Today’s New Releases (Tuesday, August 26th, 2003)
There are so many great new releases on video and DVD this week that I may have to get a second job just so I can afford to buy half of the ones I want.
There is also one new release that is worth avoiding like the plague. But I’ll get to the bad and the ugly in just a minute. Let me tell you about the good first.
Topping the list of good is THE SIMPSONS: THE COMPLETE THIRD SEASON.
Broadcast in 1991, the third season of The Simpsons contains a host of candidates for “Best Simpsons Episode Ever.” The opening episode features a guest appearance by an uncredited Michael Jackson, who plays an obese white inmate whom Homer meets while confined to a mental institution. “Flaming Moe’s” features Aerosmith and “Radio Bart” is another demonstration of the series’ knack for cultural references, parodying the Billy Wilder movie Ace in the Hole. This DVD box set and its special features are immensely enjoyable at any level. This third year demonstrates conclusively that The Simpsons is quite simply, and by a large margin, one of the greatest television show ever.
Two other former TV programs are released today on video and DVD. Much like The Simpsons they are kids shows that adults love as well.
JOHN DENVER & THE MUPPETS: ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOLIDAY is a musical variety special that sees the late John Denver and Jim Henson’s Muppets go on a summer camping trip to the Rocky Mountains. It features 16 classic songs.
Jim Henson was also the driving force behind THE STORYTELLER. The nine episodes of the TV show on THE STORYTELLER COLLECTION see Henson fill the screen with wonderful creatures that have a wisp of J.R.R. Tolkein fantasy.
The second chapter of Tolkein’s actual fantasy world THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE TWO TOWERS is finally being released today, almost seven months after it debuted in theatres. The story sees Hobbits Frodo and Sam continue their journey to Mordor. The Two Towers movie has more action than literature, but if its literature you want there’s always the book.
Many a TV viewer still books time on Thursday nights so they can watch ER. Now they can catch up with the medical drama anytime they want with the DVD release of ER: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON.
I’m not going to say anything about the connection between ER and STITCH! – THE MOVIE. Hopefully you will think I’m a cut up and connect the two yourself.
While you are doing that, I will tell you that STITCH! – THE MOVIE is the direct to video sequel for the fun kids movie from last year called LILO & STITCH. Even though it is a direct to video release, which normally means it isn’t worthy of theatrical release, it is very good. It will definitely keep the kids interested while you’re listening to Saskatchewan Weekend.
No one will even use the word good to describe FROM JUSTIN TO KELLY. This dreadful waste of time features American Idol “winners” Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini in a musical romance story that takes place during Spring Break in Florida. The songs are forgetful, the acting isn’t worth mentioning, frankly this movie is both BAD and UGLY.
So enjoy the movies and I’ll see you on the couch.
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