The Aviator
Warner Bros/ Miramax DVD

- Martin Scorsese's epic look at the life of billionaire inventor, filmmaker and industrialist Howard Hughes was one of the best movies to be released last year. Scorsese reunites with dynamitic actor Leonardo DiCaprio ("Gangs of New York") who breathes life into Howard Hughes who revolutionize aviation and commercial travel. Scorsese explores Howard Hughes' creativity and his demons.

Born to a wealthy Texas tycoon who created machine parts, Hughes butted-heads with Hollywood producers when he landed in Los Angeles. No one could deny his enthusiasm and Hughes himself ignored the laughter of Hollywood big-wigs while he re-wrote and re-filmed his war film "Hell's Angels." Nevertheless, the film was a hit and Hughes dazzled Hollywood beauties. He has many affairs including love attachments to Katherine Hepburn (played elegantly by Cate Blanchette "The Talented Mr. Ripley") and sexy wild woman, Ava Gardner (Kate Beckinsale "Pearl Harbor"). Meanwhile, Hughes slowly descends into mental illness as early obsessions with cleanliness surface and slowly destroy his trust in the world around him. Still, as Hughes became a recluse, he managed to definite a variety of nemeses played by Alan Alda and Alec Baldwin.

Leonardo DiCaprio delivers his most adult performance to date and was nominated for a Best Actor Academy Award. He makes Hughes dashing and charming to both men and women, and he gently illustrates Hughes' madness.

The film is glorious, glamorous and breathtaking! Scorsese recreates the Golden Age of Hollywood and the extra features includes several documentaries about Hollywood, Hughes and the history of aviation. This is a fantastic DVD!

ER: The Complete Third Season
Warner Television

- The third season of the wildly popular TV drama, "ER" brought many interesting developments for the cast. The series which had pioneered a fast-paced, eclectic filming style of constant movement which mirrored the hectic atmosphere of a modern-day emergency room further rewarded the audience with intriguing stories. The 22-episodies proved that the series was still a powerful and thought-provoking drama.

Early on, Susan (Sherry Springfield) was the first of the original cast to leave the show. After her character flirted with various romances that went nowhere and despite Mark Green's (Anthony Edwards) crush on her, Susan choose to relocate in Arizona with her beloved baby niece of the same name. Meanwhile, John Carter (Noah Wyle) advances his career in a new direction and has a interesting romance with a pediatric surgeon, Keaton ( Gleanne Headly) unbeknownst to his mentor Benton (Eriq La Salle). Benton dodges a bullet when his former lover, Jeanie played exquisite delicateness by Gloria Reuben, tests positive for HIV and he doesn't. Weaver (Laura Innes) realizes Jeanie's situation and gives her full support.

Hathaway (Julianna Margulies) takes the MCAT because she's tired of being a lowly paid nurse and Ross (George Clooney) tries to regain control over his personal life after a one-night-stand turns deadly. Meanwhile, Greene's squeamishness and petty bigotry rears its ugly head when he discovers that Jeanie is HIV. But he's also devastated after he's the victim of a beating in a hospital men's room. There are many other twists like Gant's (Omar Epps) suicide, strikes and new staff arrivals from another closed Southside hospital, County General which upset the political process.

"ER: The Complete Third Season" is an excellent multi-disc DVD for private collection. The plotlines are compelling and the acting is strong! The drama touches on contemporary medical issues, sexual and racial tension. There is also a lot of humor in many episodes especially when Carter tries to conceal his relationship with Keaton from Benton and of course heart-felt pain. Omar Epps delivers a fine performance as the harried intern who cracks under pressure.

There are tons of extras including two documentaries: "ER Specialists: Fear of Flying" and "The Nurses Station." There's a hysterical gag reel and a trailer for ER Video Game preview. Collectors will not be disappointed!

Coyote Ugly
Touchstone Home Entertainment

- This breakout hit film was based on an article about a popular seedy bar located in the meat-packing section of New York City. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer created a story of an inspiring song writer who leaves her comfortable home in New Jersey and heads for the bright lights of New York seeking success. When every door seems to slam in her face, Violet Sanford (Piper Perabo) lands a job at the wild bar, Coyote Ugly which is owned and operated by Maria Bello. It's the kind of place where the unspoiled and innocent young woman grows up. She learns to stand up for herself and even to stand in front of an audience and sing. But, not before making a complete fool of herself and causing her father (John Goodman) to be humiliated back home. Of course, there is romance along the way with handsome Aussie newcomer, Adam Garcia.

The "unrated extended cut" of "Coyote Ugly features a sexy, eye-popping love scene between Perabo and the hunky Garcia that will please female fans. Otherwise, this raunchy, mindless movie has the likes of Tyra Banks strutting her stuff on the top of the bar to the cat calls of male patrons.

The Special features include the usual audio commentary from Bruckheimer and director David McNally, interviews, music videos and featurettes including "Coyote 101: How to be a Coyote."

Edited by Veronica Mixon
images courtesy of Touchstone and Warner.

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