‘Mad Men’ spins it way to top of new Blu-ray releases

A critically acclaimed television series, “Mad Men: Season Two” (Lionsgate, 2008, $49.99), leads this week’s list of new titles arriving on the high-definition Blu-ray format.

“Mad Men,” which airs on the American Movie Classics cable channel, has captured six Emmys and has twice won the Golden Globe award for best dramatic program. Set in 1960s New York, the show revolves around the Sterling Cooper Advertising Agency and its employees. Always seemingly in the middle of things is Don Draper (Jon Hamm), the firm’s most aggressive and talented executive.

There is plenty of interaction among the Sterling workers, and sometimes that interaction involves sex. But that’s only one aspect of this series, which is more about the quirks and strengths of its characters. The stylized program excellently recreates the feel of the 1960s, from the fashions to the decor of the offices. Taking a lunch break for an alcoholic drink is almost a daily ritual and smokers appear to be everywhere.

The first season took place in 1960 with Sterling getting involved in the Nixon-Kennedy presidential race. Unfortunately, the agency’s head man Roger Sterling (John Slattery) decided his company should do ad campaigns for Nixon. The second season unfolds in 1962, the year of the Cuban missile crisis.

Season two’s set includes all 13 episodes as well as numerous extras. One of those is “Birth of the Independent Woman,” which looks at the rise of female independence as exemplified by such series characters as Peggy Olson (Elisabeth Moss), Joan Holloway (Christina Hendricks) and Betty Draper (January Jones). For those who like fine acting and character-driven productions, “Mad Men” is the place to find them. Highly recommended. Also on standard DVD.

By the way, “Mad Men’s” third season begins Aug. 16 on AMC.

Other Blu-ray releases:

“The Haunting in Connecticut” (Lionsgate, 2009, $39.99): Inspired by a true story, this film focuses on the Campbell family’s move to an old Victorian home in upstate Connecticut. They are not exactly overjoyed when they learn their house once was a funeral parlor where horrific things took place. The Campbells are about to experience that horror. There are plenty of scenes here to send a chill or two up the spine. Virginia Madsen and Martin Donovan star. Also on standard DVD.

“Crouching Tiger” Collection (Sony, $92.95): This set contains three celebrated martial arts films known as much for their beauty as for their storytelling, which means they look great on Blu-ray. “Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon” (2000), from director Ang Lee, takes place in ancient China where battles with swords are fought with all the grace of an epic ballet. It won four Oscars including Best Foreign Language Film. “House of Flying Daggers” (2004), from director Yimou Zhang, tells of a young blind woman who is an exotic dancer and goes up against warriors with the ability to soar above treetops. This is another dazzling feast for the eyes. “Curse of the Golden Flower” (2006), also from Zhang, takes place in 10th century China where again the choreography overshadows the tale itself. This three-disc set is recommened.

“The Towering Inferno” (20th Century Fox, 1974, $34.98): Disaster movies with star-studded casts were big in the 1970s and this was one of the best. It’s about a raging fire that breaks out in a brand new sparkling high-rise where hundreds are celebrating its grand opening. Among the cast members are Steve McQueen, William Holden, Paul Newman, Faye Dunaway, Richard Chamberlain, Fred Astaire, Jennifer Jones, Robert Wagner and even O.J. Simpson.

“Shark Week: Great Bites Collection” (Image, 2009, $34.98): For years, Discovery Channel’s “Shark Week” has been one of the most watched events on cable. Here is a two-disc set that offers some of the very best programs from that annual event. One certainly worth checking out is “How Not to Become Shark Bait.” There is also a show that debunks many myths about sharks and another that chronicles actual shark attacks and the victims who survive and some who don’t. Also on standard DVD. Recommended.

“The Edge of Love” (Image, 2008, $35.98): Keira Knightley shines as Vera, who is re-united with her long ago sweetheart poet Dylan Thomas (Matthew Rhys). Thomas’ free-spirited wife Caitlin (Sienna Miller) doesn’t seem to mind. Then someone shows up that shakes up all three. Told against the backdrop of World War II London. Also on standard DVD.

“I Still Know What You Did Last Summer” (Sony, 1998, $28.95): Julie (Jennifer Love Hewitt) is back after surviving the mayhem of the original film. Unfortunately, Ben Willis, the fisherman who always has murder on his mind, is back, too.

Also available: “The Black Crowes: Warpaint Live” (Eagle Rock, 2009, $24.98); “For All Mankind” (Criterion Collection, 1989, $39.98), documentary about the Apollo missions; “Night Train” (National, 2009,), Danny Glover, Leelee Sobieski.