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SPECIAL FEATURE
DVD & VIDEO REVIEWS
by Veronica Mixon October 7, 2003
	The Lion King Disney DVD - The platinum edition is an unbelievable treat with two versions of the film -- the original release and a special edition with a new song --and bonus features with all-new animation. The story of a young lion cub who must face his fears and accept adult responsibility is a wonderful tale. The animators went to Africa and the beauty of the land and the animals ring through on the screen! It's a delightful film and you will treasure this DVD. The two disc set includes incredibly in-depth production features. Disney has been tireless in promoting the film and stage production and you see the influences from Africa, Europe, Asia and the Americas. There is a wonderful in depth featurette about the awesome music from Africa, Tim Rice and Elton John. There are several short films about the the creation of the story, the individual characters and music videos for "Circle of Life and "Can You Feel the Love Tonight." There are also deleted scenes and Timon & Pumbaa's Virtual Safari which is a lot of fun! This two disc set is stuffed, stuffed with good things and much, much more!
	Scarface Universal - This 1983 Brian DePalma crime drama is a classic and changed the face of contemporary gangster action films. Al Pacino stars as Tony Montana, a Cuban hit man who works for a local drug dealer in Miami and quickly rises as a top Cocaine dealer. He falls for his boss's girl played by then newcomer Michelle Pfieffer. DePalma and screenwriter Oliver Stone taps the rag-to-riches aspirations of this immigrant who found it easier to obtain the American Dream through crime and spotlight the influence of Cubans during the 1980s after Castro emptied his jails and many criminals entered this country. The film is pure fantasy of vibrant colors, garish ostentatious mansions, Giorgio Moroder music, raw language and unabridged violence. Al Pacino is superb as he delivers a bigger-than-life performance as a man doomed to tragedy. This entertaining film is a cautionary tale of corruption, betrayal, the evils of Cocaine and lost love. The two-disc set has lots of featurettes concerning the rebirth of Scarface, the unique acting style of the cast and a behind the scenes look at the controversy of filming the chainsaw scene. Also included is a curious short film called Def Jam Presents: Origins of a Hip-Hop Classic which explains why the film is so popular among the top Hip Hop performers. Scarface is a must for film buffs, Pacino and DePalma fans and gangster fans.
	The Hard Word Lions Gate Home Entertainment - This gritty crime caper from down under has a certain charming appeal. A trio of bank robbers are still pulling jobs while serving time behind bars. Guy Pearce (L.A. Confidential) is the married leader who discovers that his wife (Rachel Griffiths from Six Feet Under) is having an affair with the lawyer working on the gang's release. When he plans a big job that cuts out their cop partners on the outside and promises to jeopardize the trio's safety, the gang decides to make a few plans of their own. Fast-paced and clever at times, The Hard Word is a nifty little thriller despite some predictable turns. The disc has no special features and only English and Spanish subtitles. That's too bad because American audiences probably would have loved a behind the scenes look at this Aussie thriller.

	A Miami Tail Lions Gate Home Entertainment - A comedy for the Hip Hop generation. This comedy stars Rap artist Trina as a young woman who convinces neighborhood sisters to withhold sex from their reckless, gang banging boyfriends. Rough, raw language and too much hitting from the sassy sisters on their men for the general audience but lovers of urban comedies will probably like this trite stuff. Nice Miami setting that's off the exclusive strip but so-so acting. The disc only includes English and Spanish subtitles.
	Bionicle: The Mask of Light Buena Vista Home Entertainment - A comedy For the first time ever, the world of Bioncle which is based on a popular toy comes to life in an epic movie. It is non-stop action as Jaller and his best friend Takua set off on their journey to find the 7th Toa, a mysterious guardian who will protect the island. Their quest must succeed or the island of Mata Nui will be doomed to darkness. The tale of friendship, courage and the universal theme of good vs. evil with enthrall young audiences of all ages. The disc includes Behind the Scenes feature, the making of Bionicle Mask of Light, deleted scenes with optional director's commentary, story board-to-film, Mata Nui explorer with insights into the various characters and much, much more.
	2 Fast 2 Furious Universal Home Entertainment - A high action glitzy sequel that picks up where the hot original "The Fast and The Furious" left off. Ex-cop Brian O'Connor (Paul Walker) is on the run and when he's caught in Miami, the Feds and local DEA want him to go undercover the catch a dangerous drug dealer (Cole Hauser). Brian enlists the aid of best friend (Tyrese) and a gorgeous Miami cop (Eva Mendes). Hired as fearless drivers by the drug dealer, the duo find the time to race on the Miami streets for extra cash and cars. This is a high velocity ride and the sleek sexy appeal of the hip Miami scene. Walker and Tyrese pull off some eye-popping racing stunts. The disc is stuffed with incredible extras that arm chair speed demons will love. There is a stunt featurette, director commentary, deleted scenes and funny outtakes, the Making Music with Ludacris feature, animated anecdotes, a preview of the Fast and Furius video game and much, much more.
	Nowhere in Africa Columbia Tristar Home Entertainment - The Academy Award winning Best Foreign Film in 2002 is a superb achievement. This is an incredibly moving and dynamatic epic tale of displaced German Jews -- husband, wife and small daughter -- who flee the Nazi by immigrating to Kenya shortly before the beginning of World War II. The couples love was born in a life of comfort and privilege, and now they must try to survive in a strange beautiful land. While the daughter embraces Africa, the couple struggle with disillusions, poverty, isolation and their loss of privilege. All of the actors - both European and African are extraordinary and the film fully explores the lives of the Africans as well as the Europeans. Director Caroline Link easily gets wonderful performances from the children as well. This is not a pretty Hollywood creation of Africa like "Out of Africa" but instead it is a breathtakingly more honest, poignant and emotional look at the challenges of life in Africa during 1940s. The spiritual nature of African culture and the people are juxtaposed with the tension of the warring Europeans and their ambitions. This is an unforgettable drama. The two disc set includes several detailed commentaries of the film, deleted scenes, a behind the scenes featurette, photo montage, score selections and cast interivews. You'll treasure this wonderful film.
	The In-Laws Warner Home Entertainment - A comedy about two young people decide to marry and the bride's father (Albert Brooks) discovers that the grooms father (Michael Douglas) is a nutty CIA agent. The pair of fathers go off on adventures while trying to stage a big wedding. Brooks is nervous and sensible while Douglas gets to be outlandish and goofy. The re-make has some laugh-out loud moments like when Brooks finds that one of the spies, the Fat Cobra has a crush on him. The disc includes a funny gag reel, multi-takes by Albert Brooks, commentary by the director, theatrical trailer and some deleted and alternate scenes. Funny, funny stuff.
	Edited by Veronica Mixon images courtesy of Buena Vista, Columbia Tristar, Disney, Lions Gate, Universal and Warner. to TOP