The new DVD releases include Freedom Writers, The Last King of Scotland, Notes on a Scandal and Smokin' Aces. In addition, we'll take a sneak peek at next week's movies on video/DVD.
April 17, 2007 - New Video and DVD Releases:
Tagline: "Our story. Our words."
Length: 123 minutesMPAA Rating: PG-13 for violent content, some thematic material and language
Hilary Swank gives a fine performance in this inspiring drama based on a true story. The movie is set in 1994 Long Beach, California, and centers around racially troubled Wilson High School. Idealistic Erin Gruwell (Swank) joins the faculty and finds a way to reach students previously considered unteachable: she gets the youngsters to keep journals. Also, the students read The Diary of Anne Frank. In real life, the written output of Gruwell and her students was published as The Freedom Writers Diary. Selected DVD Special Features:
- Also Available on HD-DVD
Formats Available: The above information on special features refers to the DVD. Check for availability on VHS.
Tagline: "Charming. Magnetic. Murderous."
Length: 121 minutesMPAA Rating: R for some strong violence and gruesome images, sexual content and language.
Forest Whitaker gives a strong performance as historical figure Idi Amin in this drama based on Giles Foden's novel. The story is set in the 1970s and told by a Scottish doctor named Nicholas Garrigan (James McAvoy). After Garrigan finishes school, he chooses to provide medical services in a remote village in Uganda. Then the naïve Garrigan accepts the job of personal physician to the country's charismatic new leader Idi Amin. But Garrigan comes to realize he's working for a monster, and he must decide what to do. Selected DVD Special Features:
- Widescreen
Formats Available: The above information on special features refers to the DVD. Check for availability on VHS.
Tagline: "One woman's mistake is another's opportunity."
Length: 92 minutesMPAA Rating: R for language and some aberrant sexual content
Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett star in this drama based on Zoë Heller's novel. The story is told by Barbara (Dench), a lonely, older woman who has taught for years at a London school. When the much younger Sheba (Blanchett) joins the faculty there, Barbara goes out of her way to befriend the new teacher. The attractive Sheba lives with her husband and two children, but she begins a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old working-class male student. The ensuing events reveal much about both women. Selected DVD Special Features:
- Commentary
Formats Available: The above information on special features refers to the DVD. Check for availability on VHS.
Tagline: "May the best hitman win."
Length: 109 minutesMPAA Rating: R for strong bloody violence, pervasive language, some nudity and drug use
Joe Carnahan (Narc) wrote and directed this pulpy crime drama that features Ray Liotta, Andy Garcia, Jeremy Piven, Ryan Reynolds, Ben Affleck and Alicia Keys. Buddy "Aces" Israel (Piven) is preparing to become a government witness against the Nevada mob, and they put out a million dollar contract on him. A bounty hunter (Affleck), two hit women (Keys plays one), and neo-Nazis are out to get Aces, while F.B.I. agents (Garcia, Liotta, Reynolds) try to protect him. This leads to spectacular shoot-outs. Selected DVD Special Features:
- Also Available: HD-DVD / DVD Combo
Formats Available: The above information on special features refers to the DVD. Check for availability on VHS.
Next Page - Additional Video/DVD Releases of Interest This Week