On Video/DVD: Three Favorites of 2000

There are so many movies out there these days that it’s difficult to see all the ones that strike your fancy in theaters. Even a die-hard movie buff like me has trouble keeping up. But fortunately, films make their way to video and DVD faster than ever before, and this gives us a chance to catch up on what we've missed or take another look at what we've previously seen and loved. Three of my favorite films of 2000 are already available on both video and DVD. Let’s take a quick look at them:

Erin Brockovich This entertaining docudrama is about a twice-divorced mother of three who has no training or skills, wears short skirts and low necklines, and has an outspoken manner that makes her seem a little rough around the edges. After getting a menial job in a law office, Brockovich (Julia Roberts in a strong performance) stumbles onto information that people living in a desert community have been made very sick by Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s toxic waste. Through dogged determination, she convinces the town’s residents to fight back, eventually resulting in a lawsuit with the largest settlement ever paid in such a case. Erin Brockovich is one of the best films of 2000, and it plays well on the small screen since much of the story unfolds inside law offices and in the interiors of peoples’ homes.

Gladiator The film opens with an enormous battle in which Maximus, the Roman Empire’s greatest general, wins his biggest victory. But soon a sudden change in the political situation results in Maximus becoming an enslaved gladiator who seeks to someday avenge the murder of his family. On the big screen Gladiator impresses because of its spectacular special effects, but there’s more going on in this film than sheer visual dazzle, and on the small screen the story, its characters, and the actors’ performances come more to the fore. Russell Crowe is terrific as Maximus, creating a character who is more than just a mythic hero. Be advised, though, that because of the special effects, home viewers will probably prefer seeing Gladiator on DVD rather than on videotape.

High Fidelity Based on the novel by Nick Hornby, High Fidelity mixes comedy, drama, and romance. The central character is Rob (John Cusack), the thirty-something owner of a used-record shop called Championship Vinyl. Throughout the movie he wrestles--usually unsuccessfully--with the inevitability of growing up. Rob has just broken up with his girlfriend, leading him to reflect obsessively on all his failed relationships. Working for Rob at his shop are two geeky, nerdy clerks who are delightfully wacky. The dialogue in this movie crackles with wit and whizzes past so quickly that you’ll probably want to watch parts of it repeatedly.

Seen any of your favorites from 2000 on video or DVD? What did you think? Drop me an email, and I’ll report back on some of the responses.