There's something for everyone this week on DVD, starting with an Oscar-nominated animated documentary (Waltz with Bashir), a Jerry Bruckheimer-produced chick flick (Confessions of a Shopaholic), and a disappointing adaptation of a bestselling family fantasy (Inkheart, starring Brendan Fraser). Foreign film fanatics have a well-received import to watch (Alice's House, from Brazil), while an international cast can't save Steve Martin's latest slapstick (The Pink Panther 2). Criterion releases a French New Wave classic conundrum (Last Year at Marienbad on Blu-ray), Elle Fanning gets a star vehicle (Phoebe in Wonderland), we get twice the Crispin Glover than usual (Simon Says, in which he plays twin psychos), and Antonio Banderas and Morgan Freeman team up to show that "direct-to-DVD" doesn't always equal terrible (The Code, directed by Mimi Leder).

This celebrated animated documentary earned award season raves -- and, notably, an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Film -- for its dreamlike depiction of one man's struggle to remember his involvement in controversial events during the 1982 Lebanon War. Director Ari Folman illuminates his own hazy recollections as a young Israeli soldier with striking, gorgeous animation as his on-screen alter ego revisits old colleagues and a psychologist in order to understand why he has only fleeting memories of the war. An English language version is available on DVD and Blu-ray, along with a making-of featurette, director commentary, and more behind the scenes features.
Next: Jerry Bruckheimer does chick flick in Confessions of a Shopaholic
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tomwaitsjr writes: on Jun 22 2009 06:23 PM I'll get the code. I've been in love with Radha Mitchell ever since "High Art." I love Last Year at Marienbaad. . . so I'll buy the blue-ray when I finally succumb and buy a blue-ray player. That day will make Best Buy happy. . . (Reply to this) |
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tomwaitsjr writes: on Jun 22 2009 07:32 PM It goes without saying to watch Walz with Bashir. . . so far my favorite film of 2008 is THE WRESTLER, but I'm curious to see if I'll like WALZ more. (Reply to this) |
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man in the water writes: on Jun 22 2009 08:33 PM Waltz with Bashir is a masterpiece, one of the best films I've seen. I enjoyed Shopaholic, Isla Fisher is great in here, and I actually hope it gets a wider audience on DVD, I thought it was hilarious, and charming, and Fisher sparkled. Not much else other than that, everyone should know Marienbad doesn't need to be mentioned, we know its great. (Reply to this) |
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ColinTheCimmerian writes: on Jun 22 2009 08:44 PM It's a shame stuff like The Code doesn't get a theatrical release. I like Freeman, Banderas and Radha Mitchell, so I'll be checking that one out one way or another. (Reply to this) |
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Liara T. writes: on Jun 22 2009 11:11 PM http://liara-tsoni.mybrute.com = GotY (Reply to this) |
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ledawg1138 writes: on Jun 22 2009 11:27 PM "Inkheart", perhaps one of the most boring movies in years. It's one thing to be similar to popular films, but to be similar to every other Brendan Frasier film? Damn. Pink Panther 2 looks pretty boring, and Shopaholic looks like it an filed under ABSOLUTE SUCK. (Notice how I put a PERIOD!) But, Waltz with Bashir looks pretty great. (Reply to this) |
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ledawg1138 writes: on Jun 22 2009 11:33 PM In reply to this comment (#2515681) *an is can. I can't type the damn C! (Reply to this) |
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ruth s. writes: on Jun 23 2009 02:58 AM --== Cougarster.com ==-- Best Cougar dating site in the world! It's where cougars and younger men can meet(Cougar is the slang for woman who is mature, experienced and want to date with a younger man). No matter you are looking for a NSA or serious relationship, please do check it out! (Reply to this) |
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Funkmaster Flex writes: on Jun 23 2009 07:09 AM It must be a slow week if Bob Funk and Simon Says are making it on the list. Cougarster looks more compelling than 80% of these movies this week. (Reply to this) |
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Poor_Frisco writes: on Jun 23 2009 09:11 AM Really looking forward to catching Waltz on DVD. I also think I need to start getting some Criterion stuff (Reply to this) |
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Alex K. writes: on Jun 23 2009 04:41 PM "Waltz with Bashir" is a masterpiece. Absolute must see for open-minded moviegoers. (Reply to this) |
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