This Week on DVD and Blu-ray - November 3rd, 2009

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Welcome back, DVD Town Citizens. I hope everyone is doing better than I have. I've been fighting a terrible cold these past few days which is why this column is a bit late. Luckily, the doctor has prescribed plenty of rest and DVDs. The holiday season is getting closer and closer which means bigger selections on new release day. The first Tuesday of November offers up plenty to pick from.

"G.I. Joe" fans will find some good and bad reasons to hit the stores. Following in the footsteps of Michael Bay's "Transformers" films comes "G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra," the live-action adaptation of Hasbro's other popular toyline. Much like Bay, Stephen Sommers (director of "The Mummy" and "Van Helsing") piles on the slick style and special effects. "Rise of Cobra" wasn't nearly as obnoxious and bloated as "Revenge of the Fallen," but it gives it a run for its money in the loud, dumb action movie department. If that's all you're looking for in a film, then you'll have plenty to enjoy. Plus, you can ogle Sienna Miller in skin-tight black leather. "Rise of Cobra" will be available on Blu-Ray and in single and double-disc DVD editions.

Hardcore Joe fans probably aren't too happy with the film, but there is a great alternative in "G.I. Joe: Resolute." Produced by Hasbro in conjunction with Cartoon Network, "Resolute" was an animated re-imagining of the Joes vs. Cobra franchise written by prolific comic book writer Warren Ellis. This is a much more adult version of "G.I. Joe" so parents are warned; there is a lot more violence in this version. They aren't shooting red and blue lasers and the pilots don't miraculously parachute out of the plane at the last second.

What? Not into any of these reboots or remakes? You'll be happy to know then that Shout Factory is releasing "G.I. Joe: Season 1.2" on DVD as well as a mass retail release of the amazing "G.I. Joe: The Complete Series" boxset. The latter was released online only this summer with the "Transformers" set, but will hit brick and mortar stores to coincide with all this "G.I. Joe" goodness. Yo Joe!

Tony Scott's remake of the classic 70's thriller, "The Taking of Pelham 123" comes to us on DVD and Blu-Ray. This modern version of "Pelham" might make a decent rental thanks to the always dependable Denzel Washington and a strong supporting cast that includes James Gandolfini and John Turturro, but is dragged down by a hammy performance from John Travolta and Scott's own directorial excesses.

Other recent theatrical releases hitting stores this week include: Eric Schlosser's documentary about the American agricultural industry "Food Inc.," the Hayden Panettiere-led comedy "I Love You, Beth Cooper," and the family romp "Aliens in the Attic."

Several classic films see a re-release this week including one of Alfred Hitchcock's best works: "North by Northwest." The iconic film starring Cary Grant, Eva Marie Saint, James Mason, and Martin Laundau will be available in a new 50th anniversary edition on DVD and Blu-Ray. John J. Puccio has reviewed Blu-Ray and says the presentation is exceptional.

The Criterion Collection releases Wim Wendes' beautiful "Wings of Desire" in a new 2-disc DVD set and on Blu-Ray, both of which have been reviewed by Christopher Long.

Frank Capra's perennial holiday classic "It's a Wonderful Life" debuts on Blu-Ray along with "Forrest Gump," "Love Actually," "Say Anything," and all six "Rocky" films in a new 7-disc "Undisputed Collection."

The Walt Disney Treasures series continues with the release of the "Zorro" television series with Guy Williams as the title character. James Plath has written a pair of great reviews for both The Complete First Season and The Complete Second Season. Also hitting shelves this week are: "The Shield: The Complete Series Collection", "Spin City: The Complete Third Season", "Star Wars: The Clone Wars - The Complete Season One" on DVD and Blu-Ray, and "Fraggle Rock: The Complete Final Season" and the 20-disc "Fraggle Rock: The Complete Series Collection."

He's been out of office for nearly a year so maybe it's time to finally say goodbye to George W. Bush and the Bush administration with "Will Ferrell: You're Welcome America - A Final Night with George W. Bush." This stage performance sees Ferrell put on his hilarious impression of the 43rd President. His last few films ("Step Brothers," "Land of the Lost") may have been stinkers, but this one is definitely a winner. You can read the review from David Van Der Haeghen.

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Please Note - More details:
Be sure to check out the full details under related releases.

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