There is a TON of stuff coming out this week.
I think this is the most stuff I've recommended in a single week since I've been doing this.
Better get started...
_______________________________
King Kong (2-disc Special Edition) (2005)
dir. Peter Jackson
This was one of my favorite movies of 2005, regardless of the many many flaws.
Any time that Kong is on screen more than makes up for it.
I'm really looking forward to watching this again, but unfortunately I do not have a movie theater in my house.
Ideally, that's how this movie should be watched. I think it was the only movie last year that I went saw in the theaters more than once.
It's just such an amazing movie to take in on the big screen.
I'm seriously gonna have to invest in a big-ass HDTV sometime soon.
Amazon.com's review:
Movies don't come any bigger than Peter Jackson's King Kong, a three-hour remake of the 1933 classic that marries breathtaking visual prowess with a surprising emotional depth. Expanding on the original story of the blonde beauty and the beast who falls for her, Jackson creates a movie spectacle that matches his Lord of the Rings films and even at times evokes their fantasy world while celebrating the glory of '30s Hollywood. Naomi Watts stars as Ann Darrow, a vaudeville actress down on her luck in Depression-era New York until manic filmmaker Carl Denham (a game but miscast Jack Black) entices her with a lead role. Dazzled by the genius of screenwriter Jack Driscoll (Adrien Brody), Ann boards the tramp steamer S.S. Venture, which she--and most of the wary crew--believes is headed for Singapore. Denham, however, is in search of the mythic Skull Island, hoping to capture its wonders on film and make a fortune. What he didn't count on were some scary natives who find that the comely Darrow looks like prime sacrifice material for a mysterious giant creature....
There's no point in rehashing the entire plot, as every movie aficionado is more than familiar with the trajectory of King Kong; the challenge facing Jackson, his screenwriters, and the phenomenal visual-effects team was to breathe new life into an old, familiar story. To that degree, they achieve what could be best called a qualified success. Though they've assembled a crackerjack supporting cast, including Thomas Kretschmann as the Venture's hard-bitten captain and young Jamie Bell as a plucky crewman, the first third of the movie is rather labored, with too much minute detail given over to sumptuous re-creations of '30s New York and the unexciting initial leg of the Venture's sea voyage. However, once the film finds its way to Skull Island (which bears more than a passing resemblance to LOTR's Mordor), Kong turns into a dazzling movie triumph, by turns terrifying and awe-inspiring. The choreography and execution of the action set pieces--including one involving Kong and a trio of Tyrannosaurus Rexes, as well as another that could be charitably described as a bug-phobic's nightmare--is nothing short of landmark filmmaking, and a certain Mr. Spielberg should watch his back, as Kong trumps most anything that has come before it.
Despite the visual challenges of King Kong, the movie's most difficult hurdle is the budding romance between Ann and her simian soulmate. Happily, this is where Jackson unqualifiedly triumphs, as this unorthodox love story is tenderly and humorously drawn, by turns sympathetic and wondrous. Watts, whose accessibility balances out her almost otherworldly loveliness, works wonders with mere glances, and Andy Serkis, who digitally embodies Kong here much as he did Gollum in the LOTR films, breathes vibrant life into the giant star of the film without ever overplaying any emotions. The final, tragic act of the film, set mostly atop the Empire State Building, is where Kong earns its place in movie history as a work that celebrates both the technical and emotional heights that film can reach.
- DVD Features:
Available Subtitles: English, Spanish, French
Available Audio Tracks: English (Dolby Digital 5.1)
The Volkswagen Toureg & King Kong
Wish You Were Here
Disc 2
Special Introduction by Peter Jackson
Post-Production Diaries: Director Peter Jackson takes you on an unforgettable journey revealing virtually every aspect of post-production with nearly three hours of exclusive behind the scenes footage.
Kong's New York, 1933 - 1930s New York comes alive in this fascinating piece that explores vaudeville, the skyscraper boom, the construction of the Empire State building and more.
Skull Island: A Natural History - Travel to treacherous Skull Island with Peter Jackson and his crew
The Planet of the Apes - The Ultimate DVD Collection (1968-2001)
dir. Franklin J. Schaffner, Tim Burton, etc.
I mean, I like the O.G. Planet of the Apes and everything, but GOD DAMN.
This is absolute OVERKILL.
It's about $140, but seriously, for the amount of stuff included, that seems like a good deal.
Especially for the cheesy/awesome ape head packaging.
But who wants the Planet of the Apes TV show AND Cartoon?
Both of those are included, and so is the Tim Burton remake of the original.
Tim Roth is the only reason that movie is even watchable.
Cool set, but you're weird if you like Planet of the Apes this much.
Amazon.com's review:
While provoking neither the decades of spin-offs of the Star Trek franchise or the cultural staying power of the Star Wars universe, Planet of the Apes nonetheless lives in the hearts of many a Sunday afternoon TV-watcher. A high water mark for prosthetic movie magic, this primate-vs-man epic--spanning four movies, a TV series, and an animated series--was as integral to the 1970s as Led Zeppelin or muscle cars. So how to properly pay tribute to a science fiction franchise about intelligent apes roaming a post-apocalyptic earth?
In a freaking ape head boxed set, man.
It's true. 20th Century Fox packaged the entire run--movies, TV series, animated series, and the 2001 Tim Burton remake--in Cornelius's head. Actually, the 14 discs are efficiently packaged in a fold-out book that slides into the bust's back. The bust is smartly dressed in green canvas, with zippers that don't actually lead to pockets. The hair is a luxurious mane that could have been wasted on at least three toupes. Put this masterpiece of DVD packaging on a shelf and watch it catch the gaze of everyone who walks into the room. Unfortunately, the set does not come with any supplemental reading material; an essay or two on the impact of Planet of the Apes would have been nice. The set is limited to 10,000 copies and comes with a numbered certificate of authenticity. For those who don't want to commit to the full ape head experience, the discs in this set can be had in the Planet of the Apes Legacy Boxset
- DVD Features:
Disc 1 includes:
*2-Disc version of Planet of the Apes Anniversary DVD
*Anamorphic Widescreen with Dolby Surround 5.1 - THX Certified and DTS
*Disc 1 includes: Commentary by Composer Jerry Goldsmith and Commentary by Actors Roddy Mc Dowell, Natalie Trundy, Kim Hunter, Make-up Artist John Chambers & Text Commentary by Eric Greene, Author of "Planet of the Apes as American Myth"
Disc 2 "BONUS DISC" includes:
*Behind the Planet of the Apes Documentary 126 minutes
*Behind the Planet of the Apes Promo (1998)
*Planet of the Apes Makeup Test with Edward G. Robinson (1966) *Roddy McDowall Home Movies approx. 20 minutes
*Planet of the Apes Dailies and Outtakes (no audio)
*Planet of the Apes (1967 N.A.T.O. Presentation)
*Planet of the Apes Featurette (1968)
*A Look Behind the Planet of the Apes (1972)
*Don Taylor Directs Escape from the Planet of the Apes
*J. Lee Thompson Directs Conquest of the Planet of the Apes
*Publicity: Original Theatrical Trailers, Planet of the Apes Teaser Trailer, Planet of the Apes Trailer, Beneath the Planet of the Apes Trailer, Escape from the Planet of the Apes Trailer, Conquest of the Planet of the Apes Trailer, & Battle for the Planet of the Apes Trailer
*Film Reviews (1968) 34 stills
*Theatrical Posters 7 static images with 28 seconds audio
*Galleries: Original Sketches by Costume Designer Morton Haack 9 stills with 36 second audio & Photo Gallery 17 stills
Disc 3 includes:
*Beneath the Planet of the Apes Single Disc
*Remastered to include Anamorphic Widescreen and Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround - THX certified and includes Dolby Surround
*Special Features include: Cast Page, Trailers for: Planet of the Apes 1968 and 2001, Escape from the planet of the Apes,
Conquest of the Planet of the Apes, Battle for the Planet of the Apes, Planet of the Apes Cross-Promo Trailers, Theatrical Trailer,
Behind the Scenes Photo Gallery and Web link.
Disc 4 includes:
*Escape from the Planet of the Apes Single Disc
*Remastered to include Anamorphic Widescreen and Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround - THX certified
*Special Features include: Cast Page, Trailers for: Planet of the Apes 1968 and 2001, Beneath the planet of the Apes, Conquest
of the Planet of the Apes, Battle for the Planet of the Apes, Planet of the Apes Cross-Promo Trailers, Theatrical Trailer,
Don Taylor Directs Escape from Planet of the Apes and Web link.
Disc 5 includes:
*Conquest for The Planet of the Apes Single Disc
*Remastered to include Anamorphic Widescreenand Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround - THX certified, Dolby Surround
*Special Features include: Cast Page, Trailers for: Planet of the Apes 1968 and 2001, Beneath the planet of the Apes, Escape
from the Planet of the Apes, Battle for the Planet of the Apes, Planet of the Apes Cross-Promo Trailers, Theatrical Trailer,
J. Lee Directs Conquest of the Planet of the Apes and Web link.
Disc 6 includes:
*Battle for The Planet of the Apes (Extended Version) never-before-released on DVD
*Remasters to include Anamorphic Widescreen and Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround - THX certified, Dolby Surround
*Special Features include: Cast Page, Trailers for: Planet of the Apes 1968 and 2001, Beneath the planet of the Apes, Conquest
of the Planet of the Apes, Escape from the Planet of the Apes, Planet of the Apes Cross-Promo Trailers, Theatrical Trailer,
Fox Interactive Presents: Behind the Scenes of the Planet of the Apes Game & ROM Content - Self Contained Web Site.
Disc 7 includes:
*Disc 1 of TV Series has 4 Episodes: B-503 Escape from Tomorrow, B-502 The Gladiators, B-505 The Trap and B-501 The Good Seeds.
*TV Spots
*Still Photos
Disc 8 includes:
*Disc 2 of TV Series has 4 Episodes: B-504 The Legacy, B-508 Tomorrow's Tide, B-509 The Surgeon and B-510 The Dragoons.
*TV Spots
*Still Photos
Disc 9 includes:
*Disc 3 of TV Series - 4 Episodes: B-511 The Horse Ride, B-512 The Interrogation, B-513 The Tyrant and B-506 The Cure.
*TV Spots
*Still Photos
Disc 10 includes:
*Disc 4 of TV Series - 2 Episodes B-507 The Liberator and B-514 Up Above the World So High.
*TV Spots
*Still Photos
**Note: This is the only DVD-5 in the set**
Disc 11 includes:
*Animated TV DVD: Return to the Planet of the Apes (1975) - Component number: 2233823 (Not for sale)
*Disc 1 of Animated TV Series - 7 Episodes: DFE01 Flames of Doom, DFE02 Escape From Ape City, DFE05 Lagoon of Peril, DFE04 Tunnel of Fear, DFE03 The Unearthly Prophecy, DFE08, Screaming Wings and DFE09 Trail to the Unknown.
Disc 12 includes:
*Disc 2 of Animated TV Series - 6 Episodes: DFE10 Attack from the Clouds, DFE11 Mission of Mercy, DFE12 Invasion of the Underdwellers, DFE13 Battle of the Titans, DFE06 Terror on Ice Mountain and DFE07 River of Flames.
Disc 13 includes:
*2-Disc version of Planet of the Apes (2001) DVD
*Disc 1: Enhanced Viewing Mode (interactive versions includes behind the scenes on make-up, special effects, cast/crew, shooting on location), commentary by Tim Burton, Danny Elfman, Tom Rothman, Richard Zanuck, & cast/crew bios.
Disc 14 "BONUS DISC" includes:
*Disc 2 of Planet of the Apes '01: 23 featurettes, 6 documentaries - "Apes School", "Make-Up Testing", "Costume Testing", "Shooting on Location", "Scoring the Film" and " Ape Movement", 8 interactive multi-angle sequences that "Put you in the Director's Chair", 4 quadangle/4 way audio split vignettes of make-up testing, Apes reactive testing, costume testing, Apes movement/stunt testing, 5 extended scenes, HBO "The Making of" Special, TV spots, Trailers and a music video.
Memoirs of a Geisha (2-disc Special Edition) (2005)
dir. Rob Marshall
Eh. That "Nominated for 6 Academy Awards" on the box can be a bit decieving, considering they were awards for things like make-up and costumes.
I will say, I'd be kind of interested to see it because of the cinematography.
But only if I managed to catch it on HBO or something.
I love Ziyi Zhang, but I cant stand listening to her talk in English for 2 minutes, let alone 2 hours.
Why they didnt make this movie in their native language is beyond me.
Well, actually it was probably just to pander to American audiences. But that didnt seem to help much.
Amazon.com's review:
Chicago director Rob Marshall's pretty but empty (or pretty empty) film has all the elements of an Oscar
, 
