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Since I am able to see most films for free, I always tell filmmakers and actors that it should be taken as a huge compliment that I paid to see their film after I had already screened it. I think that my trade allows me to have a slight advantage, but one that can be considered bittersweet. 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 hate myself later. The bittersweet part though, is that I am able to see all of the great stuff and then put myself further in debt every week.

DVD’s I Bought – Week of November 20th

Live Free or Die Hard
	While I wasn’t too convinced that another Die Hard film was necessary, this was one of the best summer popcorn flicks. Though still lacking necessity, Live Free or Die Hard gave more thrills than any of its predecessors. Yippie Ki Yay…
Rescue Dawn
	Christian Bale is probably one of the least likely of any actors to fall into a typecast. However, it is hard difficult to look at movies like 3:10 To Yuma and not think “Sweet, Batman as a cowboy”, or Rescue Dawn and not say “Batman in the jungle.” It doesn’t matter that Bale isn’t playing Bruce Wayne in this one, this is one of the most under-rated films of the year and one of my most anticipated purchases.
Hearts of Darkness – A Filmmaker’s Apocalypse
	A documentary that follows one of my favorite all time films Apocalypse Now, and its director Francis Ford Coppola. There have been so many stories circling the production of the film, and maybe now we are able to hear all of them in one place. A must buy for fans of the film and Coppola.
Angel-A
	This has officially become one of my favorite foreign language films of all time. The classic odd couple theme matched with the classic odd man out theme, makes Angel-A a familiar but unforgettable film. This is a film very much unlike director Luc Besson’s earlier films (Leon: The Professional, The Fifth Element), but beautiful visuals and lovable characters make this Besson’s most pure cinematic experience.
The Lady Vanishes – Criterion Collection
	One of my favorite Hitchcock films is brought to full potential by this Criterion Collection re-release. I’m happy to see that Criterion is taking some of their out of print titles and re-releasing them to match the growing demand for these classic films.
Tremors – HD-DVD
	Maybe we should just call Kevin Bacon the “Guilty Please King” because while many of his films can’t be taken seriously (The Air Up There) they still rank as some of my favorite popcorn flicks. Better yet, Valentine McKee is back…and in glorious HD. Our own Kevin Carr had the opportunity to eat breakfast with this film’s star…and despite his name, I think Mr. Bacon made it out alive.
Eric Clapton: Crossroads Guitar Festival 2007
	I am a music on DVD junkie, and how better to spend my hard earned cash than on Slowhand himself. The Crossroads Festival never ceases to please and this DVD makes me feel like I was actually there. Expect to see some fantastic performances.
Led Zeppelin: The Song Remains the Same – HD-DVD
	What makes artists like Led Zeppelin still appealing after so many years? Maybe because these guys were the heartbeat of Rock N’ Roll before it died. It may be dead, but The Song Remains the Same brings Plant and Page back in a big way. One of the most perfect blends of HD video and amazing sound you will find.

DVD’s I Didn’t Buy – Week of November 20th

Hairspray
	I may have been the only person that wasn’t excited for this remake. With the original film being twenty years removed from the subject of 1960′s integration, this remake couldn’t be any less relevant with today’s youth. We might as well expect a film adaptation of The Night Thoreau Spent In Jail. Transcendentalism has a special place in my heart.
The Santa Clause 3 – The Escape Clause
	Since Tim Allen apparently has a monopoly on Christmas films, I now know why the holiday is quickly losing meaning. You cross me once, shame on you. You cross me twice, shame on me. You cross me three times, you still pull in a $20 million opening weekend.