DVD’s I Bought This Week - April 1

Posted by Brian C. Gibson (brian@filmschoolrejects.com) on April 1, 2008

A wise man once said “It’s not just about seeing Star Wars two weeks before everyone else. You’ve gotta plow through crap like Marie Antoinette and Catwoman as well.” I have the fortune of being able to see all of the films that I want, and find out that they are only worth one viewing (or less) before I would willingly pay for the DVD…and subsequently end up hating myself later. But for every The Whoopee Boys there has to be an Indiana Jones, and because of the great films I am able to put myself further in debt every week.

Sweeney Todd - The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Director: Tim Burton
Cast: Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Alan Rickman, Sacha Baron Cohen
Rated: Rated R for graphic bloody violence.

Synopsis: A crazy barber serves up newly bloodied corpses for his downstairs bakery. London rejoices for meatpies.

Special Features: “Burton + Depp + Carter = Todd”, “Sweeney Todd Press Conference, November 2007″, “Musical Mayhem: Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd”, “Sweeney’s London”, “The Making of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street”, “Grand Guignol: A Theatrical Tradition”, “Designs for a Demon Barber”, “A Bloody Business”, “Moviefone Unscripted with Tim Burton and Johnny Depp”, “The Razor’s Refrain”.

Why Buy It?: Seriously, I have to explain this? This movie was pretty much perfect. The two disc edition is loaded with extras, and the film is fantastic. I am not normally a fan of musicals, but this one is a keeper.

Formats: Blu-ray, Standard DVD

Alvin and The Chipmunks

Director: Tim Hill
Cast: Jason Lee, David Cross, Justin Long, Cameron Richardson, Jesse McCartney, Matthew Gray Gubler
Rated: Rated PG for some mild rude humor.

Synopsis: Unemployed musician exploits three young chipmunk’s vocal talents.

Special Features: “Chip-Chip-Hooray”, “Hitting the Harmony”

Why Buy It?: When I first heard that this film was going to be made, I was very apprehensive. It seemed like an idea that was 15 years too late, and just another exploitation of CGI. However, this film really pulled it off. The chipmunks were cute, the music was fun and so was the movie. The only wish I’d have, would be more special features for the DVD.

Formats: Standard DVD, Blu-Ray

The Good Night

Director: Jake Paltrow
Cast: Penélope Cruz, Martin Freeman, Gwyneth Paltrow, Simon Pegg, Danny DeVito
Rated: Rated R for language and some sexual content.

Synopsis: Unhappy with his life, a man tries to dream himself a better one.

Special Features: Commentary by Director Jake Paltrow; Theatrical Trailers.

Why Rent It?: Ever since Shaun of The Dead, I have agreed to always give a Simon Pegg film a chance. Now if you throw in Penélope Cruz and Gwyneth Paltrow, and you have a film worth checking out. The fact that this one went straight to DVD though, makes you think it is still just worth a rental.

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