24: Season Three
Twentieth Century Fox DVD

- The creators of this remarkable series should be given an enthusiastic round of applause because Season Three of "24," is a heart-pounding, exhilarating adrenalin rush! The unique structure of the series -- Counter terrorist agent Jack Bauer races to save the world in a day and watching how events unfold over 24 hours -- is still amazing.

Bauer played by Keifer Sutherland (who is also one of the producers) is back at CTU hiding the fact that he's hooked on heroin when he's forced to rescue Mexican drug lord Hector Salazar because he's connected with a threatened release of a deadly virus. His daughter, Kim who now works at CTU headquarters, is romancing her dad's young partner, Chase. When Tony Almeida steps away from the computers that are so essential to almost everything that CTU does, he's gun downed.

Meanwhile, President Palmer is facing re-election when the virus threat is launched. He discovers that his chief aide, his brother has angered one of his powerful supporters by sleeping with the man's wife and the President must turn to the one person he loathes more than anyone. His wife, Sherry. Of course, that doesn't stop the ambitious, evil woman making things worst and from embroiling herself back into his life. She misses the power, the influence, the action! It's all so exciting! While the President deals with the virus threat and an untimely murder, Jack Bauer tracks the virus sale and runs into his arch nemesis -- Nina!

In one of the behind the scenes interviews, one of the writers related the story about his mother who admitted that she needed to pop a pill to calm her nerves after watching the show. Well, that's understandable! The one-hour serial segments often end with unbelievable crisis that leaves the audience gasping for breath -- and longing for more!! That's what's so incredible about watching this awesome series on DVD! You can watch as many episodes as you want in one sitting! The acting is superb and the story plots are intriguing!

The seven disc collector's edition contains all 24 episodes of Season Three including the original extended version of the season premiere, cat/crew commentary on selected episodes, over 40 deleted scenes and many bonus extras. It was especially gratifying to watch the construction of a prison scene where a crucial part was played not by an extra but by a crew member who made his acting debut. Sutherland, Elisha Cuthbert, Carlos Bernard, Reiko Aylesworth, James Badge Dalle, Sarah Clarke as Nina and Dennis Haysbert are incredible. It's absolutely refreshing that the series not only features an African American President but also a ruthless, passionate domestic drama between this President and his family.

The series truly captures man's lust for power, destruction and patriotism. You won't want to miss this fantastic collection of Season Three.

3
Buena Vista Home Entertainment

- This bio-pic about Southern race car champion, Dale Earnhardt is a decent, exciting portrait. Barry Pepper ("Saving Private Ryan") stars as the fierce, ambitious racer who grew up in poverty and under the influence of a rigid, often cruel father who was a local champion himself.

The film captures Earnhardt's numerous marriages, his insecurities, his intense drive to win and his unwavering ambition. Like his father, Earnhardt sought to escape the poverty and the work in local mills that deaden life's pleasures. Each man turned a past time into a profession. While Dale was a sensitive man, his father ( J.K. Simmons from HBO's "Oz") was hard-headed, cold and domineering presence. Both men were self-centered and of course, they had to be because the racing they did on weekends away from a 9 to 5 job had not developed into a profession. Dale's father built his own cars and in the beginning so did Dale. But, Dale far surpassed his father's achievements and it's unfortunate that the elder Earnhardt never saw what his son was able to achieve.

Barry Pepper, who previously brought to life a sensitive baseball player in ___, is poignant and clever as he plays the man from his late teens until his late forties. Pepper is personable and handsome. J. K. Simmons, who was so lethal as the career criminal Beecher on HBO's "Oz," delivers a fine performance as a steel-spined redneck. Racing made his life worth living and he certainly passed the love to the sport on to his son, Dale. The film isn't necessarily great film making or great racing drama but it is satisfying television.

The two-disc DVD is stuffed with loads of features that racing fans will adore. There is an interview with Dale Earnhardt, an inside look at his legendary career, a "Making Of" featurette, and much, much more.The film actress.

The Village
Touchstone Home Entertainment

- M. Night Shyamalan's latest film, "The Village" disappointed many people because it was a period romance rather than a scary horror film. This is an eerie film because the spookiness stems from the superstitions and innocence of the 1800s.

"You may run from sorrow, as we have but sorrow will find you. It can smell you, " a grieving village elder tells Lucius Hunt (Joaquin Phoenix "Signs") shortly after his child dies. Both men are live in the remote, beautiful countryside what looks like a perfect village. But, the quiet, peaceful lives of the people are increasing disturbed by "Those we Don't Speak About" who live in the Covington Woods which surround their village. Lucius, a quiet young man, who loves the blind beauty, Ivy played by newcomer Bryce Dallas Howard, asks the Village elders if he can travel through these deadly woods to the towns that everyone has abandoned for medicines to protect everyone against any future illness. He's insistent upon this request and believes that his attempts at facing the fear of the "monsters" in the woods have provoked them into entering the village. But, it's not the "monsters" from the woods that commit an unspeakable act of violence but one of there own.

M. Night Shyamalan has created an intriguing love triangle between Phoenix, Howard and Oscar-winner, Adrien Brody, who plays a mentally challenged man, who also loves Ivy. In fact, this taunt drama is fraught with sexual repression and longing. Lucius notices that everyone has secrets and unlike modern society, the elders keep their secrets in wooden boxes. This tale of fear, innocence and repression has some powerful moments and must be appreciated for what is it rather than what it isn't -- i.e., any of Shyamalan's past films, "Signs," ""Unbreakable" or " The Sixth Sense." There are excellent performances from veteran actors William Hurt, Sigourney Weaver ("Alien" & "Aliens") and Brendan Gleeson ("Gangs of New York"). And, of course, "Those We Don't Speak About" represent the darkness in the heart of men.

The disc includes several documentaries: "Deconstructing The Village," Bryce's Diary, M. Night's Home Movie and a production photo gallery. There are also wonderful featurettes about the historical boot camp that the actor's attended, the cast, a "making of" feature deleted scenes and much, much more. It's an intriguing look at movie making.

Mulan II
Disney DVD

- This is an unnecessary sequel! I loved the original "Mulan" because it was exciting, adventurous and so exquisitely animated. There were breathtaking battle scenes, wonderful music and a delightful set of characters which examined life in ancient China. However, this sequel is dull by comparison.

Mulan and General Shang are now in love and about to marry when the emperor sends for them. To avert war with the hostile forces at China's borders, he asks them to escort his three daughters, Ting-Ting, Mei and Su to a distant city for the arranged marriages which will build alliances. Mulan is horrified but wants to help. She and Shang set off despite clashing about their duty. Meanwhile, the mischievous Mushu want to keep Mulan single because once she marries, he'll use his cushy job in the hall of ancestors.

There are some charming moments but this is light-weight stuff compared to the original. Furthermore, while some of the key cast like Ming-Na Wen, Pat Morita, Harvey Feinstein and B.D. Wong returns to voice their original characters, Eddie Murphy, who was a popular hit as the voice of Mushu is not! Yet, the actor who plays the part sounds a lot like him! The Disney folks should have paid whatever Eddie Murphy wanted!

The disc includes deleted scenes, a documentary about the voices of Mulan II and loads of music, games, etc. This is not a must have DVD but youngster may still find it delightful.

Edited by Veronica Mixon
images courtesy of Buena Vista, Disney, Touchstone and Twentieth Century Fox.

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