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ShareA brave animated cat and a loving look at film history top this week’s DVD releases.
—“Hugo,” Grade A: When Georges Méliès was making movies at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries, many thought his work was some form of wizardry. In the age of cinema infancy, only a magician could create the strange and exotic worlds like those that filled his movies.
Moviegoers have become more sophisticated and it now takes a movie as wondrous and bewitching as Martin Scorsese’s “Hugo” to make them believe that magic still does exist in films. From its spectacular look to unforgettable performances, “Hugo” is spellbinding.
The film reminds us that ever since the first images flickered on theater walls, the best movies are the ones that take us on a journey. This journey is pure magic.
—“Puss in Boots,” Grade B-plus: Antonio Banderas’ brilliant voice performance makes Puss a star. It’s not just hearing macho words coming from such a small character that works — it’s the actor’s performance. He sells this script with the enthusiasm of a telemarketer on speed.
Salma Hayek also provides verbal punch. Her first foray into voice work is the cat’s meow. In a hard combination to get right, she delivers power while giving the character a softer edge. The film is both adventurous and funny enough to have all ages purring.
—“Johnny English Reborn” Grade C-minus: There are a few funny moments as Rowan Atkinson reprises his role as the sometimes bungling British secret agent. The film is not as entertaining or as smart as past Atkinson work such as “Black Adder” or the Mr. Bean projects.
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Other new include:
“Bounty Hunters”: Trish Stratus plays the leader of down-on-their-luck bounty hunters.
“The Catechism Cataclysm”: A comedy that searches for the truth of human existence.
“The Angry Beavers: Season 3, Part 1”: More animated adventures featuring the mad mammals.
“Top Gear: The Complete Season 17”: The British car show moves into high gear.
“Here’s Lucy: Season 5”: Lucille Ball stars in the TV sitcom.
“The Myth of the American Sleepover”: Several teenagers enjoy their last night of summer.
“Answers to Nothing”: Dane Cook stars in this drama about the search for a missing girl.
“Insight”: An ER nurse begins to experience memories that aren’t hers.
“The Brief: Complete Collection”: Misadventures of clever criminal law barrister Henry Farmer.
“Nickelodeon Favorites: Dance To The Music”: Includes episodes of “Dora the Explorer” and “Bubble Guppies.”
“Todd & the Book of Pure Evil: The Complete First Season”: Jason Mewes stars in this FEARnet series.
“Mission: Impossible — The ‘89 TV Season”: Mr. Phelps (Peter Graves) leads his teams on missions.
“My Little Pony Friendship Is Magic: Ponyville Chronicle”: Five episodes of the TV series.
“Here Come the Brides: The Complete Second Season”: Bobby Sherman stars.
“I Melt With You”: College friends gather together for an unforgettable weekend.
“Enemies of the People”: Film looks at the inside story of one of the 20th century’s most brutal regimes.
“Midsomer Murders: Set 19”: John Nettles stars in the full-length mysteries set in Midsomer County.
“Justice League: Doom”: Animated superhero movie with voice talent of Nathan Fillion.
“Willie Nelson Live at the US Festival, 1983”: Includes 23 songs performed by Nelson.
“Mandrill”: A bounty hunter goes on a quest to avenge the murder of his parents.
“Trinity Goodheart”: A youngster believes her long lost mother is in danger and needs her help.
“American Experience: The Amish”: Documentary answers many questions about the insular religious community.
