Each week DVDs come out. Some of them are worth your time and money and some aren't. Some of them are movies I've seen, and some of them aren't. Regardless, I give you my opinion on the big releases of the week. If the releases sound like something you want to buy, just click the link to go to amazon.com and youíll support Cinema Blend with a few pennies. Take it or leave it, here's the DVD Blend.
The Muppet Show - Season One
It’s the day I’ve been waiting anxiously for. After several months since the release date was announced (and several months of anticipating a release date before that) the most spectacular, inspirational, celebrational show to ever hit airwaves comes to DVD. Catch this and remember why we all fell in love with the Muppets to begin with. It wasn’t for their skills at parody, or the endless supply of guests willing to take the insanity that came from working with the Muppets. No, it was the immersive world the Muppets made up, where frogs and pigs and weirdos were normal occurrences that nobody ever called any question to. It was the humor that appealed to different levels of age and education. Having all of season one of “The Muppet Show” is on par with a drug addiction being supplied to me. I’ll be picking my set up Tuesday afternoon. If you don’t hear from me by next Sunday, send more caffeine!
Click to purchase "The Muppet Show" Season One
The Muppets' Wizard of Oz
And then there’s the most recent Muppet movie to hit screens. Unfortunately Oz hit the small screens of television, not the big movie screens, but it’s actually the best Muppet film to come since Henson passed away in my fair estimation. Instead of merely trying to recreate the book, the movie adapts it to modern times and the Muppets insane ways. While I could do without the songs, Ashanti actually isn’t that bad as Dorothy, a role more akin to Diana Ross in The Wiz than Judy Garland’s take on the character. The Muppets fill their roles beautifully, from Kermit, Fozzie, Gonzo, and Pepe in lead roles to the supporting munchkins (the rats) or Dr. Teeth’s heavy “Naptime” take on the poppies. While I know this is being released to coincide with Season One of the Muppet Show, in hopes fans of the original Muppets will pick this up, I’ll let myself fall prey to that campaign and pick both up (Better make it next Tuesday before you send help).
Click to purchase The Muppets' Wizard of Oz
Kung Fu Hustle
Just to prove you don’t have to have Muppets for zany fun, Kung Fu Hustle is also one of my big pics this week. While I’m not a huge fan of kung-fu movies, usually only hitting the few to find mainstream release in the states (a la Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) Kung Fu Hustle really caught my eye with its ridiculous trailer and the movie didn’t disappoint my expectations. The movie is part cartoon and part wire-fu movie as it goes completely over the top with its effects and makes no apologies. Sometimes you need a zany movie like this to remind everyone that movies aren’t always about serious moments and beautiful sets, but are also meant just to have fun. If you love The Matrix movies, but don’t care for the weighty philosophy attached, check out Hustle.
Click to purchase Kung Fu Hustle (Widescreen Version)
Click to purchase Kung Fu Hustle (Full Screen Version)
| Other titles released this week that might be worth your time: | |||
| Row 1 - Cell 0 | Thundercats - Season One - I’m kind of excited about this release, although most of those old ‘80s cartoons are more fun as a memory than watching the reality of what entertained us back then. The real shame is there’s no way the outtakes from the show (full of Rated-R language) will ever be included on these discs, although they’re out on the web for those eager to find them. | Row 1 - Cell 2 | TJ Hooker - Seasons One and Two - Confession time: I have actually never seen an episode of “TJ Hooker”. I’m not a fan of cop shows usually, and if not for the fact that this stars The Shat I wouldn’t even bother giving this release a mention. However by ignoring this, I also wouldn’t have to worry about writing this in the future either, since head-honcho Josh Tyler tends to be less than forgiving where ignoring his idol is concerned. |
| Row 2 - Cell 0 |
| Other titles released this week that aren't worth your time: |
| Row 0 - Cell 0 |
