This week is full of biographical wonder from The Notorious B.I.G. to Richard Nixon, but the highlight is the fictional Randy “The Ram” from The Wrestler.
Pick of the Week
The Wrestler
Mickey Rourke’s stunning comeback playing a faded Pro Wrestler was one of the best films of 2008. The DVD is fairly bare-bones with only the Bruce Springsteen video and a short “Making Of”, but the feature is strong enough to be worth the purchase. Check out my detailed review here.
Notorious (Three-Disc Edition + Digital Copy)
While The Wrestler is short on features Notorious picks up all the slack with a thick two disc edition with a bonus Digital Copy disc. I got a copy and reviewed it here.
Caprica
Essentially this is the pilot to the new show from the creators of Battlestar Galactica which takes place fifty years before the attack that started the resurrected BSG. The show is supposed to show the origins of much of the Cylon creation and conflict and gives more backstory to the Adama clan. I really miss BSG so I will check this out hoping they catch lightning in a bottle twice.
Frost/Nixon
I am interested in this thrilling drama about the unofficial trial of the disgraced ex-president Richard Nixon by David Frost, especially for the DVD feature that compares the film with the real interview footage.
Ron White: Behavioral Problems
Perhaps the most talented member of the Blue Collar comedy tour, Ron White releases his second solo comedy special to follow up They Call Me Tater Salad.
TV and Re-Issues
My Own Worst Enemy: The Complete Series
Christian Slater’s short lived multiple personality thriller releases all nine episodes on DVD. The problem is that the show ends with a cliffhanger and was not able to conclude the show, so I wouldn’t recommend buying this aborted show.
Top Gear 10: The Complete Season 10
Surprisingly, the United States has yet to get a season of this show on DVD from the BBC since it is one of the most popular shows in the world. I imagine if it performs well they will release some earlier seasons or maybe make some “Greatest Hits” style collections for the US audience. I look forward to watching the hosts cross a desert in Africa in a cheaply modified car that cost 1000 bucks.
Squidbillies, Vol. 2
I am a fan of most of the alternative comedy on [adult swim] from Harvey Birdman to Aqua Teen Hunger Force but this was a show I never got too excited about.
Hellraiser: Boxed Set
This is similar to the set the UK got awhile back which has the first three movies in a collectable box shaped like the evil puzzle cube used to unleash Pinhead. However, the UK set came with some early works from Wes Craven on a 4th disc.