Direct TV (www.direct.tv) is all you’ll need for watching your favorite shows, but savvy moviegoers know that for their favorite movies, getting the DVD or Blu-ray is a must. That’s the only way to get behind-the-scenes special features, commentaries, and other goodies that help to extend the movie-going experience even longer.Christopher Nolan’s 2010 blockbuster hit Inception didn’t leave the national consciousness since its release, with millions of people weighing in with their thoughts on just what that ending meant. The director has refused to provide a definitive answer, but in the home media releases on December 3, 2010 did provide other fascinating glimpses into the film.The DVD release is actually somewhat sparse. One can only imagine that a more extensive edition is coming in the future to supplement this single-disc release. Amazon.com lists only four special featuresor “focus points”that delve into some of the stunts, imagery, and concepts for the film. There’s “The Inception of Inception,” where Nolan reveals the genesis of some of his ideas; “The Japanese Castle: The Dream is Collapsing,” where the “how” behind the building up and tearing down of the castle set is explored; “Constructing Paradoxical Architecture,” where you learn just how they got designed that infamous “staircase to nowhere,” and “The Freight Train,” which shows how the crew sent the train careening across a city street in one dreamscape.It’s the Blu-ray release, though, that really does the film justice, and may be the tipping point for those who have been wondering whether to upgrade. First, there are two Blu-ray discs. The first contains the movie and an “Extraction Mode,” which lets viewers delve into similar behind-the-scenes footage at certain moments. On the second disc, you’ll find plenty more to explore. Conceptual art and trailer galleries are just the tip of the iceberg. There’s also “Dreams: Cinema of the Subconscious,” which delves into modern-day dream research to find just where the “science/fiction” divide in the film lies, and a special fully-animated comic prologue, “The Cobol Job.” This story provides important information leading up to the events of the movie. Finally, there’s a series of features that reveal more information about the technology used in the film.Inception is a film that you’ll want to watch over and over again. With the DVD and Blu-ray releases, now you can. Will it help you figure out the ending? You’ll have to discover that for yourself.

It’s that time againanother look at just a few of the classic, obscure, and experimental films getting the gorgeous Criterion treatment. Bet you can’t watch just one!Paths of Glory (dir. Stanley Kubrick, 1957)Oct. 26: Kubrick’s fourth film is a war-film with a twist: the soldiers refuse to carry out orders, and the major conflicts take place in a courtroom. Starring Kirk Douglas and Ralph Meeker. Special features: commentary by critic Gary Giddins, 1966 interview with Kubrick, 1979 interview with Douglas, and more.House (dir. Nobuhiko Obayashi, 1977) Oct. 26: No connection to the American cult horror/comedy, this strange slice of Japanese experimental horror features 7 students who visit one girl’s aunt. Trouble arises when it turns out that the aunt is an evil spirit who preys on young girls: the type who have just walked in the door. Special features: a 1966 film by the director, new interviews with the director, screenwriter, and plot creator, and more. Read the rest of this entry »

DVD seems to be made for television fans. Rather than waiting a week or more between episodes, it gives you the option of watching entire seasons in a matter of days (if you’ve got the time and energy). The upcoming months will see more releases than ever, both in new series and new seasons of old favorites.One set that will please fans of ’90s cartoons is the just-announced Dexter’s Laboratory: Season One. This will be the first time that a full set of episodes has been available, although individual ones have showed up on other Cartoon Network releases. The new release is part of a Cartoon Network “Hall of Fame” series and contains episodes from 1996-1997. Read the rest of this entry »

It’s the first official week of summer, which means the heat is probably just starting to get to you. What better way to cool off than with an ice-cold drink, some snacks, and a fresh new DVD? Here are some of the finest new releases of the week.

• The Closer: The Complete 5^th Season contains all 15 episodes of the latest season. Kyra Sedgwick plays Deputy Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson, who uses her unique skills to get the confessions she needs. The 5^th season saw storylines shifting from a focus on murder-related crimes to stories involving grand theft and fraud.
• Hot Tub Time Machine was one of the surprise hits of the summer, starring John Cusack, Rob Corddry, and Craig Robinson as slacker party dudes who find a way to revisit their glory days via the machine of the title. The film avoids some of the more sentimental aspects of The Hangover in its all-out hilarity. Read the rest of this entry »