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December 2001 Headlines 

12/31/01

FROM FAMED HORROR DIRECTOR WILLIAM CASTLE SCREEN LEGEND JOAN CRAWFORD STARS IN STRAIT-JACKET COMING TO DVD MARCH 12, 2002

Movie queen Joan Crawford gives a chilling performance in STRAIT-JACKET, a shocker about a jealous wife with a hasty hatchet. Directed by famed B-movie horror director William Castle (13 Ghosts, The Tingler, House on Haunted Hill) the film will debut on DVD March 12, 2002. The films also stars Diane Baker (Mulholland Drive), Leif Erickson (On the Waterfront) and Academy Awardâ -Winner George Kennedy (Cool Hand Luke).

Synopsis

Lucy Harbin (Crawford) has been in an asylum for 20 years after axing her husband and his mistress during a crime of passion, witnessed by her young daughter, Carol. While trying to renew ties with Carol (Baker), who is now a young woman about to be married, heads begin to roll again. Is Lucy repeating her past?

DVD:

 

COLUMBIA TRISTAR HOME ENTERTAINMENT TO RELEASE THREE JACKIE CHAN MARTIAL ARTS CLASSICS TITLES ON DVD MARCH 12, 2002

"TO KILL WITH INTRIGUE," "NEW FIST OF FURY" and "SNAKE AND CRANE ARTS OF SHAOLIN" Now Available In Digitally Remastered Letterbox Versions Time For $19.95 SLP Each

On March 12, 2002, Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment will release the following three comic martial arts classics starring Hong Kong's action comedy legend Jackie Chan.

TO KILL WITH INTRIGUE

In TO KILL WITH INTRIGUE, Kung Fu fans get a rare chance to see international martial arts legend Jackie Chan (Rush Hour) as a serious dramatic hero with a fighting style to match.  Jackie plays a young lord who, fearing an attack, sends away the love of his life.  As he suspected, a vicious gang led by a female fighting master arrives and slaughters his family.  Now, he must begin a quest for revenge and fight the Bloody Rain Gang and the Dragon Escorts before  he can be reunited with the one he loves.  The complex plot, interwoven with romance, betrayal, and impressive fighting scenes, make TO KILL WITH INTRIGUE a story that packs a powerful dramatic punch.

DVD:

 

NEW FIST OF FURY

Jackie Chan (Rush Hour), the master of kung-fu and Chinese acrobatics, stars in this action- packed sequel to Bruce Lee's Fist of Fury.  In one of his first leading roles, he displays the style that would make him an international superstar. During WWII in Japanese-occupied Taiwan, Jackie plays a young thief with no interest in Kung-Fu.  His mind is changed when he can no longer stand to see his people losing their land and their lives at the hands of the cruel Japanese.  He learns the Fist of Fury fighting style and begins a one-man battle of his own. Filled with great Kung Fu action, this patriotic drama is a must see for fans of Chan and Lee.

DVD:

 

SNAKE AND CRANE ARTS OF SHAOLIN

International superstar Jackie Chan (Rush Hour) stars in the film that real Kung Fu fans call the best traditional martial arts movie Jackie's ever made, SNAKE AND CRANE ARTS OF SHAOLIN. Jackie is a young warrior suspected of poisoning all the Shaolin Masters, the creators of a new unbeatable fighting style called the "Snake and Crane."  Believing he possesses the secret book, dozens of warriors try to take him down with sticks, swords, chopsticks, feet and fists. But Jackie's motives are pure, and in the end his real mission is revealed as he uses the "Snake and Crane" technique against the ultimate enemy.  With one long fight scene after another, this Jackie Chan classic has everything going for it...terrific action sequences, hilarious slapstick and that special Jackie Chan charm.

DVD:

 

12/28/01

FROM FAMED HORROR DIRECTOR WILLIAM CASTLE COMES: MR. SARDONICUS ON DVD

MR. SARDONICUS, a chilling suspense thriller about a lottery ticket, a greedy baron and a buried corpse from the famed B-movie horror director William Castle (13 Ghosts, The Tingler, House on Haunted Hill) will debut on DVD March 12, 2002. The films stars Oskar Homolka (A Farewell to Arms), Ronald Lewis (Helen of Troy), Audrey Dalton (Titanic 1953) and Guy Rolfe (Nicolas and Alexandra).

Synopsis

Desperate to retrieve a winning lottery ticket, a greedy baron unearths his father's corpse.  An enormous jackpot is his reward, but not without a price: his face is frozen permanently into a hideous grin.  He enlists his fiendish one-eyed servant to help him lift this horrible curse, but their schemes fail. Finally, he turns to a noted neurosurgeon, and his wife's former lover, to cure him.

DVD:

 

DIRECTOR WILLIAM CASTLE’S HOMICIDAL COMES TO DVD ON MARCH 12, 2002

Homicidal, a chilling suspense thriller from the famed B-movie horror director William Castle (13 Ghosts, The Tingler, House on Haunted Hill) will debut on DVD March 12, 2002. The films stars Glenn Corbett (TV's Route 66) and Patricia Breslin (TV's Peyton Place).

Synopsis

In the small town of Solvang, there's a killer on the loose and a bizarre household may hold the key to murder.  Nurse Emily takes care of her husband Warren's childhood guardian, a wheelchair bound stroke victim. But this nurse's bedside manner is to die for. As Warren's half-sister closes in on the truth, she uncovers a town's most chilling mystery and her family's secret.

DVD:

 

CAN’T WAIT TO GET A PIECE OF AMERICAN PIE 2???

 

If you are one of the rabid fans of the AMERICAN PIE movies and cant wait to get a piece of AMERICAN PIE 2 on DVD, here are a few streaming video clips to tide you over until then.

Party Scene

56K

128K

300K

Hospital Scene

56K

128K

300K

Classroom Scene

56K

128K

300K

 

‘STARS’ OF "THE FAST & THE FURIOUS" TO MAKE SPECIAL LIVE APPEARANCE AT L.A. AUTO SHOW

Blue Nissan Maxima & orange Toyota Supra offer fans and media a shot of testosterone with actual racing simulations from hit film now on DVD

WHAT:

WHERE:

WHEN:

WHO:

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BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER SEASON ONE COMES TO DVD

Three Disc DVD Set Includes All 12 Episodes From The First Season Plus Exclusive Bonus Features; Available Only On DVD January 15, 2002

On January 15, Sunnydale s favorite cheerleading destroyer of the undead makes her DVD debut as Fox Home Entertainment releases BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER Season One DVD featuring all 12 episodes from the earth-shattering first season. Now with the collectible three-disc set, Buffy fans can relive enchanting premiere-season favorites such as the pilot Welcome to Hellmouth and Angel, the episode in which Buffy and Angel share their first kiss. Highlighted by commentary on several episodes by Buffy creator Joss Whedon, BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER Season One DVD is packed with exclusive bonus features including an interview with Whedon and David Boreanaz (Angel), the original pilot script, the original Buffy trailer, DVD-ROM links to Buffy Web sites, a photo gallery and biographies. Featuring the breathtaking Sarah Michelle Gellar as the reluctant slayer, BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER has built a die-hard fan base that tunes in each week to share the heart-stopping adventures of Buffy, Willow, Xander and the rest as they save the world from the forces of darkness. Now entering its sixth season, BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER is more popular than ever, with numerous Web sites and online clubs devoted to the series, which has been called one of the top 10 shows on television by Entertainment Weekly. Gellar was also picked as the second favorite TV actress (Drama) of all-time in a reader’s poll for an Entertainment Weekly 100 Greatest Moments In Television double issue. Available just in time for Valentine s Day for the suggested retail price of $39.98 US/$49.98 Canada, BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER Season One DVD is a must own for any Buffy fan or fanatic.

BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER Season One DVD Special Features and Content Specifics:

All of the first season episodes of BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER are compiled on three dual-layered discs (full frame: aspect ratio 1.33:1). Each episode is presented with English Dolby Surround and French Dolby Surround. The following is the breakdown for each disc:

Disc One:

Episodes:

Additional Bonus Features:

Disc Two:

Episodes:

Additional Bonus Features:

Disc Three:

Episodes:

Additional Bonus Features:

BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER SEASON ONE DVD

 

INTERNATIONAL MARTIAL ARTS SUPERSTAR JET LI EXPLODES ON HOME VIDEO WITH FOX HOME ENTERTAINMENT S RELEASE OF KISS OF THE DRAGON

Fox Home Entertainment brings high-flying action and spectacular fight sequences into living rooms everywhere as the studio presents the VHS and DVD debut of KISS OF THE DRAGON on January 22, 2002. Starring international superstar and renowned martial arts master Jet Li and produced by visionary filmmaker Luc Besson (The Professional, The Fifth Element), KISS OF THE DRAGON is hailed as a must-see for action-film fans (The Orange County Register) and earned more than $37 million at the box office during the highly-competitive Summer movie season. Li, considered the greatest action star in movies today (San Francisco Chronicle), stars as Liu Jiuan, a tough Chinese government agent who becomes trapped in a vast and deadly conspiracy while assisting on a top-secret mission in Paris. Also starring the talented Bridget Fonda, KISS OF THE DRAGON is available on VHS (for rental) and on DVD for the suggested retail price of $26.98 US/$41.98 Canada. Fox s incredible KISS OF THE DRAGON DVD is jam-packed with exclusive bonus features including commentary by Jet Li, Bridget Fonda and director Chris Nathon, a martial arts demo, fight choreography demo, storyboard to scene comparisons, production stills, theatrical trailers and more. Additionally, the knockout DVD includes two extraordinary featurettes highlighting the martial arts mastery of Jet Li and legendary fight choreographer Corey Yuen.

KISS OF THE DRAGON DVD Special Features:

The DVD debut of KISS OF THE DRAGON DVD is presented in Anamorphic Widescreen transfer (Aspect Ratio 2.35:1) and contains English, English 5.1 Surround, English Dolby Digital and Spanish Dolby Surround Sound. The DVD is also loaded with incredible special features including:

Synopsis:

Martial arts superstar Jet Li stars as Liu Jiuan, China s top government agent, who arrives in Paris to assist Richard (Tcheky Karyo), an unorthodox police official with a small army to back him up. The mission goes horribly wrong, as the man Liu had come to help, betrays him. Liu becomes trapped in a vast and deadly conspiracy - accused of a crime he did not commit, and on the run in a city he doesn’t t know. With nowhere to turn, Liu is thrown together with an American woman, Jessica (Bridget Fonda), who Richard has forced into prostitution. As Jessica and Liu go up against the cunning and ruthless adversary who set their respective traps in motion, Liu makes a promise to Jessica that could compromise his career - and even his life.

KISS OF THE DRAGON

 

DON’T SAY A WORD GRIPPING, ACTION-PACKED AUDIENCE FAVORITE MAKES A STATEMENT ON HOME VIDEO AND DVD – FEBRUARY 19, 2002

Magnetic superstar Michael Douglas (Traffic, Wonder Boys) plays a psychiatrist desperately trying to unravel the ten-year-old secret locked in the disturbed mind of patient Brittany Murphy (Riding In Cars With Boys, Girl, Interrupted) in the must-see, edge-of-your-seat thriller DON’T SAY A WORD. Arriving from Fox Home Entertainment (TCFHE) on VHS (rental) and DVD (for sale or rental) on February 19, 2002, one of the year s most talked-about film releases is destined to be a top-renting and selling title for February. Directed by Gary Fleder (Kiss The Girls), DON’T SAY A WORD has been hailed as Ingenious! Smart, stylish and most importantly, satisfying by the Los Angeles Times, and boasts a compelling performance by veteran actor Michael Douglas as well as a haunting and memorable turn by rising star Brittany Murphy.

DON’T SAY A WORD DVD Features

The DON’T SAY A WORD DVD is presented in 5.1 Digital Surround. English DTS and French and Spanish Dolby Surround sound, with widescreen format, and features commentary by Director Gary Fleder as well as scene-specific commentaries by Michael Douglas, co-stars Sean Bean, Brittany Murphy, Famke Janssen and Oliver Platt. In addition, the DVD contains a making of featurette, Cinema Master Class, conversation with Gary Fleder, producing workshop (conversation with the Kopelsons), screen tests (Brittany Murphy), two multi-angle storyboard scenes, trailers, cast bios and television spots.

DON’T SAY A WORD Synopsis

When the daughter of a prominent New York psychiatrist played by Michael Douglas is kidnapped, his only hope for her safe return is to pry a six-digit number from the memory of a troubled teenage girl, and time isn’t on his side.

DON’T SAY A WORD

12/27/01

FROM DIRECTOR RICHARD FLEISCHER COMES: BARABBAS ON DVD MARCH 5, 2002

Stellar Cast Includes Anthony Quinn, Arthur Kennedy, Jack Palance and Ernest Borgnine

BARABBAS, Academy Awardâ -winning director Richard Fleischer's (Design for Death) biblical tale of the thief/murderer freed by Pontius Pilate instead of Jesus of Nazareth will debut on DVD March 5, 2002.

Two-time Academy Awardâ -winner Anthony Quinn (Viva Zapata! and Lust for Life) heads an all-star cast which includes Academy Awardâ -winner Jack Palance (City Slickers), Academy Awardâ -winner Ernest Borgnine (Marty) and five-time Academy Awardâ -nominee Arthur Kennedy (Some Came Running).

Synopsis

This is the fictional story of Barabbas based on a fascinating passage in the New Testament, when Pontius Pilate (Kennedy) asked the people of Jerusalem whom they want freed, Jesus of Nazareth or Barabbas (Quinn), a thief and murder. Surprisingly, the people call out for Barabbas.  And though he is set free, the event is one that haunts Barabbas for the rest of his life.  After watching his former lover Rachel (Silvana Mangano), being stoned to death for her belief in Jesus, Barabbas returns to his life of thievery.  Arrested again, he is sent to the sulfur mines and then to a gladiator school where he witnesses yet another friend giving his life in the name of the Nazarene.  It is only at the end, when Barabbas himself faces crucifixion, that he discovers his faith.

DVD:

 

THE REPLACEMENT KILLERS SPECIAL EDITION COMES TO DVD ON MARCH 5, 2002

International Superstar Chow Yun Fat Makes His Hollywood Debut with Academy Awardâ -Winner Mira Sorvino

On March 5, 2002 Columbia TriStar Home Video will release a special edition DVD version of THE REPLACEMENT KILLERS, a fierce and explosive action thriller starring Chow Yun Fat (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon), Academy Awardâ -Winner Mira Sorvino (Mighty Aphrodite) and Jurgen Prochnow (Das Boot).

SYNOPSIS

After he betrays Mr. Wei, the ruthless crime boss who hired him to avenge his son's death, professional killer John Lee (Chow) goes on the run. Enlisting the aid of beautiful document forger Meg Coburn (Sorvino), Lee attempts to return to his family in China before they are victimized by his betrayal.  But Wei's army of "replacement killers" is hot on his trail, and now both he and Meg are targets of their impressive firepower.  With both sides fully armed and determined to fight to the death, an ultra-violent shoot-out breaks out when they finally face off against each other.

DVD:

 

12/21/01

COLUMBIA TRISTAR HOME ENTERTAINMENT TO REPRICE FOUR BEST-SELLING DVDS ON MARCH 5, 2002

On March 5, 2002 Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment will reprice the following four hit DVD titles:

TITLE

DVD #

UPC CODE

PRICE

TOKYO RAIDERS

05677

0-43396-05677-0

$19.95

MELTDOWN

06594

0-43396-06594-9

$19.95

BUDDY

05617

0-43396-05617-6

$19.95

WHO'S HARRY CRUMB

70139

0-43396-70139-7

$14.95

 

COLUMBIA TRISTAR HOME ENTERTAINMENT KICKS INTO ADVENTURE WITH NEW RELEASES FROM POPULAR ANIMATED HOME VIDEO SERIES "JACKIE CHAN ADVENTURES"

Two New DVD Collections From The Top-Rated Kids' WB! Action-Adventure Series

"THE DARK HAND RETURNS" & "THE SHADOW OF SHENDU" With Exclusive Jackie Chan Interviews

International action hero Jackie Chan returns for more fun and adventure with new episodes from his hit animated Kids' WB! series, Jackie Chan Adventures, coming to DVD from Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment on March 5, 2002.  the DVDs will be priced at $19.95 SLP.

Jackie Chan Adventures centers on Jackie, an expert archeologist recruited by a covert government agency, Section 13, to uncover an ancient conspiracy, led by an evil crime family known as The Dark Hand.  With the help of his feisty 11- year-old niece Jade, Jackie embarks on a global quest to recover 12 magical talismans which have been scattered around the world - powerful artifacts representing signs of the Chinese zodiac, each one possessing amazing magical powers.  These dangerous assignments send Jackie into a pulse- pounding race against time as a crime ring of martial arts experts try to stop him at every turn. Featuring Jackie's physical feats and acrobatic style of action, combined with his trademark underdog hero humor, Jackie Chan Adventures is an eye- popping animated action-adventure series like no other!  Each release features Jackie in live-action segments answering questions sent to him by kids via the Internet, as well as voicing key elements of the show.

JACKIE CHAN ADVENTURES: THE DARK HAND RETURNS  (DVD)

Enter... The Viper

Jackie decides he must "steal" a talisman from a museum in order to prevent it from falling into the possession of the Dark Hand.  After finding that Jade has followed Jackie into the museum, they both meet The Viper, a skilled thief seeking a famous jewel, the Pink Puma.  Jade is enamored with the Viper and wants to be just like this "female Jackie Chan."  While the heist lands Jackie in jail, Viper mistakenly ends up with the talisman and discovers its power of invisibility.  Jackie must now figure a way to retrieve the talisman, ward off The Dark Hand, and teach Jade that Viper is no role model.

Project A, for Astral

Because Jackie can't take her to an amusement park until he discovers the power of a newly found talisman, Jade decides she'll speed up the process by unlocking its secrets on her own.  Grabbing the talisman, she discovers she is able to "exit" her body through the power of Astral Projection.  While having fun out of her corporeal form, the Dark Hand thugs are easily able to take the talisman from her.  Now with the talisman, Shendu is able to escape the statue. He enters the vacant body of Jade in astral form in the hopes of being led to Section 13 where he can retrieve the other talismans and regain his full power. Astral Jade, unable to reenter her body, must now figure out how to let Jackie know that the Jade among them is really a wolf in sheep's clothing.

Shell Game

Both Jackie and The Dark Hand converge on the Galapagos Island exhibit at the Bay Aquarium where an endangered tortoise named Aesop has the Rabbit Talisman encrusted in his shell. After Aesop is stolen by The Dark Hand, Jackie and Jade face mildly conflicting goals.  As Jackie focuses on retrieving the talisman, Jade must convince him that saving Aesop from becoming the meal of Dr. Carl Nivor, a creepy gourmand, is just as important.  While Jackie preaches "slow and steady wins the race," it is ironically through the talisman's power of super speed that he hopes to come out on top.

JACKIE CHAN ADVENTURES: THE SHADOW OF SHENDU  (DVD)

Bullies

After a disagreement with Shendu, Valmont decides to keep the newest talisman for himself.  Armed with the Dragon Talisman and its power of combustion, he uses it to empty the US Mint and put Captain Black in the hospital.  Distressed by what Valmont has done, Jackie follows him to Fort Knox where, for first time, he finds himself face to face with a seemingly unstoppable Valmont in a battle for survival.

Tough Break

When Jackie slips and breaks his leg on one of Jade's toys, she is compelled to make up for it by waiting on him hand and foot.  Her persistence proves distracting as he tries to research the Rat Talisman.  When Jade accidentally causes the talisman to fall into the battery compartment of the Gnomekop toy, the toy comes to life demonstrating the talisman's power to reanimate. Now as Gnomekop makes his way across the city in search of his nemesis TurboTroll, Jade and a disabled Jackie must retrieve the talisman from the determined toy before Shendu has an opportunity to take advantage of it power.

The Rock

Jackie finds himself in trouble when he is infected with a poison that will soon turn him to stone.  His only hope appears to be the antidote The Dark Hand promises in return for the talismans that are kept in Section 13. Jackie is unwilling to cooperate with the enemy and turns to Uncle for a homemade remedy.  Fearing what may become of Jackie, Jade breaks into Section 13's vault and steals the talismans to bring to The Dark Hand in exchange for the antidote.  Now Jackie must try to prevent The Dark Hand from retrieving the talismans, even if it means he will turn to stone.

JACKIE CHAN ADVENTURES: THE DARK HAND RETURNS*

JACKIE CHAN ADVENTURES: THE SHADOW OF SHENDU*

*DVD Special Features:

 

12/20/01

THE ONE COMING TO DVD MARCH 5, 2002

On March 5, 2002, Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment will release on DVD and videocassette THE ONE, a wild, action-packed trip to the future.  The film stars international superstar Jet Li (Romeo Must Die) in an incredible dual role as a police officer in a fight for his life and a universe-hopping assassin obsessed with terminating him.  Also starring Carla Gugino (Spy Kid), Jason Statham (Snatch) and Delory Lindo (Gone IN 60 Seconds).  THE ONE is loaded with explosive action and jaw-dropping effects beyond your widest imagination!

Synopsis

In a stunning dual role, international action star Jet Li portrays Gabriel Yulaw, a police officer confronted with a sinister duplicate of himself.  This evil doubly is an escapee from an advanced, parallel universe with a mission to kill Gabriel.  His alter ego's hunt culminates in a fateful battle between good and evil that changes Gabriel's perception of reality and forces him to examine the evil hidden within him. Directed by James Wong (Final Destination), THE ONE features riveting martial arts and innovative special effects.

Special Edition DVD:

 

SOCCER DOG COMES TO DVD MARCH 5, 2002

SOCCER DOG, a heart-warming comedy about the friendship between the new kid in town and a soccer-playing dog on the lam from the dogcatcher, will debut on DVD March 5, 2002.  The film stars James Marshall (Twin Peaks), Olivia d'Abo (TV's The Wonder Years) and Jeremy Foley (Dante's Peak).

Synopsis

It's only the second game of the season and the Stampede just lost a key player. Now only Lincoln's excellent forwarding skills can save the team from a forfeit, and score a path to the championships.  But will the PeeWee Soccer League let a dog play?  And what about the cruel and determined dogcatcher on Lincoln's tail?  It's all up to Lincoln to win a championship, rally a town, and unite a young family in this heart-warming comedy.

DVD

 

TRUE BLUE IS COMING TO DVD

On March 5, 2002 Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment will release on DVD and videocassette TRUE BLUE, an appealing crime drama starring Tom Berenger (Training Day) and Lori Heuring (The Newton Boys). TRUE BLUE a high crime drama filled with murder, corruption, greed, hookers and kinky sex clubs overflowing with violent twists and unexpected turns in the world of frightening darkness from director J.S. Cardone (The Forsaken, Outside Ozona).

Synopsis

A severed hand floats in a Central Park pond.  Who did it belong to? How did it get there?  From the beginning, it's a homicide case with more questions than answers. Detective Rem Macy (Berenger) is a seasoned NYPD officer investigating a murder that will lead him from the dangerous underworld of Chinatown gangs to the most influential movers and shakers of City Hall. Fearing for her life, the roommate of the murder victim (Heuring) asks to stay at Macy's apartment.  First, Macy opens his home to her.  Then, he gets into real danger and lets her into his heart.  Now, she's got him where she wants him and there's no stopping her. Produced by Carol Kottenbrook and Scott Einbinder.  Written and directed J. S. Cardone.

DVD:

 

THE ORDER COMING TO DVD MARCH 12, 2002

On March 12, 2002, Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment will release on DVD and videocassette THE ORDER, an exciting adventure packed thriller with extreme fight choreography, exotic locations and non-stop action.  Starring action superstar Jean-Claude Van Damme (Nowhere to Run, Universal Soldier), the film also features screen legend Charlton Heston (Planet of the Apes), Ben Cross (First Knight) and sexy newcomer Sofia Milos.

Synopsis

Journey to a turbulent world under siege as reformed artifact smuggler Rudy (Van Damme) travels to Jerusalem to rescue his museum-curator father, who's been kidnapped by ruthless fanatics, and recover a sacred scroll believed to hold dangerous secrets of an underground sect.  Framed for murder by a scheming police chief (Cross), Rudy enlists the aid of a mysterious beauty (Milos) to clear his name and wages a one-man battle to recapture the prized manuscript before the ultimate Holy War breaks out and all hell breaks loose! Produced by Danny Lerner, John Thompson and Avi Lerner.  Written by Les Weldon and Jean-Claude Van Damme.  Directed by Sheldon Lettich (Double Impact)

DVD:

 

UPCOMING DVDS FROM FIRST RUN FEATURES

THE MAN WHO BOUGHT MUSTIQUE (78 minutes, 2001)

Directed By: Joseph Bullman Starring: Lord Glenconner Genre: Documentary

Description: A deliciously entertaining look at Lord Glenconner, a Scottish lord who bought the tiny Caribbean island of Mustique in 1956 for a song and turned it into a playground for the rich and famous, including Mick Jagger, David Bowie, Tommy Hilfiger, and various British royalty such as Princess Margaret and Prince Andrew. But in the late '70s the "Jet-Set Monarch" ran out of money, lost control of his island, and was banished to nearby St. Lucia.

Director Joseph Bullman and producer Vikram Jayanti (When We Were Kings) follow the indomitable Glenconner as he visits Mustique for the first time in ten years. Equal parts high comedy and shock theatre, his return stirs up old animosities and creates new ones. Hilarious, pathetic, sly and charming, Lord Glenconner may be one man's argument for reviving the guillotine and another's swan song for "this blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England."

DVD Features:

 

THE WAY THINGS GO (30 minutes, 1987)

Directed By: Peter Fischli and David Weiss

Description: Inside a warehouse, artists Peter Fischli and David Weiss build an enormous, precarious structure 100 feet long made out of common household items – tea kettles, tires, old shoes, balloons, wooden ramps, etc. Then, with fire, water, gravity and chemistry, they create a spectacular chain reaction, a self-destructing performance of physical interactions, chemical reactions, and precisely crafted chaos worthy of Rube Goldberg or Alfred Hitchcock. Called "the merry pranksters of contemporary art" (New York Times), Peter Fischli and David Weiss have collaborated since 1979. The Swiss artists, whose works have been seen in galleries and museums all over the world, take on big questions with humble materials and a tongue-in-cheek manner.

DVD Features:

 

12/18/01

COLUMBIA TRISTAR HOME ENTERTAINMENT TO RELEASE SEASON ONE OF THE CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED "THE LARRY SANDERS SHOW" ON DVD FEBRUARY 26, 2002

THREE-DISC SET CONTAINS ALL THIRTEEN EPISODES

Garry Shandling Headlines An All Star Cast Of Regulars Including Rip Torn, Jeffrey Tambor, Penny Johnson, Wallace Langham, Janeane Garafolo, Megan Gallagher, Kathryn Harrold And Jeremy Piven

DVD ADDED VALUE ELEMENTS

On February 26, 2002 Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment will release a three-disc DVD set of the first season of the critically acclaimed THE LARRY SANDERS SHOW.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

VA SAVOIR (WHO KNOWS?)- A FILM BY JACQUES RIVETTE COMING ON DVD FEBRUARY 26, 2002

On February 26, 2002 Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment and Sony Pictures Classics will present on DVD and videocassette VA SAVOIR (Who Knows?), an endearing and delightful comedy with a series of interlocking love triangles between three men and three women.  VA SAVOIR has been an official selection at the 2001 Cannes Festival where director Jacques Rivette has been nominated for the Golden Palm.  The film stars acclaimed French actors Jeanne Balibar (Le Stade de Winbledon), Sergio Castelitto (Unfair Competition), Marianne Basler (Farinelli), Jacques Bonnaffe (Venus Beauty Salon) and Helene De Fougerolles (Mortal Transfer).

Synopsis

Set in romantic Paris, VA SAVOIR is an elegant and utterly charming comedy about the romantic misadventures of Camille and Ugo - a theater director and his leading lady, whose already complicated relationship becomes exponentially more difficult when they become entangled in the lives of four other people. As funny as it is touching, as smart as it is silly, VA SAVOIR explores the vagaries of love without ever losing its sense of fun.

DVD:

 

MADAME BUTTERFLY ON DVD FEBRUARY 26, 2002

MADAME BUTTERFLY the heart-wrenching story of a beautiful young geisha who sacrifices her family, her religion, and ultimately, her life for her American husband will be available to own on DVD for the first time on February 26, 2002.

Synopsis

In a cinematic first, director Frederic Mitterand (Lettres d'amour en Somalie) casts Puccini's beloved opera with Asian and western actors, giving the film a haunting realism seldom seen on opera stages.  Soprano Ying Huang stars as Butterfly, the young bride, and the American tenor Richard Troxell is Lieutenant Pinkerton, who buys Butterfly's love while stationed in Japan, with no intention of ever taking her home to America. Beautifully sung and gorgeous to behold, here is a production of Madame Butterfly that is destined to become a classic.

DVD

 

DON GIOVANNI ON DVD FEBRUARY 26, 2002

Filmed on location in picturesque Vincenza, Italy, the operatic masterpiece DON GIOVANNI will debut on DVD February 26, 2002. Set to the music of the incomparable Mozart, the score is beautifully performed by the Paris Opera, conducted by Lorin Maazel.

Synopsis

Set in Seville in the 1600s, young nobleman Don Giovanni is a well-known philanderer with a long list of amorous conquests.  After he attempts to seduce the beautiful Donna Anna, her father's battle to protect her ends in tragedy. Anna and her fianc'e Ottavio pledge to seek revenge.  While Don Giovanni continues to charm and trick the local women, his inevitable, dramatic fate is soon upon him. Masterful opera stars, incredible costumes, the magnificent setting of a 17th century mansion and Vincenza's mysterious canals make this film version of Don Giovanni a triumph.

DVD

 

TOP MUSICIANS AND AUTHORS SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCES IN INSIDESESSIONS' NEW LINE OF DVDS AND VIDEOS

Elton John, Sting, Sheryl Crow, Fred Durst, Shaggy, Kurt Vonnegut, Jr., Tom Clancy, Nora Roberts, Amy Tan and Other Top Artists Teach Aspiring Musicians and Authors How to Break into the Industry

People who want to break into the music or book publishing businesses can get insightful and practical advice from influential musicians, authors and industry insiders with INSIDESESSIONS' new line of DVDs and VHS videos.

Universal Music Group and Penguin Putnam, Inc. recently formed INSIDESESSIONS to provide entertaining and informative distance learning products to aspiring musicians, authors and people who want to work behind-the-scenes in music or book publishing. 

The Music Business: An Insider's Guide to Breaking In is available on DVD and VHS for $24.95 SRP and $19.95 SRP, respectively.  It features exclusive insights and practical advice from more than 75 of the biggest recording artists, songwriters, record label executives, producers, engineers, managers and attorneys working in the music business. 

Popular musicians including Sting, Sheryl Crow, Elton John, Bernie Taupin, Enrique Iglesias, Fred Durst, Rob Zombie, Nelly and Shaggy cover topics such as how to record a low-cost demo and get the most out of studio time, how to build a buzz, how to interpret a record contract, how to work with producers, songwriters and A&R execs, and how to effectively arrange a tour.  Top industry insiders including Sony Music chairman and CEO Tommy Mottola, Interscope Geffen A&M chairman Jimmy Iovine, producer Glen Ballard and Def Jam Records founder Russell Simmons also explain who does what at a record company and how to get a foot in the door.

For people who want to dig even deeper, INSIDESESSIONS offers a four-volume VHS box set entitled Insider's Guide to the Music Business: The Complete Sessions for $69.95 SRP.  Each volume is dedicated to a specific aspect of the music industry including who does what at a record company; songwriting and publishing; making a demo and working in the studio; and business and legal issues. 

In addition to the music-oriented products, more than 60 best-selling authors, literary agents and publishers give aspiring writers valuable insights in The Writer's Process:  From Concept to Publication, available only on VHS for $19.95 SRP.

Best-selling authors Kurt Vonnegut, Jr., Nick Hornby, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Tom Clancy, David McCullough, Nora Roberts, Ken Follett and Amy Tan cover topics ranging from finding your voice, to choosing a subject, to overcoming writer's block, to working with agents and publishers.  

12/13/01

ADVERTISING RULES! A QUIRKY COMEDY COMING ON DVD FEBRUARY 19, 2002

On February 19, 2002, Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment will release on DVD and videocassette ADVERTISING RULES!  A hip, hilarious international hit comedy about trying to hold on to your integrity while navigating the cutthroat, high-stakes world of advertising.

Synopsis

Viktor Vogel (Alexander Scheer) gets a huge career boost when he sneaks into a high- powered ad agency meeting and winds up as veteran ad man Eddie Kaminsky's (Gotz George) new partner on a big-budget campaign.  Viktor's lucky streak continues when he meets sexy, talented artist Rosa (Chulpan Khamatova) at a club and helps her come up with a great idea for her debut art exhibition. But under pressure, Viktor pitches the same idea from his new girlfriend for his first ad campaign - and gets the green light from Eddie's biggest client.  Soon, Viktor has to decide on what is more important: his lust for success or his love for his girlfriend.

DVD Includes:

 

HAIKU TUNNEL COMING ON DVD FEBRUARY 26, 2002

On February 26, 2002, Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment will release HAIKU TUNNEL on DVD and videocassette "A wily comedy about a hapless office temp!" proclaimed Leah Rozen from People Magazine.  HAIKU TUNNEl, written and directed by talented newcomer-brothers Josh and Jacob Kornbluth, is a hilarious, super-entertaining comedy about one man's struggle to survive the 9 to 5 work schedule.  The film stars Josh Kornbluth (Searching for Bobby Fischer), Warren Keith (The Big Lebowski; Fargo; Raising Arizona) and June Lomena (Sweet November).

Synopsis

When young, funny temp worker Josh Kornbluth accepts an offer to go "perm" at a popular San Francisco law office, his carefully unstructured, ambivalent, commitment- phobic lifestyle begins to unravel.  Unable to complete the simple task of mailing 17 high-priority letters for his boss, Josh suddenly finds himself face-to face with his unusually chipper co-workers and his inability to deal! Soon, when Josh's morning alarm rings, it's time for him to get up - and `fess up.

DVD Includes:

 

UPCOMING DVD TITLES FROM VCI ENTERTAINMENT

TITLE:  ANY GUN CAN PLAY  / VERSION: WIDESCREEN

SYNOPSIS: This is a strong, virile action picture produced in the blood-and-guts tradition of the "Dollar" westerns. A crooked banker, a bandit and a bounty hunter known only as "the stranger" are the heroes, the plot of which revolves around a million dollars in gold stolen from a train by the bandit's gang.  

TITLE:  BEYOND TOMORROW  / VERSION: STANDARD

SYNOPSIS: With its plot based on the notion that overnight success often spells ruin for the one who achieves it, BEYOND TOMORROW uses the intervention of three ghostly spirits, who return from the grave to straighten out the problems of two young lovers (Richard Carlson and Jean Parker), as its set piece. Three lonely millionaires (Winninger, Smith and Carey) are the central characters in this unusual fantasy-drama. The trio opens their home and hearts to two young people, a boy and girl, who fall in love. When the three good Samaritans are killed in a plane crash, their ghosts return to try and help their friends. The result is touching, sensitive, yet entertaining motion picture with three great character actors as the earth-bound spirits. Wonderful family viewing for Christmas or at any time of the year. 

TITLE:  DIXIE DYNAMITE  /  VERSION:  STANDARD

SYNOPSIS: Moonshine Tom and his two down-home daughters Dixie and Patsy (Jane Anne Johnstone and Kathy McHaley) enjoy an idyllic existence in a backwash George town until the sheriff (Christopher George) and the Feds bust his still. In the excitement, old Tom is "accidentally" killed. When Dixie and Patsy hear the news about their father's "accident" from the dopey local deputy, the girls become suspicious. It turns out the "Feds" were really hoods, hired by a greedy competitor, who is trying to move in and monopolize the town's moonshine business. Now destitute without their father's support, the girls enlist the aid of family friend, Mack (Warren Oates) and together they set out to take revenge on the dirty sheriff and the bad guys. Along the way, they manage to blow up most of the sleepy little town! 

TITLE:  GO FOR BROKE  /  VERSION:  STANDARD

SYNOPSIS: They were the 442nd Regimental Combat Team... a squad of loyal, Japanese-Americans who had to battle prejudice as well as the Axis enemy. Van Johnson stars as their contemptuous top-kick, whose bigotry gives way to respect in the crucible of war. Supporting Johnson is a cast of veterans, all former members of the highly decorated 442nd, whose battle cry, "Go For Broke!" means, "Shoot the works!"  "Fine WW2 drama..." -- LEONARD MALTIN MINUTES:  92 / COLOR: B/W / YEAR: 1951

TITLE:  SATAN'S CHEERLEADERS  /  VERSION:  STANDARD

SYNOPSIS: Benedict High School's cheerleaders aren't shy and sweet. The football team knows them well - and Billy, the school's disturbed janitor, would like to. In the locker room, the girls shower and dress, unaware of the evil eyes which secretly watch them. They don't know that a curse has been placed on their clothes. And they don't know that their trip tot he first big game of the season might sideline them for eternity. Will the cheerleaders succumb to the dark ritual of sexual sacrifice and death that's been plotted for them/ Only those who dare watch will know...

TITLE:  WHITE WARRIOR, THE  /  VERSION:  WIDESCREEN

SYNOPSIS: In an unusual bit of casting, muscleman Steve Reeves plays a Caucasian, Hadji Murad, whom the natives call the "White Warrior", who leads a small band of mountain warriors to victory over the superior Russian army of Czar Nicholas I. Based on a story by Leo Tolstoy, this is a spectacular epic from Italy's "cult" director, Recardo Freda, with photography by Mario Bava.  Italy. 

TITLE:  AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF MISS JANE PITTMAN  /  VERSION:  STANDARD

SYNOPSIS: This highly acclaimed drama, based on the epic novel by Ernest J. Gaines, eloquently covers the story of the Black Experience -- from the Civil War to the civil rights movement -- all told from the memories of a fictional 110-year-old slave played by Cicely Tyson. Ms. Tyson's tour-de-force performance, her most memorable, earned her an Emmy. All total this incredible made-for-TV film earned nine Emmys, including one for director Korty and one for Tracy Keenan Wynn's intelligent script.  "One of TV's all-time best. Above average." -- LEONARD MALTIN

TITLE:  BLACK LIKE ME  /  VERSION:  STANDARD

  • FORMAT:  DVD / ITEM#: 8309 / UPC: 0-89859-83092-1 / SRP: $14.99

  • ACTORS: JAMES WHITMORE, DAN PRIEST, WALTER MASON, JOHN MARRIOTT, CLIFTON JAMES

  • DIRECTOR: CARL LERNER

SYNOPSIS: This sensational, hard-hitting drama is based on a true story recorded in the best-selling autobiographical novel by John Howard Griffin. A white newsman, determined to learn from first- hand experience what a Black man's life is like in the South, has his skin chemic