tests and rumored to have failed a third, his decision to retire created a media frenzy that dismantled his reputation. But while most in the media thought Williams was ruining his life by leaving football, Ricky thought he was saving it. With interviews from family, friends, teammates and former coaches, filmmaker Sean Pamphilon takes a revealing look at one of football’s most fascinating athletes and his five-year hiatus from the game and how his journey ultimately led to redemption as father, husband and teammate.”

16^th Man—The real story behind Clint Eastwood’s Invictus from the ESPN’s 30 by 30 Series. “Rugby has long been viewed in South Africa as a game for the white population, and the country’s success in the sport has been a true source of Afrikaner pride. When the 50 year old policies and entrenched injustices of apartheid were finally overthrown in 1994, Nelson Mandela’s new government began rebuilding a nation badly in need of racial unity. So the world was watching when South Africa played host to the 1995 Rugby World Cup.”

Smile Pinki—The 2008 Oscar winner for Best Documentary Short follows Pinki, a young Indian girl born with a cleft lip on her journey to get life changing surgery. Visit www.smiletrain.org for more information on how you can help kids like her around the world.

Soul of a People—“Soul of a People is the powerful story behind a controversial public assistance program, the Federal Writers Project, one of four arts programs of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Works Progress Administration. Thousands of writers,including Richard Wright, Saul Bellow and John Cheever, traveled throughout the country to interview ordinary people for a series of state guidebooks. But controversy ignited when they portrayed not only our triumphs, but our tragedies as well.”

Hal Sparks: Charmageddon—Stand-up comedy from the star of many VH1 I Love The _____(insert decade here) specials and the US version of Queer As Folk.

Street Stops Here—“Intimate and inspiring, The Street Stops Here is a portrait of the nation’s best high school basketball coach, Bob Hurley, Sr. and his career-long struggle to inspire and motivate those around him in order to keep the doors of a poor, inner-city Catholic school open.”

Walk Into The Sea: Danny Williams & The Warhol Factory—“Walk Into The Sea: Danny Williams & The Warhol Factory ia director Esther Robinson’s personal inquiry into the truth behind her Uncle Danny Williams’ mysterious 1966 disappearance. Virtually unknown today, Danny was Andy Warhol’s lover, and a promising young filmmaker. he discovery of 20 never-before-seen films William’s made during his time at the Factory– and whose many subjects include Andy Warhol, Edie Sedgwick, Paul Morrissey, Brigid Berlin, Billy Name and what may be the earliest known footage of the Velvet Underground— reveals a luminous talent and a stark gap in the historical record.”

Walk With the Master: Story of the Sites of Buddha—“The history of Buddhism is told in this unique program, as we make the journey Buddha himself took during his lifetime. Walk With the Master explores Buddha’s life and legacy and the Buddhist religion. This detailed documentary is filled with facts and information and is accompanied by an wonderful blend of visuals, including present day footage of the sites, reconstructions of key events, art and animations.”

John Wooden: Values, Victory and Peace of Mind—“Values, Victory and Peace of Mind presents the greatest coach of the 20th Century– Coach John Wooden–teaching his powerful values-based philosophy of how to achieve competitive greatness in sports, business and life. John Wooden’s UCLA basketball dynasty won an incredible ten national championships, seven of them in consecutive years producing perfect season after perfect season. Yet for John Robert Wooden winning was never his standard for success. How you win or lose is the ultimate test. The Pyramid of Success contains his formula for achieving this highest victory, for winning the Wooden way.”

NEW FROM THE WARNER ARCHIVES

Bureau of Missing Persons (1933)-“Demoted to working in the “kindergarten” of the police department, tough cop Butch Saunders (Pat O’Brien) goes all soft at the center when a sweet blonde (Bette Davis) walks into the Bureau of Missing Persons looking for her missing husband. When it turns out her husband is both a murder victim and a bachelor – and that the blonde is suspect #1, Butch comes up with a scheme to crack the case.”

Come Live With Me (1941)—“Beautiful Austrian political refugee “Johnny” Jones is about to be deported, leaving the loving arms of a married Manhattan publisher for the waiting arms of the Nazis. The solution: instant citizenship via a marriage of convenience with flat-broke writer Bill Smith, in which the only thing they’ll share is the same last name. Hedy Lamarr plays Johnny and James Stewart plays Bill. Think there’s any chance this marriage will remain strictly business?”

Conquest (1937)—“The seventh and final collaboration between Greta Garbo and her favorite director Clarence Brown, Conquest vividly recreates one of the most celebrated romances in history: the ill-fated love affair between Polish countess Marie Walewska (Garbo) and the Emperor of France, Napoleon Bonaparte (Charles Boyer in the first of his three career Oscar®-nominated* performances).”

Endangered Species (1982)—“The Colorado prairie has become a graveyard. Mutilated cattle, their organs surgically removed, litter the high country. Is this the gruesome work of a Satanic cult? Of extraterrestrials? Of conspirators who arrive and leave in mysterious black helicopters? The locals are terrified – and it falls to their new sheriff (JoBeth Williams) and a troubled cop (Robert Urich) to unravel an eerie skein of deception and danger to discover the stunning truth.”

Fog Over Frisco (1934)—“Bette Davis and Margaret Lindsay portray stepsisters from a society family in this atmospheric tale of crime and punishment in the City by the Bay. One sister is amiable, upright, eager to uphold the family name. The other is volatile, risk-taking, a moth hovering too close to the flame of high-living lowlifes who launder stolen bonds.”

Girl From 10^th Avenue (1935)—“Bette Davis plays working girl Miriam Brady, who rescues heartbroken attorney and society man Geoffrey Sherwood (Ian Hunter) from his public bout of blues in a bottle, marries him and then tries to keep him when Geoffrey’s former flame resurfaces. Among the highlights: an ex-Floradora girl (Alison Skipworth) enlightening Miriam in the smart set’s dos, don’ts and don’t-you-dares.”

Gorgeous Hussy (1936)—“The sassy daughter of a local innkeeper, Peggy O’Neill (Joan Crawford) uses her smarts and good looks – not to mention her close personal friendship with President Andrew Jackson (Lionel Barrymore) – to make a scandalous impression on Washington’s power elite in this lavish adaptation of Samuel Hopkins Adams’ bestselling novel.”

Hell’s Heroes (1930)/Three Godfathers (1936)—“Western fans have saddled up often with these desperados. At least 5 versions – tales of grim men sacrificing their own well-being for the safety of an infant they find while on the lam from a bank heist – have come to the screen. The gritty Hell’s Heroes (with Charles Bickford, Raymond Hatton and Fred Kohler, directed by William Wyler), says Leonard Maltin’s Classic Movie Guide, ‘is probably the most satisfying and certainly the least sentimental’ of the versions. Three Godfathers (with Chester Morris, Walter Brennan and Lewis Stone, directed by Richard Boleslawski) adds touches of humor to the early pre-heist scenes before settling into the tale’s profound power and is described by the Guide as ‘little-seen and underrated.’”

Love Is On The Air (1942)/You Can’t Escape Forever (1937)—“Newshounds battle gangsters in two light-hearted, lightning-paced crime-time capers. Ronald Reagan makes his screen debut in Love Is on the Air as a radio announcer (Reagan’s real-life job before Hollywood) who’s bounced to the kiddies’ hour when he pursues a gangster against his sponsor’s wishes. But with the help of a young fan, he gets the gangster, the story and a live-broadcast finale enlivened by whizzing bullets. George Brent takes the plotline to the newsroom in You Can’t Escape Forever. This time our hero is an editor demoted to advice-to-the-lovelorn duty who proves that a real newsman can mend broken hearts and collar a crime boss on the same beat.”

Madame X (1929-1937)—“Beautiful Jacqueline Floriot deserts her family for an illicit affair. Betrayed by love and scorned by her husband, she descends into a life of depravity. Years later she murders a brute who plans to reveal her past …and is defended by a young lawyer she does not know is her own son. Double the heartache is yours in these two versions of the classic story of a woman’s virtue lost and a mother’s devotion found.”

Make Me A Star (1932)/Merton Of The Movies (1947)—“ Stars in their eyes – laughter in the aisles! Two famed funnymen portray small town hick and Hollywood hopeful Merton Gill in the comedic tale that was first a novel, a beloved (and periodically reprised) stage hit and a silent film. Stuart Erwin adds a wistful note to Merton’s Tinseltown dream in 1932’s Make Me a Star. Red Skelton shows his gift for turning situations into extended gags in 1947’s Merton of the Movies.”

Navy Blues (1929)—“Sailor beware! That sweet trick with the big eyes is looking for more than a good time. She wants a ring! As bad-boy tar Jack Kelly, silent-film leading man William Haines brings his trademark humor, charm and amazing good looks to his first Talkie and proves to be as hear-worthy as he is see-worthy.”

…AND MORE MOVIES

Adopted—“Comedian Pauly Shore attempts to adopt a child during a trip to Africa. Determined to leave his playboy past behind and create the kind of ‘instant family’ enjoyed by such celebrities as Madonna and Angelina Jolie, Shore enlists the aid of a social worker friend in taking a variety of African ‘orphans’ on day-trips to test their compatibility. As Shore’s politically incorrect quest intensifies, he explores a foreign land and makes some new friends.”

Bonnie’s Kids (1974, Special Edition)—“Get ready for one of the true lost classics of 70s exploitation cinema: Tiffany Bolling (The Centerfold Girls) and Robin Mattson (All My Children) deliver eye-popping performances as small town sisters who murder their pervert stepfather and flee to the big city, where they’ll tangle with horny private eyes, predatory lesbians, $400,000 in stolen mob money, and a bantering pair of black and white hitmen (Alex Rocco of The Godfather and Timothy Brown of Nashville) that historians cite as a key inspiration for Pulp Fiction.”

Coach (2010)—A slacker with a trust fund (or trustafarian) whose ditched by his girlfriend for having no motivation decides to prove her wrong by coaching a middle school soccer team. Complications, life lessons, and some hilarity ensues. It stars Hugh Dancy & Mamie Gummer.

Cold Storage—“A backwoods recluse steals the body of a young girl killed in a violent car crash, locking her in the freezer of his isolated shed as her sister and boyfriend search frantically for any clues to her whereabouts. The woman of Clive’s dreams may be dead, but she’ll always be true and she’ll never grow old – at least as long as he keeps her on ice. When Cathy and Deric show up looking for the missing traveler, Clive takes them both hostage in a sinister bid to hide his ghoulish secret.” It stars Nick Searcy, Joelle Carter, Matt Keeslar and Jeffrey Pillars.

Control Alt Delete—“After getting dumped by his girlfriend, stressed-out computer programmer Lewis Henderson decides to take his online obsession to a whole new level.” I wonder if it involves Facebook…

Don McKay *—A man returns to his hometown to reconnect with a dying ex-girlfriend only to find stranger things are a foot in this thriller starring Thomas Haden Church, Elisabeth Shue, M. Emmet Walsh and Melissa Leo.

41 Year Old Virgin Who Knocked Up Sarah Marshall And Felt Superbad About It—We’d usually sigh at movies like this Judd Apatow parody except for the fact that Brooks McBeth is listed in the cast. If it’s Renton native Brooks McBeth, we’re all for it!

Last Big Thing—“From a bland tract house on the outskirts of Los Angeles, Simon Geist (with occasional help from his platonic girlfriend Darla) wages war against all of modern American popular culture. Geist starts up a magazine called ‘The Next Big Thing’ which he uses to confront and insult upcoming actors, comics, models and rock bands. As Geist’s mysterious Underground Agenda escalates, will he become the “last big thing” or be co-opted by the very forces he is railing against? Featuring Mark Ruffalo (Shutter Island, Zodiac, Collateral).”

New York Confidential—Read  Sean Axmaker’s take on this 50s crime movie over on his blog.

Nocturne: Night of the Vampires—New from Troma: “When the sun sets in Melbourne, a society of vampires emerges to feast on the warm blood of the living, but they may not be the most dangerous creatures lurking in the darkness. The shadows of the city hide all sorts of evil, from cannibals to maniacs, and tonight they will all be on the streets.”

Once More With Feeling—“Oscar® nominee Chazz Palminteri (Bullets Over Broadway, A Bronx Tale) stars as Frank Gregorio, a successful psychiatrist and loving family man. But when a patient introduces him to the world of karaoke, Frank begins to obsessively revisit his boyhood dream of becoming a professional singer. Add in his eldest daughter’s (Emmy Award® winner Drea de Matteo of The Sopranos and Desperate Housewives) own midlife crisis, a relationship with a lounge-singing femme fatale (Linda Fiorentino of Men In Black and The Last Seduction), his youngest daughter’s upcoming wedding, a precocious granddaughter, his aging father and very suspicious wife, then shake well: Can four generations of an Italian-American family each now discover secret lives of second chances?

Pagan Queen—“The Pagan Queen is a historic drama with fantasy elements based on the legend of Libuse, the Slavic queen of 8th century Bohemia. Gifted with supernatural powers, a visionary and a seer, this extraordinary woman was able to see the future and in a turbulent time of cultural change founded the modern city of Prague.”

Pretty Bird—”Three entrepreneurs try to invent a rocket belt.” Billy Crudup and Paul Giamatti try to invent a jet back? I’m intrigued…

Princess of Mars—“Based on the novel by Edgar Rice Burroughs,’ a US soldier finds himself inexplicably transported to Mars in the midst of a war between two alien races.” If that description doesn’t do it for you, stars Antonio Sabato, Jr. & Traci Lords should.

Say Hello To Yesterday—“Say Hello To Yesterday is a touching story of romance between an older married woman (Jean Simmons) and a charming buy idealistic young man (Loenard Whiting). But what is fine for a brief affair, cannot become a permanent liaison, and the young man is left with only the memory of his love. Multi-award winner Jean Simmons gives an outstanding performance, and Whiting, whose performance in Franco Zeffirelli’s Romeo and Juliet has made hime the definitive young lover, is perfect as the adoring youth.”

The Season—“A stranded group of people in rural Iowa find themselves held captive by a deranged, excommunicated Amish family.”

Small Town Saturday Night—“Days before Rhett is leaving for Nashville to pursue a lifelong dream of being a singer/songwriter, his girlfriend Samantha realizes that ‘his’ future may not be ‘their’ future. This news comes as a shock to Rhett & he is faced with having to choose between following his dream & staying with the woman he loves.”  It stars Bre Blair and Chris “Captain Kirk” Pine.

The Stranger (2009) *—The official description reads, “Man with no memory is hunted by FBI and Russian mob,” but when you consider the man is STONE COLD STEVE AUSTIN, things get more interesting…

String Theory (2002)—“American independent cinema is alive and audacious in this award-winning, mind bending, festival favorite. String Theory starts as a seemingly simple morality tale centered on the fate of a beat-up church in Santa Monica, but ends as a psychedelic meditation on the modern experience of God!”

Spring Break Massacre—Your typical slumber party slaughter, starring Reggie Bannister and Linnea Quigley.

Stolen (2009)—“Golden Globe® Award winner Jon Hamm of Mad Men stars as Detective Tom Adkins, a devoted cop haunted by the unsolved disappearance of his young son eight years earlier. But when Adkins discovers the buried remains of a boy who was brutally murdered more than half a century ago, he becomes obsessed with investigating the long-forgotten crime. Is the 1958 mystery surrounding down-on-his-luck family man Matthew Wakefield (Josh Lucas of Glory Road) and his own abducted son linked in any way to Adkins’ tragedy? And even if Adkins can prove a connection, can he face the shocking truth about the killer?”  This movie co-stars Morena Baccarin and James Van Der Beek.

Suicide Girls Must Die (Unrated!)—“In an unscripted ‘reality horror’ plot that pays homage to the pierced and tattooed pinups of SuicideGirls.com, twelve SuicideGirls calendar models find themselves fighting for their lives inside a remote cabin in Maine. Thanks to an array of hidden cameras as well as portable cameras the edgy, sexy, alternative beauties are carrying, viewers get to see their terror firsthand from every angle.”

Terror Inside—“A perfect town with beautiful people is transformed into a masochistic wonderland when a virus is unearthed. Allen (Corey Feldman) comes into town to propose to his long time love to only discover she too is infected. His love for her does not stop him as he discovers a cure before the world is infected. Terror Inside is an infectious thriller like no other.”

Timer—“What if a clock could count down to the moment you meet your soul mate? In this alternate version of present day Los Angeles, a revolutionary device called the TiMER fulfills this fantasy. For a reasonable installation fee and moderate monthly charges, a TiMER implanted in the wrist will accurately display the numbers of days, hours, minutes and seconds until the wearer’s date with destiny.” Starring Buffy’s Emma Caufield.

Thirst (2008)—“After wrecking their car in the middle of the desert, two couples find themselves stranded with few supplies. When the heat intensifies and their precious water supply dwindles, the frantic friends begin betraying each other in the hopes of survival. Their civility rapidly deteriorates as they begin to experience overwhelming fear and desperation in this tense drama starring Lacey Chabert, Tygh Runyan, Brandon Quinn and Mercedes McNab.”

Wolf Moon—“Amy, a small-town girl, meets & falls in love with Dan, a mysterious drifter. Amy learns that Dan possesses a family curse that was passed on to him by his father, Bender. Dan & Amy’s love is put to the test when town locals unite in a showdown with Bender to eliminate the terror he has brought them.”  Wait, I thought Bender was a robot?

If you can believe it, that’s not all. There’s not only more DVDs to be had in our New Release section, there’s also a brand new section of VIDEO GAMES. More on that later, but for now, happy viewing.

YOUTH IN REVOLT *—Director Miguel Arteta (Chuck & Buck, The Good Girl)’s film based on the novel by C.D. Payne and starring Michael Cera is a fine & enjoyable example of coming-of-age stories in a post-Wes Anderson world.     SALE

BOOK OF ELI *—In a post-apocalyptic world, Denzel Washington and Gary Oldman fight over the last remaining Bible.  SALE

BURMA VJ: REPORTING FROM A CLOSED COUNTRY—Oscar nominated documentary following video journalist as they cover the brutal realities of the 2007 uprising.

COLLAPSE—LAPD cop turned investigative journalist Michael Ruppert draws a map leading to an impending global meltdown.  SALE

WHEN IN ROME *—Kristen Bell takes coins out of magical fountain and is suddenly surrounded by suitors. Could one of them be…The One?

FAMILY GUY: VOLUME 8—The latest set includes 15 uncensored & extended episodes, plus Family Guy karaoke.

UNTHINKABLE *—A tense political thriller centered around a terrorist (Micheal “Wesley Snipes” Sheen) threatening the US with nuclear bombs, the operative (Samuel L. Jackson) authorized to use any means necessary to extract information from him and the FBI agent (Carrie-Anne Moss) who argues against torture.

MYSTERY TRAIN *—The Criterion Collection presents Jim Jarmusch’s fanciful portrait of Memphis and its music, with Joe Strummer, Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, Steve Buscemi & the voice of Tom Waits.    SALE

IT CAME FROM KUCHAR—In case you missed its Seattle premiere last month at Grand Illusion Cinema, this documentary about the “8mm Mozart” twin filmmaking team of George and Mike Kuchar whose hilarious homemade films helped shape the 60s underground film scene, is now on DVD.    SALE

HORROR HOSPITAL—A newly remastered, uncut & uncensored of the 1970s horror/comedy hybrid starring Michael Gough (Alfred from Tim Burton’s Batman movies).

THE BLIND MENACE—A blind swordsman goes on a ruthless, bloody quest for power in the 1960 film that inspired the Zatoichi series.

LEWIS BLACK: STARK RAVING BLACK—Go ahead and hum “Back in Black.”  Minimalistic headbanging optional. There’s swearing in this trailer so we rate it NSFW:

FAUBOURG TREME: THE UNTOLD STORY OF BLACK NEW ORLEANS— If you’ve been enjoying Treme on HBO (and believe us, you should be), here’s the real story behind the New Orleans neighborhood.

MARY AND MAX *—A funny & touching animated tale of two very different pen pals, featuring the voices of Philip Seymour Hoffman and Tony Collette.   SALE

JOHNNY BRAVO: SEASON 1—Family Guy’s Seth MacFarlane worked on this animated show about a handsomely-coiffed manly man with delusions of grandeur.

NEW BLU-RAY: FORMAT OF THE FUTURE

Darkman
Flash Gordon (1980)—Flash…AAAAHH!

Kamikaze Girls
Stepfather (1987)

Showgirls—The 15^th Anniversary SINSATIONAL Edition includes the essential commentary track by David Schmader.

NEW TV ON DVD

American Dad: Volume 5—It must be Seth MacFarlane week!
Everwood: Season 3
Sanctuary: Season 2
Werewolf (1987): Complete Series

FAMILY NEW RELEASES

Adventures of Scamper the Penguin
Bill Nye The Science Guy: Earth’s Seasons
Bill Nye The Science Guy: Farming
Bill Nye The Science Guy: Space Exploration
Bill Nye The Science Guy: Spinning Things
David, The Gnome
Doug: Season 2
Exploring Our Past: Comparing the Lives of Natives
Exploring Our Past: Native People of the Northwest
Harriet Tubman and Her Escape to Freedom
Heroes of Freedom: Harriet Tubman & Rosa Parks
Life of an Enslaved Person
Rainbow Brite

Noemie The Secret—An imaginative young girl goes on a treasure hunt guided by the ghost of her upstairs neighbor’s apartment. This trailer is in French only but the DVD does have English subtitles.

NEW IMPORTS & FOREIGN FILMS

All’s Well Ends Well Too (2010)—Hong Kong
The Beekeeper (1986)(PAL Code 2)—Greece, directed by Theo Angelopoulos
The Bold and the Brave (1956)(PAL Code 2)—USA
Cavalcade (1933)(Code 6)—USA, based on the play by Noel Coward
Divided Heaven (1964)—Read Sean Axmaker’s take on this German coming of age story over on his blog.
Fury of Johnny Kid (1967)(PAL Code 2)—Italy
The Horseman (2008)—Australia
Jaffa (2009)—Israel
Kid With The Golden Arm (1979)—China—Shaw Brothers action from director Cheh Chang
La La Land (2009)(PAL Code 2)—UK comedy TV series
Marine Boy (2009)—Korea
Merantau Warrior (2009)(PAL Code 2)—Thailand
Mesrine (2009)(Part 1 & 2)—France
The Naked and The Dead (1958)(PAL Code 2)—US, directed by Raoul Walsh
Nine Men (1943)(PAL Code 2)—UK
Pu…Y La Ballena (2004)—Argentina
Raffles: Complete Collection—UK drama TV series
Reflecting Skin (1990)(PAL Code 2)—UK
The Roommate (2008)—Japanese horror
Shadow of Empress Wu: Volume 1-4—Chinese TV drama
Slaughter Island (2008)—Japanese horror
Trial & Retribution: Set 4 (2008)—UK

A Prophet (2009)(PAL Code 2)—France–An Oscar nominee for Best Foreign Film about an Arab man who becomes a mafia kingpin while serving in a French prison.

Palermo Shooting (2009)(PAL)—Germany–After a near scrape with death, a photographer heads to Sicily to regroup in this film by Wings of Desire director Wim Wenders.

NEW BRITISH IMPORTS ABOUT FOOTBALL FOR YOUR WORLD CUP VIEWING PLEASURE

Chelsea FC: The Double End of Season Review 2009 (PAL Code 2)
Destination South Africa: World Cup 2010 (PAL Code 2)
Official History of England—The England National Team (2009)(PAL Code 2)
One Night in Turin–World Cup 1990 documentary (PAL Code 2)

NEW TO THE SIFF 2010 SECTION—located right before Second Take

Eagle Hunter’s Son (2009)(PAL Code 2)—Mongolia
Little Big Soldier (2009)—Hong Kong

NEW FROM THE WARNER ARCHIVES–Now with 150% more Joe. E Brown!

Alibi Ike (1935)—“Baseball rookie Frank X. Farrell is a phenom, a kid who can hurl the ol’ horsehide and swing the lumber so well he may lead Chicago’s beloved Cubbies to a pennant. He can sure spin excuses and blarney, too! Joe E. Brown brings a whirlybird wind-up and a love for the game to this comic Ring Lardner tale. You can’t tell the players without a scorecard but sports-minded moviegoers recognized Bob Meusel, Jim Thorpe and other former professional ball players on the film’s diamonds.”

Going Wild (1930)—“Everyone in a small resort town thinks Rollo Smith is famed aviator Robert Story. That’s fine with Rollo, who’s actually a penniless newspaperman bounced from his job. Doe-eyed cuties want to be near him. Stalwart men celebrate him. And all Rollo has to do is compete in the upcoming aviation contest. But an airplane and Buckingham Palace are one and the same to Rollo: he’s never been in either. Wide-mouthed Joe E. Brown plays Rollo in a chipper comedy whose set pieces include Rollo’s self-devised aerial training (using a teetering Murphy bed, a vacuum cleaner, an electric fan – it’s all in the seeing, not the telling.)”

Hide in Plain Sight (1980)—“ James Caan directs and stars in a compelling true-life tale of a father determined to find and reclaim his children, defying federal agents and anyone else standing in his way.”

Love & Money (1982)—“Byron Levin (Ray Sharkey) has two sides. One is Byron the workaday L.A. banker quick to defend a harassed co-worker. The other is a pent-up employee who’ll say something outrageous to a stranger for shock effect. Increasingly, Byron’s risk-taking nature takes hold. And it becomes a stranglehold when Byron is seduced by the deadly allure of Love and Money in this tantalizing thriller from James Toback (The Pick-up Artist, Bugsy).”

Love Child (1982)—“It’s a story that made national headlines and was covered on 60 Minutes. Convicted and jailed for armed robbery in 1977, Terry Jean Moore fell in love with a prison guard and became pregnant. She then took on Florida courts in a historic legal battle to keep and raise her child behind bars.”

New Adventures of Robin Hood: Season 1 (1995)—“An outlaw of Sherwood Forest and his partners, Marion, Friar Tuck and Little John, use magic, sorcery and courage to fight royal soldiers, evil Knights and whoever else tries to oppress the impoverished people of 12th Century England.”

Saint of Fort Washington (1992)—“Friendship. It’s there for the good times. It’s invaluable for the bad times. Jerry and Matthew have each other to rely on as they cope on New York City’s mean streets. They also have a dream: to work their way back into the mainstream. Danny Glover and Matt Dillon give finely etched portrayals of life on society’s fringe in this moving tale of friendship directed by Tim Hunter (Tex, River’s Edge).”

Sit Tight (1931)—“A movie musical about…wrestling? Turns out the public grew weary of musicals while Sit Tight was made, so most of the tunes were jettisoned prior to release. What remains is a wrestling comedy filled with plenty of pre-Code friskiness. Athletic funnyman Joe E. Brown plays Jojo Mullins, who has an eye for the ladies although his heart belongs to the manager (Winnie Lightner) of the health club where he works. Eager to show the ring prowess he learned by correspondence, Jojo gets his chance in a big-time match.”

Red Skelton: Whistling Collection—Skelton stars as Wally “The Fox” Benton in three films: Whistling in The Dark (1941), Whistling In Dixie (1942), and Whistling in Brooklyn (1943).

The Tenderfoot (1932)—“With large confidence and an even larger hat, cattleman Calvin Jones (rubber-faced comic Joe E.Brown) rolls along the lighted cow path of Broadway. He has $20,000 to invest in a show, intending to skedaddle back to Texas with his profits. Faster than you can say flopperoo, the producers of the show Calvin bankrolls button it up and keep the dough. Now add mobsters eager to extort some cash and romance with a perky secretary (Ginger Rogers), and it’s clear Calvin’s got some wrangling to do before he’s back in those wide-open spaces.”

NEW DOCUMENTARIES, ART, MUSIC & OTHER NON-FICTION FARE

Belfast: The Sad Reality—“For over 700 years, the country of Northern Ireland has been plagued by civil unrest. This tension between the Catholics and the Protestants has caused thousands of deaths in the past 30 years alone. This film hopes to raise awareness of this nation’s struggles by examining one man’s story of the history of the conflict and the potential means to a peaceful resolution. “

The Black Keys: Live at the Crystal Ballroom—“The Black Keys’ new concert DVD reflects the no-frills genius of the drums-and-guitar duo’s studio sound: It’s a refreshingly straightforward, beautifully rendered, high-definition video document of their April 4, 2008 sold-out gig at Portland, Oregon’s Crystal Ballroom, featuring seventeen songs culled from all five of the pair’s albums.”

Dire Straits: Alchemy Live—“Featuring the seminal hits ‘Sultans Of Swing’ and ‘Romeo and Juliet’ plus a unique encore performances of the Ivor Novello Award-winning ‘Going Home’ from the soundtrack to the film `Local Hero’. Demonstrating faultless musicianship, this is a true recording of excerpts of one dire straits performance, containing no re-recording or overdubs of any kind.” Don’t be afraid to sing along loudly to ‘Romeo & Juliet’

Frontline: The Suicide Tourist—“Do we have the right to end our lives if life itself becomes unbearable, or when we enter the late-stages of painful, terminal illness?  With unique access to Dignitas, the Swiss non-profit that has helped over one thousand people die since 1998, Academy award-winning filmmaker John Zaritsky offers a revealing look at two different couples facing the most difficult decision of their lives-and lets us see for ourselves as one Chicago native makes the trip to Switzerland for what will become the last day of his life.”

Katsura Funakoshi: Whispering Gaze—“Katsura Funakoshi: Whispering Gaze observes the visionary sculptor Katsura Funakoshi as he quietly breathes life into camphor wood. Take a look as he works in his atelier, preps for exhibitions, and speaks at lectures. The simple, warm and gentle figures carved out by Funakoshi can be attributed to the harmony of precise calculations and accidental occurrences. His human-like sculptures draw in beholders with their distant marble gaze as if pondering philosophical thoughts and projecting subtle yet bold emotions.”

Haunted History: Caribbean—“The ghosts that haunt the Caribbean as well as the traditions used both to fend them off and call them to life are a reminder that on every sun-kissed beach there may lurk a dark and disturbing shadow. History TM delves into the otherworldly side of the Caribbean islands, which are said to have housed supernatural spirits since Columbus landed in the Bahamas and began slaughtering the native Arawak people. Listen rapt as experts and eyewitnesses discuss the region s terrifying zombies, its phantom pirate ships, and the infamous Bermuda Triangle.”

David Hockney: A Bigger Picture—“Filmed over three years with unprecedented access, this documentary follows David Hockney as he returns to England after 25 years in Hollywood. As Hockney approaches the age of 70, he revitalizes his painting, capturing the beautiful Yorkshire countryside in all weathers and seasons, and finally creates the largest picture ever made outdoors. Premiered on BBC1, the film tells the story of an unusual homecoming and also an intimate portrait of what inspires Hockney as his time runs out.”

Hubble’s Canvas—“From its lofty perch high above earth’s atmosphere, the Hubble Space Telescope can see both nearby and distant objects with unwavering clarity. With its breathtaking views of deep space the Hubble Space Telescope bridges the separate domains of art and science. Its images form a direct connection between the human spirit and the most powerful forces of nature.”

Tavis Smiley: MLK: A Call to Conscience—“The second show delves into one of Martin Luther King Jr.’s greatest speeches, ‘Beyond Vietnam: A Time to Break Silence,’ which Dr. King delivered on April 4, 1967, at the Riverside Church in New York City. Today this speech is acknowledged to be one of the most powerful ever written by Dr. King and Smiley deconstructs the meaning of the speech, as well as put it in a contemporary context, particularly in light of our nation’s current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.”

National Geographic: Mystery Gorillas/Search for the Great Apes—“In this double feature, National Geographic explores the amazing and secret world of the great apes.”

Phyllis and Harold—“Phyllis and Harold is an astoundingly frank journey through a disastrous 59-year marriage. Drawing on a lifetime of her family’s home movies and interviews made over 12 years, filmmaker Cindy Kleine mixes reportage, cinema verite and animation to uncover family secrets and tell a story that could not be shown publicly as long as her father was alive. Phyllis and Harold delves into the mystery of time passing, the nature of living a life, and the challenges of losing those we love…Imagine Bergman’s Scenes from a Marriage seen through the prism of I Love Lucy.”

Secrets of The Dead: Deadliest Battle—“Germany’s invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941 was the largest troop offensive in military history. And the Battle of Stalingrad is arguably the deadliest single battle the world has ever seen…But 70 years after the battle was fought, newly uncovered documents, survivor accounts and stunning archival footage are revealing a different picture. Deadliest Battle uncovers evidence that describes a forced retreat by the Russians, not a tactical one, in addition to much fiercer fighting in the countryside than previously thought.”

Sex Positive—“Though advocating safe sex seems like a given in the new millennium, in the gay community in the early 1980s, proclaiming the idea made people into outcasts. The Grand Jury Prize winner at L.A. Outfest, this documentary examines the life and work of Richard Berkowitz, an early champion of safe sex. After spending time as a hustler, the abrasive–but ultimately correct–Berkowitz started proclaiming the dangers of unprotected sex in the early ’80s, much to the anger of the gay community.”

Shades of Gray (2010)—“Gray Barker stood at the heart of America’s UFO phenomenon almost from its inception. His investigations led to the publication of his best selling book, They Knew Too Much About Flying Saucers. Shades of Gray peels the layers away of one of the great American hoaxers of the twentieth century. Barker single-handedly created or perpetuated much of what is now the ‘gospel’ of UFOs. This documentary strives to present a complete picture of a complicated, and ultimately influential, modern American myth-maker.”

Silly Little Game—A new documentary by Adam Kurland and Lucas Jansen for the ESPN 30 for 30 series all about the origins of fantasy sports, told through the formation of New York’s Rotisserie League.

Squatterpunk— “Squatterpunk follows an eight year old Slum King named Hapon, a cocky would-be gangster, through one of the thousands of shanty towns that sprang up between the cracks in the Manila pavement. Like watching infants at play at a car crash, it’s a hypnotic, almost seamless mix of social realism and visual poetry.”

The Truth About the Philadelphia Experiment—“ A U.S. Navy Ship vanishes during a secret World War II Experiment gone awry. When it re-appears, observers are horrified to see crew members embedded in the deck and steel of the ship. During a sea trial, the ship vanishes and travels through time setting off a number of events that continue today. It’s not science fiction, it’s science fact! Meet the Survivors of U.S. Government Projects involving INVISIBILITY, TIME TRAVEL, MIND CONTROL, PSYCHIC WARFARE and REMOTE VIEWING. You will hear about these experiments first hand, visit the places where they took place and discover the truth about the Philadelphia Experiment.”

War Child—“Left home at the age of seven/one year later I’m carryin’ an Ak-47.” “For hip hop artist Emmanuel Jal, a former child soldier in Sudan’s brutal civil war, these lyrics are hardly empty posturing. They are the bitter reality of a young man who was “forced to sin” but determined to “never give up and never give in.” Today, wounded but still hopeful, Emmanuel Jal fights a new battle: bringing peace to his beloved Sudan and building schools in Africa. This time, his weapon is a microphone.”

…AND MORE MOVIES

Animals (2008)—“Syd has spent years wasting away in a washed-up hick town, but after meeting Nora his life will never be the same. Easily seduced by her charms, Syd is pulled into her dark world and an unforgettable night of passion. But in the light of day Syd begins to realize that his reckless night with Nora has filled him with a growing animal instinct to fight. This is only the beginning to Syd s journey into the unknown world of the Animals lurking amidst us all.” It stars Marc Blucas, Naveen Andrews & Eva Amurri.

Driller/Driller Killer—Driller: “A dark and amusing tale of alien abduction, drugged up naked youth, drilling and killing.” Driller Killer: “Abel Ferrara’s 1979 breakthrough is one of his best-known but least appreciated films. The film thwarts any preconceived notions of what a horror movie should be. Glam, trash, pre-punk and horrific, Driller Killer is a misunderstood film. The film is a horrifying look into the recesses of a grubby city and a disturbed mind and refuses to make concessions to any notions of good taste or commercial filmmaking.”

Ghost Breakers/Nothing But The Truth—A Bob Hope double feature from the recent Thanks for The Memories DVD collection. The Ghost Breakers (1940): “Ghosts and gags collide when a radio personality (Bob Hope) finds himself marooned on an island with a pretty traveler (Paulette Goddard) in a haunted castle filled with earthly and un-earthly foes. Nothing But The Truth (1941): “After betting his colleagues that he can go 24 hours without telling a lie a young stockbroker (Bob Hope) finds himself in hot water with his girlfriend (Paulette Goddard) and several influential people.”

Happy Tears—“Jayne (Parker Posey) and Laura (Demi Moore) are about to take on the first man they just might not be able to handle: their father Joe (Rip Torn). Dutiful daughters returning to the house they grew up in, Jayne and Laura are forced to take a closer look at their own not-so-perfect lives. Laura suspects that Joe needs full-time care, but Jayne refuses to believe that their father’s condition is serious. Jayne’s compulsion to escape reality only increases Laura’s attempts to yank her back down to earth. Meanwhile, Joe still sings and plays the blues on his prized guitar, and the lively widower even has a new “ladyfriend,” shameless and sassy Shelly (Ellen Barkin).”

Street Poet—“In underground clubs around the country men and women meet and go to war but without their fists. Using their minds instead of brawn watch as these gifted warriors fresh off the street go to war through words. One night during one of these rants, Jake Thompson (Jeff Sterns) is discovered by an attractive publisher, but life isn’t what it seems. While Jake thinks he’s got it made, he quickly falls into a violent tug of war between his new love, his old streets and his arch rival, Davey (C. Thomas Howell) who intends to destroy him.”

Thanks for the Memory/Cat and the Canary—Another Bob Hope double feature! Thanks for the Memory (1938): It’s time for some old-fashioned romance when a stay-at-home author (Bob Hope) and his working wife (Shirley Ross) discover their domestic roles aren’t clear-cut in this sweet comedy of errors.” The Cat and the Canary (1939): “Wally (Bob Hope) vows to protect an heiress (Paulette Goddard) who must spend the night in the haunted mansion of her late eccentric millionaire uncle in order to inherit his fortune.”

I’m sure even more titles will have been added by the time you’re done scrolling through this, so stop by and visit the New Release section today. Enjoy.

AN EDUCATION *—Nominated, and deservedly so, for three Oscars: Best Actress for Carey Mulligan, Best Adapted Screenplay for Mr. Nick Hornby, and Best Picture.  SALE

SHERLOCK HOLMES *—Robert Downey Jr. & Jude Law run about Guy Ritchie-style solving a mystery while Rachel McAdams lovingly throws wrenches into the mix…

ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: THE SQUEAKQUEL! * —The best part about these movies is that in their reality, chipmunks are the only animals that talks, and no one seems to think that’s weird.

WRATH OF THE TITANS—A motion comic sequel developed under the guidance of legendary special effects filmmaker Ray Harryhausen.

I SELL THE DEAD *—A gruesome graverobbing affair with Dominic Monaghan & Ron Perlman.

STEVEN SEAGAL: LAWMAN: SEASON 1—As with all matters regarding Mr. Seagal, we refer you to Outlaw Vern.

THE KILLER: ULTIMATE EDITION *— It’s back in print! On Blu-ray too! Whoo! Enjoy the ultraviolent trailer here. SALE

NEGATIVE HAPPY CHAINSAW EDGE—I have no idea what this is about other than its adapted from a manga, but the trailer, even sans subtitles, looks cool and the name alone conjures great curiosity…

THREE FILMS BY PEDRO COSTA—The Criterion Collection presents three works from the Portuguese filmmaker:  In Vanda’s Room, Ossos and Colossal Youth SALE

BAADER MEINHOFF COMPLEX * —Bruno Ganz (Wings of Desire) stars in this political thriller chronicling the rise of left-wing terrorism in Germany following WWII  from director Uli Edel (Christiane F.).

HENRI CARTIER-BRESSON: COLLECTOR’S EDITION—“This lavish collector’s edition includes: a series of documentaries about the artist, which allows us to (re)discover his powerful and rare photographic work; five major works directed by Cartier-Bresson himself; and a 24-page illustrated collectible book containing criticism of his work as well as reproductions of his legendary photographs.”

TALLHOTBLOND—Barbet Schroeder’s chilling documentary about an “on-line fantasy, real life tragedy.”

AFGHAN STAR—A new documentary about the American Idol of Afghanistan.

THE WHITE RIBBON—We’ve got Michael Haneke’s Academy Award nominee for Best Foreign Film in a PAL Code 2 import.

FAMILY NEW RELEASES

Alice in Wonderland (1951)(Special Edition)
Backyardigans: Escape From The Tower
Giggle, Giggle, Quack & More Stories by Doreen Cronin
Hannah Montana: Miley Says Goodbye?–NO MILEY! NOOOOOOO!!!!
Justin Time

ANIME NEW RELEASES

Aria: The Organization
Bleach Vol. 25: The Assault
Eureka Seven: Good Night, Sleep Tight…(Blu-ray)
Gunslinger Girl: Il Teatrino (Blu-ray)
Gunslinger Girl: Season 1 (Blu-ray)
Kurokami: The Animation Vol. 1 (Blu-ray)
Lupin The 3^rd: Episode 0—The First Contact
Rental Magica Vol. 1
Sgt. Frog: Season 2 Part 2
Soul Eater: Part 2
Strike Witches: Season 1

NEW BLU-RAY: FORMAT OF THE FUTURE

Bad Blood (2010)—Hong Kong
Collateral
Gentleman Broncos
Hachi: A Dog’s Tale
Ninja (2009)
Trinity Blood: Complete Series
Unrivaled
Vampyres (1974)
White Stripes: Under The Great White Northern Lights

NEW TV ON DVD

Adam-12: Season 4
Cake Boss
Deadliest Catch: Season 5–R.I.P. Captain Phil
Designing Women: Season 3
Dinner: Impossible: Season 1
Father Knows Best: Season 4
Hawaii Five-O: Season 8
Iron Chef America: Battle of the Masters
Jacksons: A Family Dynasty
Jersey Shore–The Situation…UNCENSORED!!!
Matlock: Season 4
Matt Houson: Season 1
Sabrina The Teenage Witch: Season 6
Scarecrow & Mrs. King: Season 1
7^th Heaven: Season 10
Walker, Texas Ranger: Season 7

NEW FROM THE WARNER ARCHIVES

Ripley’s Believe It Or Not (1930)–”Welcome to the Believe It or Not Hall of Curiosity. Here you’ll find a woman reciting 200+ words in 24 seconds, the world’s smallest book (a 5/16” x 1/8” tome of the Rubaiyat), a 6-year-old lifting 200 pounds, a man-eating tree, a duck teaching chickens to swim, a two-headed turtle, a man with a suit made of Confederate currency and much, much more. You may not believe all you see. But you will be entertained.”

Arizona Dream (1991)–An “offbeat psychodrama” about the residents of a small desert town, starring Johnny Deep, Faye Dunaway, Jerry Lewis and Lili Taylor.

NEW IMPORTS & FOREIGN FILMS

Break of Day (1977)(PAL)—Australia
Brilliant Legacy–New Korean TV drama with pop star Lee Seung-Gi     SALE
Challenge the Dragon/Needle Avenger(1976)—Hong Kong double feature!
Confucius (2009)—China
Dov’e La Liberta…? (1953)(PAL Code 4)—Italy, directed by Roberto Rossellini
Forgotten Tune For The Flute (1987)—Russia
Good Morning President (2009)(Code 3)—Korea
Johnny Mad Dog (2009)(PAL Code 2)—France
Judge John Deed: Series 1—UK TV drama
Lady Ninja Kasumi Vol. 5 (2008)—Japan
Mommo (aka Boogeyman, 2009)—Turkey
No Way Out (2009)—Philippines
Once Upon a Time in a Battlefield… (2006)—Korea
Prince of Tears (2009)—Hong Kong TV
Sadist With Red Teeth/Forbidden Love (1970)—France, new Euro horror from Mondo Macabro
Scopone Game (PAL Code 4)—Italy
72 Tenants of Prosperity (2009)—Hong Kong
Silence of Neto (1994)—Guatemala
Son of Man (2007)—South Africa
Voice of a Murderer (2007)—Korea

NEW DVDs FROM INDIA

Dil Kabaddi (2008)
Duplicate (1998)
Dwando (2009)
Howrah Bridge (1958)
International Khiladi (1999)
Love Khichdi (2009)
Mumbai Meri Jaan (2008)
One 2 KA 4 (2001)
3Deewarein (2009)

NEW DOCUMENTARIES, MUSIC, STAND-UP COMEDY & NON-FICTION FARE

Antarctica Challenge: A Global Warning— “The Antarctica Challenge is a TV-hour HD documentary film that explores the past, present and future of scientific exploration on the world s most mysterious continent with a focus on announcing the latest discoveries on the issue of climate change. From Ernest Shackleton s first scientific expedition 100 years ago to today s scientists, old, new and yet unreleased data raise questions about what is happening on Antarctica and its impact on the rest of the world.”

Fidel Castro: A Life of Revolution—“ After ruling Cuba for close to fifty years, Fidel Castro has stepped down. From his childhood in rural Cuba, through his fight in the Sierra Maestra, to winning the revolution and transforming the country, Fidel: A Life of Revolution presents a unique account of his life and times by Castro himself, taken largely from private letters, correspondence, speeches and interviews. Featured interviews include some of Castro’s closest relatives, friends and confidants, some of whom now count themselves among his enemies. Carlos Franqui, an ally in the fight to free Cuba, reflects on how the country’s liberator became its longest-standing dictator.”

Chandra & The X-ray Universe—“Chandra X-Ray Observatory, operating since 1999, studies black holes, exploding stars and the mysterious matter that shines in the high energy universe.”

Clash of The Gods * —“Thousands of years ago, they were used to help frame the world of the ancients, and dictate the guidelines of their societies. Today, they are often the first stories we learn as children, iconic tales in which good and evil clash, and humanity and fantasy collide. But what is the reality behind these stories? From the epic tragedy of Medusa, Greek mythology s most infamous female fiend, to Hercules, its greatest action hero, and Hades, master of the land of the dead and a god so feared no one would speak his name, explore these myths and the legendary figures who inspired them in Clash Of The Gods. Each episode connects ancient myths to actual historical events, as well as to events in the Bible and other cultures mythologies, gaining important historical insight from renowned scholars in search of the truth behind the legends.”

Discovering Ardi—“Has a 4.4-million-year-old: missing link, been found? The groundbreaking discovery of the skeleton nicknamed: Ardi, more than a million years older than Lucy, offers a fascinating look at what the last common ancestor of humans and living apes might have been like. An international team of scientists, who 17 years ago began an investigation of the remote Ethiopian desert where the discovery was made, has painstakingly analyzed its findings and now can reveal in compelling detail how and why humans emerged. This exclusive peek at a new chapter on human evolution, narrated by Dirty Jobs’ Mike Rowe and illuminated with 3D recreations, brings Ardi and her world to vivid life.”

Extreme Bodies—“Extreme Bodies reveals the extraordinary stories of the most unique people on the planet. From Americas tallest man to a primordial dwarf whose body remains a mystery to medical science, these four episodes unlock the biological secrets of amazing human oddities – including a 700-pound athlete and conjoined twins who share a brain!”

Footprints on The Moon: Apollo 1969 (50^th Anniversary)—“The saga of Neil Armstrong, Col. Edwin Buzz Aldrin and col. Michael Collins and the events leading up to the historic week in July, 1969, is recreated in Footprints On The Moon. This color film traces the space odyssey of Astronauts Armstrong, Aldrin and Collins from the tense preparation during the weeks before blastoff through the magnificent descent into the black shadow on the moon s surface, to final splashdown in the Pacific Ocean. Footprints on the Moon contains footage filmed by the astronauts themselves as well as the vast film crew assembled at Cape Kennedy and the Houston Space Center. Directed by William Gibson, the film also includes television transmissions from space, many of which have never been seen by the general public.”

Harmonic Wealth—“ You can finally unlock the secret to true wealth and fulfillment in your life… Join James Arthur Ray as he shows you the way to Harmonic Wealth(R)… The formula for success in all five key areas of your life: financial, relational, mental, physical and spiritual.”

Holy Grail in America—“ Has the Holy Grail been in America all along? In 1898, a Minnesota farmer clearing trees from his field uprooted a large stone covered with mysterious runes that tell a story of land acquisition and murder. The stone allegedly dates back to 1362. Initially thought to be a hoax, new evidence suggests the find could be real, and a clue that the Knights Templar discovered America 100 years before Columbus, perhaps bringing with them history’s greatest treasure…the Holy Grail. Follow the clues as experts use erosion studies on the rune stone and match symbols in Templar ruins all over Europe to support this theory. Stones with similar markings have been found on islands across the Atlantic Ocean, and in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Is it possible the Knights Templar, long thought to have been massacred, escaped on an incredible journey and were leaving clues to the whereabouts of the stone? Find out in the History two-hour special, Holy Grail in America.”

How To Read a Book—“Three years after writing the wonderfully expanded third edition of How To Read A Book, Mortimer Adler and Charles Van Doren did a series of thirteen fourteen-minute videos about the very essence of the book.”

Jew in the Lotus—“ In 1990, eight Jewish delegates traveled to Dharamsala, India, to meet with the XIV Dalai Lama of Tibet and share the secret of Jewish spiritual survival in exile. When writer Rodger Kamenetz was invited to go along to chronicle the event, his whole life changed unexpectedly. Kamenetz began an intense personal journey that led him back to his Jewish roots. As he discovered, sometimes you have to go far away to find your way home.”

National Geographic—Big Sur: Wild California—“ Fly with the California condors and capture the panoramic view of Big Sur’s many topside layers, and dive with California’s sea otters to investigate life below the waves. Then, follow the stealthy mountain lions and see how the scavengers, the keystone species and this top predator are all critical contributors to Big Sur’s unique habitat.”

Nelson Mandela: Life & Times—“ Featuring interviews with Nobel Prize Winners Nadine Gordimer and F.W. De Klerk; Robben Island co-prisoners Ahmed Kathrada, Mac Maharaj and Tokyo Sexwale; Mandela biographers Alister Sparks, Anthony Sampson and Charlene Smith; and Mandela’s friends and family, The Life and Times of Nelson Mandela reveals a story unknown to the world beyond his inner circle. Mandela talks of his love of children, how apartheid affected him, facing the death sentence, how he survived prison, won over his enemies, and overcame prejudice. He also speaks about the pain of his marriage to Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, with whom he had two daughters. In an interview, Winnie talks about her first meeting with Mandela, the last time they were home together, and how she survived torture and scandal.”

Night of Broken Glass: November 1938 Pogroms—“After seizing power, the Nazis began their crusade against Jews with discriminatory laws and the looting of property; they turned to violence openly in what has come to be known as Kristallnacht: the night of broken glass. In November 1938 German soldiers set on fire some 400 synagogues and destroyed 7,000 Jewish stores and businesses. More than 90 people were killed, 600 committed suicide, and over 26,000 men were deported to concentration camps.Through rare footage, photographs and documents, The Night of Broken Glass reveals the background to this orgy of anti-Semitic violence, which — while masterminded by the Nazi regime — is shown to have been largely accepted by the German public.”

1939, 1962 & 1964 World’s Fair Film Library—“This DVD contains a fascinating montage of mid-20th century World Fairs. Included in the films that make up this collection are the 1939 New York World’s fair, the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair and the 1964 New York World’s Fair.” Keep your eyes peeled for Elvis!

NOVA: Building Pharaoh’s Ship—“A magnificent trading vessel embarks on a royal expedition to a mysterious, treasure-laden land called Punt. Is this journey, intricately depicted on the wall of one of Egypt s most impressive temples, mere myth or was it a reality? NOVA travels to the legendary temple, built some 3,500 years ago for the celebrated female pharaoh Hatshepsut, in search of answers to this tantalizing archeological mystery. Did Punt exist and, if so, where was it? Did the ancient Egyptians, who built elaborate barges to sail down the Nile, also have the expertise to embark on a long sea voyage? NOVA follows a team of archeologists and boat builders as they reconstruct the mighty vessel shown on the mysterious carving, and then finally launch it in to the Red Sea on a unique voyage of discovery.”

NOVA: Killer Subs in Pearl Harbor—“NOVA dives beneath the waters of Pearl Harbor to trace provocative new clues to one of the most tragic events of World War II the sinking of the USS Arizona. More than 1,000 crew members perished in the greatest single loss of life in United States naval history. For decades, it has been thought that a bomb dropped by a Japanese aircraft sank the Arizona. But the discovery of a group of Japanese midget subs in and around Pearl Harbor has raised questions about the battleship’s final hours.”

NOVA: What Darwin Never Knew—“Earth teems with a staggering variety of animals. The source of life’s endless forms was a profound mystery until Charles Darwin’s revolutionary idea of natural selection. NOVA reveals answers to the riddles that Darwin couldn’t explain. Stunning breakthroughs in a brand new science nicknamed ‘evo devo’ are linking the enigma of origins to another of nature’s great mysteries, the development of an embryo.”

Pedal to the Midnight Sun—“Two friends, bonded by past extraordinary adventure, make a pact to share a grand adventure whenever fortune allows. Josh Thomas and J.J. Kelley meet up in the small fishing town of Seward, Alaska. After a winter of correspondence over essential gear, food, and expectations for the summer’s expedition, Kelley and Thomas begin their ‘Pedal to the Midnight Sun.’ Set to embark on a 1,300-mile wilderness bike journey across America’s last frontier the two young men say their farewells to a small group of well-wishers as they are delivered on the gravel shores of Southeast Alaska by a World War II style landing craft. They mount their gear-laden bikes brimming with the confidence of youth.”

Joe Rogan : Talking Monkeys in Space—Stand up from our third favorite Newsradio cast member, right behind Phil Hartman and Dave Foley.

Secrets of the Bible Code Revealed—“Did God dictate warnings to Moses nearly 3,500 years ago that are meant for us today?”

6 Steps To A Successful Acting Career—“6 Step to a Successful Acting Career is just that. 6 chapters of information on how people can get started, wherever they live.”  When you become a famous actor using this DVD, please don’t forget about the indie video store you got it from.

Spitzer Space Telescope—“ The Spitzer Space Telescope (then known as SIRTF – the Space Infrared Telescope Facility) was launched on August 25, 2003 from Cape Canaveral, Florida. This DVD tells of its story, its launch, mission, and images.”

Story of Math—“ Mathematics forms the foundation for nearly everything we do–from finance to physics, and architecture to astronomy. Math not only describes our world, but also reveals its beauty and mystery. Join Marcus du Sautoy and a host of distinguished experts as they crisscross the globe, bringing the colorful history of numbers to life.”

Thunderheads—“ In a daredevil quest into the eye of the storm, an intrepid group of scientists, researchers and top-gun pilots – in seven planes and armed with the best high-tech gadgets money can buy – embark on a treacherous journey in a struggle to understand the role of thunderstorms in the global warming puzzle.”

Town Hall Party: Aug. 29 & Sept. 5, 1959—“Includes appearances by: Tex Williams, Shirley Adams, Freddie Hart, Billy Mize, Cliff Crofford, Fred Maddox, Doreen Dale, Charlie Williams, Gordon Terry, Lefty Frizzell, Martha Carson, Harold Hensley, Roy Lanham, Bud Dooley, Jimmy Pruett, Quncy Snodgrass, Billy Mize, Skeets McDonald, Jeannie Sterling, Bob Luman, and Carl “Deacon” Moore.”

Town Hall Party: Jul. 25 & Aug. 15, 1959—“Includes appearances by: Johnny Bond, Merle Travis, Billy Mize, Cliff Crofford, Jeannie Sterling, Gordon Terry, Jay Stewart, Quncy Snodgrass, Martha Carson, Gene Vincent, Jimmy Pruett, The Rockin’ Hawaiians, Johnny Bond, Skeets McDonald, Rose Lee Maphis, Johnny O’Neill, Diane Jewett, Roy Lanham, Tex Ritter, and Hank Morton.”

Town Hall Party: March 28, 1959—“ Includes appearances by: Leon McAuliffe & Cimarron Boys, Gordon Tery, Joe Maphis & Rose Lee, Johnny Bond, Collins Kids, Faron Young, Tex Ritter, Jeannie Sterling, Skeets McDonald, Johnny O’Neill, Collins Kids, and Charlie Williams.”

Ultimate Dive: Art & Science of Dumpster Diving—A tongue in cheek how-to video that shows you how to get the most out of your dumpster diving experience.

WWE: Wrestlemania: 25^th Anniversary—“ On March 31, 1985, the WrestleMania legacy was born at Madison Square Garden in New York City. This sold-out event was the origin of what has become the greatest sports-entertainment franchise in American history. In 2009, this franchise will celebrate 25 years This will be the biggest event in company history.”

Yell For Cadel—“Yell For Cadel” goes behind the scenes at the Tour de France to reveal how a world class cyclist – Australian Cadel Evans, the recent winner of the World Championships – prepares for the world’s toughest bike race.”

…AND MORE NEW MOVIES

Art of Being Straight—“After John takes an entry-level position, Paul, an executive at the firm, takes a special interest in him. Although John always swore he was straight, he soon ends up in Paul’s bed, and his world is turned upside down.”

The Aviary—“The life of a flight attendant seems glamorous and exciting, but as The Aviary follows Summer Ponzi from city to city, we discover that when the uniform comes off, things can get very complicated.”

Baby Formula—“In this feisty, fun and fantastical comedy two women in love become pregnant at the same time (with sperm created from one another s stem cells) and embark on a wild adventure – with a bit of unexpected family drama as their parents respond to the news!”

Banshee!!! (2009)—“A group of college friends on a spring break camping trip are stalked and slashed by an unknown creature with the ability to make them hallucinate through sound waves. The survivors hold up refuge in an isolated farmhouse, cut off from all communication. Now, they have to come up with a plan to kill this unrelenting creature before it kills them. “Banshee!!!” takes the idea of the legendary Irish myth and spins it around into a terrifying and unstoppable monster!”

Behind Convent Walls (Uncut!)—“An erotic film set in a convent, where a Mother Superior tries to maintain order to prevent the nuns from temptation. But when things get out of control, the church inflicts cruel punishment to the nuns for their sins. Behind Convent Walls is an erotic art house film by Cult director Walerian Borowzcyk (The Beast). One of the most beautifully shot Nunsploitation films, alongside School of the Holy Beast, with cinematography by Luciano Tovoli (Suspiria).”

Bigfoot (2009)—“Something monstrous is slaughtering deer in the marshlands of Ohio, leaving them town to shreds. Authorities believe it to be the work of a bear, but army veteran Jack Sullivan knows the truth. He has heard the creature’s name, but nothing can prepare him for the disturbing reality of Bigfoot. The original monster of American folklore, Bob Gray’s Bigfoot is more savage, relentless, and bloodthirsty than he’s ever been before. The deer were just the beginning. He’s saving his ultimate wrath for the men who enter his domain.”

Bikini Jones and the Temple of Eros—“ Dr. Bikini Jones (the luscious Christine Nguyen) is on the hunt for the lost Temple of Eros. Using a golden idol as her guide, she searches the wild land of Moronica, along the way battling man-eating dinosaurs and fending off the sensuously wicked Evilla (2007 Penthouse Pet of the Year Heather Vandeven). Bikini will do anything to find the sacred temple… and certainly does (much to the delight of her fans)! Co-starring Rebecca Love.”

Blind Date (1990)—“ John is a British diplomat; he’s married to Angela, a beautiful former model with a taste for hot lovemaking. But John doesn’t want to be with Angela anymore and with his mistress Eva he comes up with a plan to kill his wife. Something goes awfully wrong: no longer the schemer and would-be killer, John finds himself on a deadly list. Who’s the mastermind behind this setup? Gianni is running out of time and all odds are against him. Torn between Angela and Eva, he has to make a quick decision in order to stay alive!”

Carny (2009)—Lou Diamond Phillips stars as a sheriff who has to hunt down a runaway bloodthirsty circus oddity known as “The Jersey Devil.”

Ciao— “After his best friend Mark dies, Jeff decides to meet Andrea, an Italian man who Mark has been Internet dating. The two strangers quickly bond and develop a meaningful friendship that changes their lives forever.” Starring Adam Neal Smith and Alessandro Calza.

Crucifer of Blood—“ A maharajah’s treasure…the British soldiers who stole it and swore a blood oath of secrecy…and, 30 years later, the consequences: death. Is the treasure cursed? Or is a very human murderer at work? Only one man can unravel the mystery: Sherlock Holmes. The master of deductive reasoning has been one of film’s most durable characters from the silent era through the 2009 hit Sherlock Holmes. Here, Charlton Heston (who played Holmes in the Los Angeles production of Paul Giovanni’s original The Crucifer of Blood play) dons the sleuth’s signature deerstalker for this atmospheric puzzler adapted and directed by Fraser C. Heston and steeped in romance (Dr. Watson falls in love!), supernaturalism, subterfuge and cunning twists. The game is afoot!”

D.C. Sniper—A dramatized retelling of the horrific random shooting spree that scared the living hell out of the greater D.C. area and humanity in general.

Drool—“Anora Fleece has got it rotten. Her husband is abusive, her children are disrespectful, and she lives in the middle of nowhere feeling like a nobody. Then Imogene Cochran moves into the neighborhood. Imogene sells Kathy K. Kosmetics make-up for the cocoa skinned woman. The neighbors don t like cocoa skinned anything, but that doesn t stop Imogene and Anora from becoming friends and, eventually, more than friends. When Anora s husband, Cheb, finds them, all hell breaks loose, but the tables are turned when Anora accidentally shoots Cheb dead. Anora and Imogene then pile the kids in the Kathy K. car, throw the corpse in the trunk and ride off on a family road trip to bury Daddy.” It stars Laura Harring from Mullholland Drive.

Eugene (2009, 2 versions)—“Do you know what life is? Life is whatever you want it to be! Eugene Prescott is a lonely man who desperately wants to make a connection with the world and people around him. Like most people he just wants to love and be loved. Tormented by loneliness and a deep need to connect with others, Eugene searches outside of himself for the answers only to find himself more perplexed by his confused sexual tendencies and repressed childhood memories. As the shield of his denial becomes stripped away, Eugene directs his rage inward. After a failed attempt at dating and an encounter with a hooker, Eugene s search leads him to the streets of Hollywood where he meets Josh, a young hustler who turns tricks to support a heroin habit, and Heather, a beautiful soft core porn model who dreams of starting a new life.”

Expecting A Miracle— “A troubled young couple discovers that sometimes you must endure great hardship to discover where you really need to be in life after heading for Mexico on vacation, and finding themselves hopelessly stranded in the dessert. Pete (Jason Priestly) and Donna (Teri Polo) were eager to start a family when their fertility tests revealed they could never have a child of their own. Devastated, the couple accepts an invitation by one of Pete’s colleagues to spend some time at his vacation home south of the border. Shortly after crossing into Mexico, however, they take a wrong turn down a rough road, and their SUV breaks down. Thankfully, a road sign indicates that the town of Dommatina is within walking distance, and before long Pete and Donna are safe in the company of kind strangers. Though they’d planned on getting their vehicle repaired as quickly as possible in order to reach their intended destination, a chance encounter with a benevolent priest (Cheech Marin) and a young boy leaves the wayward couple wondering if their true family had been waiting for them in Dommatina all along.”

Flick’s Chicks—“After a lifetime of problems and disappointments with men, Flick decides she wants to spend her life with a woman. She finds the 5 women that she’s recently met and has been attracted to in one way or another and invites them to spend a weekend at an out of the way summer house by the beach. A weekend to get to know her and her daughter Roxy, who at only 10 years old, has a maturity far beyond her years. The only problem is, she has invited all 5 women to stay with her at the same time in the same house and none of them know that.”

Girly (aka Mumsy, Nanny, Sonny and Girly)—“Sexy, teenaged, immature Girly and her camera-wielding brother Sonny bring home unsuspecting men to Mumsy and Nanny, where they play games, and if they don’t follow the rules, they’re sent to the angels. One day they bring home a New Friend who has a few ideas for games of his own, though, and he begins to turn the foursome against each other.”

Good Intentions—“ Ettas hopeless husband Chester, wannabe entrepreneur and liquor store owner, blows every nickel he makes trying to get rich on hare-brained inventions. After their young boys, Shane and Chris sneak off to try smoking and blow up the backyard shed full of Chester’s homemade fireworks, smart and sassy Etta realizes she must take matters into her own hands to fulfill her dream of sending the boys to college one day.”  It stars LeAnn Rimes, Jon Gries, Elaine Hendrix and Luke Perry.

Cary Grant: The Early Years—Three of his films new on DVD: The Devil and The Deep (1932), The Last Outpost (1935)  and Eagle and The Hawk (1933).

Haunted Echoes—“Devastated by their daughter’s murder, a couple tries to overcome their grief by restoring an old house. But soon they are confronted with the ghost of a young girl who suffered an imaginable death.” Starring Sean Young & M. Emmet Walsh

Heavenly Touch—“ Nursing student Rodel (Paolo Serrano) supports his schooling by working nightly as a masseur at the Heavenly Touch Spa, which offers more than massage to its mostly gay clientele. When he discovers that Jonard (Joash Balejado), a former classmate for whom he has secret romantic feelings, is in need of a job, Rodel teaches him basic massage skills and brings him to the spa. Immediately, the reluctant Jonard discovers that, contrary to its name, the spa is a hellish place ruled by a vicious ex-cop Sir Tong (Jeffrey Santos).”

High Life (2008)—“With thrilling action, wickedly funny humor and an addictive soundtrack, High Life carries on the tradition of the Coen Brothers and Quentin Tarantino! Timothy Olyphant (Live Free or Die Hard, HBO’s Deadwood) leads a motley crew of brain-fried losers, including a hypochondriac pickpocket (Joe Anderson, Across the Universe), an eternally optimistic charmer (Rossif Sutherland, Poor Boy’s Game) and a trigger-happy thug (Stephen Eric McIntyre, TV’s Falcon Beach). They attempt to stage a bank heist, but when it doesn’t go off as planned, all hell breaks loose.”

Hitler Meets Christ—“ Two men meet in a train station. One believes he’s Hitler, the other, Christ. Their unusual pairing brings together two of the most controversial figures in human history. Hitler Meets Christ tells the story of two homeless men wandering the crumbling urban wasteland of a city ghetto. Pitted in a tireless debate, the defiant Hitler is incensed by his companion while Christ struggles to detect any trace of a human soul beneath Hitler s rock-solid layers of bile and hatred. As the friction escalates, Hitler s rage becomes all-consuming and Christ is forced to test his own endurance in his search to answer the question. Just how far does God s love extend? This chilling tale is based on Emmy Award and Golden Globe winner Michael Moriarty’s (Law and Order, Pale Rider) controversial play.

Homewrecker—“ Gay Hollywood producers Derrick (Peter Szeliga) and Collin (Bruce L. Hart) have a new houseguest – and he’s more trouble than they know. Because friendly, innocent Shawn (Dylan Vox, The Lair) is really ex-con Boyd, an actor they fired from their hit TV series when the network wanted someone more attractive. Fresh out of prison, Boyd is newly buff, hot and sexy, and ready to dump his trashy girlfriend, Sheila (Rebekah Kochan, Eating Out 1-3), and dive headfirst into every guy’s pants on his way to stardom. Hell-bent on starring in Derrick and Collin’s brand new TV show, Boyd will stop at nothing. Seduction, blackmail, manipulation, and sexual trysts this boy’s a one-man wrecking crew. All’s fair in showbiz!”

House of Fears—“The night before a local haunted house opens for the Halloween season, three friends sneak in for a night of scaring their dates. Soon after entering, they find themselves trapped with no way out.” You can guess what kind of gruesomeness ensues…

Jake’s Corner—“Hope is right around the corner. Ex-football star, Johnny Dunn, (Richard Tyson) walked away from the game early in his career to live a relatively secluded life far from the spotlight in a small, desert town he owns called Jake’s Corner, a rest stop for travelers crossing the Arizona desert but for the people who live there, it becomes a rest stop for life. Johnny and the quirkily eclectic ensemble (Academy Award Nominee Diane Ladd; 5 time Grammy Award Winer B.J. Thomas) that live and work in the town occupy trailers behind the Corner Store and Jake’s Corner Bar. Through the years, this cast of colorful misfits have become closer than most families. Johnny’s quiet life is altered dramatically when his young nephew, Spence, is unexpectedly dropped at his doorstep. The boy brings a childlike innocence to this town of adults who, in turn, get to share their homegrown wisdom with him”

Kreola—“ Kreola is a stunning woman happily married to her husband Andy, a successful photographer. Together they decide to fly to Santo Domingo due to a work assignment of Andy. The gorgeous island, hauntingly beautiful yet still savage and full of lusty temptations, proves to be lethal to Kreola’s fidelity. When she meets fisherman Leon, she realizes that she will debase herself to the lowest level just to please the man’s whims. Aflame with desire and lust, Kreola is caught in a whirlwind of violent emotions and no holds barred sex.”

Last Hurrah (2009)—“The Last Hurrah is a comedy filmed in a single continuous shot. Set at a graduation party in Los Angeles, an eclectic group of brainy philosophy students, train-hopping hippies, aspiring prophets and drug-addled hipsters come together for one wild night. At the eye of the storm are three best friends, all with the same problem — women. Jason can’t get enough of them, Steve can’t let go of the one he’s got and Will can’t understand them at all. The brainy grad students will have to work through their issues fast, because tonight’s house party is their last crack at the women of the philosophy department. In the spirit of Richard Linklater and Woody Allen, The Last Hurrah is a smart, witty, ensemble-driven comedy that wonders if the over examined life is really worth living.”

Miles From Nowhere—“A high school football star clashes with his coach and his father when he joins the track team to accomplish a goal set by his late best friend. When John is killed in a car accident, Cameron (Andrew Lawrence) blames himself for the tragedy, and vows to accomplish his friend’s goal of setting a new record on the mile run. Cameron’s altruistic mission is jeopardized, however, when he runs into opposition from both his father (Treat Williams) and his coach, who feel that may be throwing away a future in football by switching sports at such an inopportune time. But the harder they work to convince Cameron he’s wrong, the sharper the young athlete’s focus and determination becomes.”

Nine Dead—“An all-star cast including Melissa Joan Hart (Sabrina: The Teenage Witch), John Terry (TV’s Lost, 24) and James C. Victor (TV’s 24) triggers top-notch suspense in this gruesome tale of a masked gunman on the prowl. With hoods over their heads, nine handcuffed strangers are about to learn their kidnapper’s game. They must work together to answer one question: Why have they been targeted? One of them will die every 10 minutes unless they can strip away each other’s secrets to solve this dangerous, twisted puzzle that could leave Nine Dead.”

Quadroon: The Black Mandingo–The drama that claims to reveal “the shocking truth about the passion slaves of 1835 New Orleans” also invites you to “see the movie rappers have been sampling since the 80s!” Is it a bit of dialogue? A snippet of soundtrack? You’ll have to watch and see (or hear).

Relative Stranger—“A former professional football player abandons his family after a series of disheartening career setbacks, only to discover the power of forgiveness after losing his father. When Walter Clemens’ (Eriq La Salle) dreams came crashing down, he couldn’t bear the thought of disappointing his family. Shortly thereafter, Walter’s father dies, devastating the family as they come together for the reading of his will. No one expected to see Walter there, and at first his presence only serves to reopen old wounds. The full impact of his actions finally setting in, Walter embraces his faith and begins taking the first steps toward reuniting his fractured family.”

ROT: Reunion of Terror—“ A deranged killer targets six high school friends who’ve gathered for a reunion party at a secluded hunting cabin. When several of the group go missing, tensions escalate as they begin to suspect each other of senseless and brutal crimes. As the night progresses, a secret is uncovered which reveals one of the most controversial and brutal endings in cinematic history.”

Sea Devils (1953)—“ When a smuggler (Rock Hudson) takes to the high seas in the historical era of Napoleon’s threatened invasion of England, he meets a beautiful mystery woman (Yvonne De Carlo) and is induced to sail her to the French coast, unaware that she is actually a spy…but for which side? “Good color photography enhances the striking sea scenes and lavish interior settings” (Harrison’s Reports) in this suspenseful costume adventure from action directing great Raoul Walsh.”

The Sensei— “Inspiring and equally powerful, The Sensei is a film about tolerance, acceptance and the courage to stand against hate. Lonely gay teenager, McClain, struggles to fit in with his classmates in a small, conservative Colorado town. After he’s severely beaten at school, Karen O’Neil (Diana Lee Inosanto, Actress & Stuntwoman, The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift), a martial arts Sensei, secretly trains him to defend himself. When the town discovers their secret, a series of catastrophic events unfolds. Co-starring Keith David and Louis Mandylor.”

Shut-eye—“Shut-eye, the latest work from writer/director John Covert (Waiting For The Man, The Blind Lead), is a hard hitting contemporary character study of family dysfunctionalism, crime and violence played out in the three flat brownstones and Mob owned strip joints of the Chicago underworld. Like far too many hard working American couples, Ed and Kim are barely able to make their rent. Ed, an ex-cop, is reduced to working security for Mafia strip clubs. When members of their family steal cash that Ed is paid to protect, relatives, friends and mobsters react with deadly unpredictability.”

Soldier Love Story—“ The pen-pal friendship between a young boy and a homesick soldier blossoms into something much more meaningful in this warmhearted tale of family and courage. Sgt. Vince Carerra (Johnny Messner) is serving his country overseas when he starts a correspondence with Jared Marshall, a young boy still reeling from his parents’ recent divorce. Estranged from his father, Jared confides his pain in Vince in between colorful exchanges about baseball. Upon returning home, Vince meets Jared and his mother Dana (Lori Loughlin), and soon finds himself falling for the newly-single mother. Before long, the trio has formed a family. Their momentary bliss is soon shattered, however, when Vince discovers he’s about to be redeployed, and realizes his role as a father figure will soon take a backseat to his role as a soldier.”

Tales From The Dead—“ A Japanese anthology film of four ghost stories, each one with a unique personality. Some stories involve revenge while others are warnings about appreciating the value of life.”

Tickling Leo—“ When Zak and his girlfriend Delphina visit his estranged father in the Catskills, they find him suffering from dementia and inadvertently uncover a dark family secret from WWII: an impossible sacrifice Zak’s grandfather (Eli Wallach) made to join Rudolph Kasztner’s controversial freedom train out of Hungary.”

Toxic Skies—“A mysterious disease is spreading across the country, killing people with alarming speed in this pulse-pounding, action-filled thriller. Co-stars Anne Heche (Hung) and James Tupper (Samantha Who?) reignite their chemistry as two strangers brought together in their urgent mission to find a cure. Heche is Dr. Tess Martin, a top virologist driven by her tragic past. Her only hope is Jack Bowen (Tupper), a rule-breaking renegade who holds the key to the disease’s horrendous origins.”

Tracing Cowboys—“ A classic road movie, Tracing Cowboys tells the story of two individuals searching for their own identity, while separated from each other. Ethan is a young Englishman obsessed with his hero John Wayne and intent on becoming a Country and Western singer. When his girlfriend Debi leaves without explanation, Ethan travels down to Mexico during the festival of the Day of the Dead intent on finding her. The only map he has is contained within photographs Debi has taken during her journey, and no matter how
far he travels the whereabouts of Debi remain elusive, until her photos point Ethan toward the film’s surprising and dramatic conclusion.”

Truth About Average Guys—“Jason has a thing for his fellow worker, Katie but she doesn’t seem to notice him much and his insecurity isn’t helping. After finding out that her sister is mentally challenged he gets his friend, Troy, a wannabe actor, to pose as a his mentally challenged brother so he can get to know Katie better. At first the plan works to perfection but can they keep the secret hidden forever?”

Turn The Beat Around—“ Set in the competitive LA dance scene, Zoe, a struggling young dancer gets the opportunity to fulfill her professional dreams when she convinces Michael, a wealthy club owner, to open a modern disco where young people come to connect through dance. The club features classic disco hits updated with a modern sound – and modern dance moves. In the process, Zoe’s personal and professional lives collide and she finds herself caught between Michael, her dancer boyfriend Chris, and Malika, the sexy, overly ambitious choreographer she might be about to replace.” It’s a MTV production, not unlike the Carmen: A Hip Hopera

UFC: Best of 2009 * —“ 2009 was a huge year for the Ultimate Fighting Championship, and you can re-live every great moment, knockout, submission and fight with the UFC: Best of 2009 DVD. All the superstars are featured in their most spectacular bouts. Includes footage from the history making UFC 100 event!”

Urbanworld—”Two brothers plunge headlong into the seedy underbelly of contemporary America. Facing off against elements of the American underworld, and pursued by the police, they face the profound questions of what it is to be a father, a brother, and a man while they try to stay alive and one step ahead of unleashed forces far beyond their control or comprehension. As they descend deeper into their fate, they are confronted by the penultimate questions; What is worth living for and what is worth dying for?”  This is a locally made film by director Malik Isasis.

Voyage Round My Father—“ Before creating the beloved courtroom drama Rumpole of the Bailey, writer John Mortimer found inspiration in his own life for this portrait of a difficult but enduring love between father and son in mid-20th-century Britain. Screen legend Laurence Olivier stars as the eccentric patriarch–a blind barrister so stubborn and cantankerous that he refuses to acknowledge his sightlessness. Alan Bates (Gosford Park) portrays his devoted son, who follows his father’s footsteps in the law while longing to become a writer, with Jane Asher (Brideshead Revisited) as his wife.”

Wushu Warrior—“ China 1862. Lord Lindsey rules the opium trade and enslaves the innocent. The only hope for the oppressed nation, is a covert group of trained Wushu Warriors – The Red Lotus Society who will fight to restore justice to its people.” It stars Matt Frewer, Tod Fennell and Amber Mullin.

And that’s pretty much it. Enjoy, everyone.

In the most recent episode, the MacGuffins ready themselves for Greenberg with a Noah Baumbach retrospective, and John talks about Bigfoot-centric films. Visit our Bigfoot/Sasquatch section up in the Psychotronic room for many selections from this genre that’s near and dear to our fuzzy hearts:

We now go back a few weeks to Spencer & John’s Shutter Island inspired discussion about all things Martin Scorsese, along with their picks for the best independent films of last year:

The adventurously titled episode A Trip To The Past focuses on the illustrious career of Kevin Smith (who I will say was very nice when I met him briefly years ago in Las Vegas) and the flood of horror movie remakes in recent memory:

In the even more awesomely named Shock and Blah, Spencer and John review the Tracy Morgan/Bruce Willis buddy flick Cop Out and honors the release of Captialism: A Love Story (which you can buy right here at this independent business that provides its employees with health insurance) with a look back at Michael Moore’s films.

And last but not least, Spencer and John relive the glory that was The Oscars and the not so much glory of Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland:

Stay up to date will all the MacGuffin podcasts & movie reviews over on their website.