RT on DVD: Exclusive Australia Scene, Beverly Hills Chihuahua and More!
Plus, lots of treasures for direct-to-video (and Stana Katic) lovers this week!
This week on DVD we've got a sweeping historical epic from Down Under (Baz Luhrmann's Australia, plus an exclusive deleted scene), a tale of talking pooches (Beverly Hills Chihuahua), and a Certified Fresh drama starring Kristin Scott Thomas (I've Loved You So Long). For those whose interests are piqued by the words "direct to DVD," we've also got two new animated adventures (Watchmen: The Complete Motion Comic, Wonder Woman) and a titillating vengeance pic (Stiletto, starring Stana Katic, Tom Berenger, and Michael Biehn), plus a bayou thriller adapted from a James Lee Burke bestseller (In the Electric Mist, starring Tommy Lee Jones). Lastly, we offer the latest from Crow T. Robot and Co. (Mystery Science Theater 3000 Vol. 14) and a Blu-ray offering that will go well with some fava beans and a nice Chianti (Silence of the Lambs on Blu-ray).
Baz Luhrmann's epic tale of war and love in mid-century Australia was, to say the least, an ambitious undertaking; addressing the nation's history of class inequality and its people's can-do spirit against the backdrop of World War II via an opposites-attract romance and a dash of Aborigine mysticism -- with an homage to The Wizard of Oz thrown in to boot --- sounded complicated enough on paper, let alone brought to life onscreen. And yet, for better or worse, that is precisely what Lurhmann did.
Australia isn't for everyone; cynics thought it cloying, while fans thought it wondrous, although all agree its nearly three-hour-runtime is an endurance test. But if you're a fan of stars Hugh Jackman and Nicole Kidman (or want to watch young Brandon Walters' breakthrough debut performance, a child actor debut to rival those in Slumdog Millionaire) then Australia might be your cup of tea.
Unfortunately, your options are limited as Australia is available only as a single-disc DVD (with two deleted scenes and nothing more) or on Blu-ray, with a handful of extra featurettes. Below, watch one of the deleted scenes, in which Lady Ashley (Kidman) is served a rude dinner by her angry household staff.
Next: You know you want it -- Beverly Hills Chihuahua
jokerboy1991 on 03-2-2009 06:16 PM
Oh man I found Brandon Walters really annoying in Australia, I was cringing during his narration... He was fine over all but that narration I thought was kind of annoying. I also thought Australia felt like 3 movies in one, kind of sloppy, also too many Wizard of Oz throw backs. I still liked the movie though, its visually great and Hugh Jackman is really good in it. I'd say rent it. Not much else this week. Milk and Synecdoche New York come out next week though, I'll be getting those on Blu Ray.