DVD Catalog
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Hunger Games, The
Genre: Science-Fiction/Fantasy Release Date: 08/18/2012 Rating PG-13 Production Year: 2012 Run Time: 142 mins Released By: Lionsgate Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Elizabeth Banks Based on the best-selling young-adult novel by author Suzanne Collins, THE HUNGER GAMES tells the dark tale of a 16-year-old girl named Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence), who is selected to compete in a vicious televised tournament in which 24 teenagers from a post-apocalyptic society fight to the death for the entertainment of the masses. In the future, North America is no more. In its place has risen Panem, a divided nation split into 12 districts. Every year, each district selects a teen of each gender (called "Tributes") to test their worth in a competition known as the Hunger Games, which are broadcast across the nation as entertainment, and to reinforce the government's total power. When her younger sister is selected as District 12's latest "Tribute," Katniss volunteers to take her place, and trains under hard-drinking former Hunger Games champion Haymitch Abernathy (Woody Harrelson) to sharpen her killer instincts. Now in order to survive the game and emerge the victor, this young combatant must put all of her skills to the ultimate test. Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth co-star. … more less -
Spiderwick Chronicles, The
Genre: Science-Fiction/Fantasy Release Date: 01/01/2013 Rating PG Production Year: 2008 Run Time: 101 mins Released By: Warner Home Video Cast: Freddie Highmore, Mary-Louise Parker, Nick Nolte, Joan Plowright, David Strathairn Based on the bestselling series of children's fantasy novels of the same name by Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi, THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES follows the adventures of the Grace family, newly transplanted from New York City to an inherited home in the remote New England woods. Angry with his mother (Mary-Louise Parker) about the move, the sulky Jared (Freddie Highmore) begin to explore the strange old house, and discovers a magical tome written by his great, great uncle Arthur Spiderwick (David Strathairn). Soon Jared and his twin brother, Simon (also played by Highmore with the aid of seamless special effects), are drawn into a realm of goblins, boggarts, and ogres--a reality that coexists with the human world. By the time the boys' older sister, Mallory (Sarah Bolger), is in on their secret, the siblings are steeped in a conflict with the evil shape-shifting ogre Mulgarath (Nick Nolte), who will stop at nothing to get Spiderwick's book. Directed by Mark Waters (THE HOUSE OF YES, MEAN GIRLS) and scripted in part by lauded filmmaker John Sayles (THE SECRET OF ROAN INISH), SPIDERWICK succeeds as an engaging kid-oriented movie that also offers up genuine thrills and chills for adults. Highmore and Bolger impressively mask their British and Irish accents, respectively, and display a convincing brother/sister bond, while Martin Short and Seth Rogen provide comic relief as the voices of unlikely CGI allies. Intentionally smaller in scope than other like-minded literary adaptations such as THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA and THE GOLDEN COMPASS, SPIDERWICK is rooted in a beautifully earthy, antique aesthetic that provides the perfect setting for its likable protagonists and bizarre-yet-naturalistic creatures. … more less -
Men In Black
Genre: Science-Fiction/Fantasy Release Date: 06/17/2008 Rating PG-13 Production Year: 1997 Run Time: 98 mins Released By: Sony Pictures Home Cast: Tommy Lee Jones, Will Smith, Linda Fiorentino, Vincent D'Onofrio, Rip Torn In the 1950s a super-secret government agency was formed to monitor and police the activities of extraterrestrial aliens on the planet Earth. Some 40 years later a founding father of the agency, Agent Kay (Tommy Lee Jones), finds himself with a new smart-mouthed partner fresh from the NYPD who is soon dubbed Agent Jay (Will Smith). Their first mission is to save the Earth from destruction by a giant insectlike alien (Vincent D'Onfrio) that, incidentally, drives an exterminator's truck. Armed with their matching Ray-Bans, skinny ties, and space-age weapons that Jay barely understands--he calls the Neuralyzer the "flashy thing"--the new duo begin another average day of fighting intergalactic terrorists. An amazingly hip and terribly clever movie that riffs on everything from E.T.--THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL to CASABLANCA, this Barry Sonnenfeld film is based on the equally savvy comic book by Lowell Cunningham. … more less -
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Genre: Science-Fiction/Fantasy Release Date: 12/08/2009 Rating PG Production Year: 2009 Run Time: 153 mins Released By: Warner Home Video Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Tom Felton, Michael Gambon Though HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN director Alfonso Cuaron still holds the crown for best film in the series, David Yates is making an attempt at a coup with HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE. Dark, gleefully funny, and beautifully shot, this adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s novel should please fans despite numerous changes to the 650-page source material. In this sixth film in the series, Harry’s (Daniel Radcliffe) inevitable confrontation with the dark wizard Voldemort grows closer, and Hogwarts headmaster Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) wants the young student to be prepared. He guides Harry through a memory of a young Voldemort, but an important moment is missing. Harry must extract this memory from the new Hogwarts teacher, Horace Slughorn (a perfectly slimy Jim Broadbent), who is as eager for fame as he is reluctant to revisit this painful moment. Meanwhile, romance rules the school of witches and wizards, with Hermione (Emma Watson) and Ron (Rupert Grint) refusing to admit their feelings for each other. Harry also harbors a secret love of his own: Ron’s younger sister, Ginny (Bonnie Wright). But despite his crush, Harry keeps an eye on Snape (Alan Rickman) and Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton), who may be responsible for attacks on the school. HALF-BLOOD PRINCE deftly balances the humor of Hogwarts heartbreak and the thrills of dark villains attacking the school. The cast is as talented as ever, and the youngest members--Radcliffe, Grint, and Watson--have developed their talent well. However, this film is most remarkable for its fine cinematography from AMELIE director of photography Bruno Delbonnel. Using a muted palette, Delbonnel makes Hogwarts look hauntingly beautiful in a way that fans have never seen. There’s always plenty of fun and adventure in the series, but this entry boasts impressive visuals as well. … more less -
Star Trek
Genre: Science-Fiction/Fantasy Release Date: 11/17/2009 Rating PG-13 Production Year: 2009 Run Time: 126 mins Released By: Paramount Home Entertainment Cast: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Eric Bana, Bruce Greenwood, Karl Urban Those prepared to hate the reboot of STAR TREK--whether they’re diehard fans or those in the anti-sci-fi camp--may be convinced to lower their shields after seeing this fun, action-filled film. Best known for creating mythology-driven series like LOST, J.J. Abrams has imbued his version with the elements that have made his shows such mind-bending entertainment while still keeping the soul of the saga intact. STAR TREK begins with an attack by an impossibly advanced Romulan ship captained by the tattooed, snarling Nero (Eric Bana). Among the survivors is the infant version of James T. Kirk (Chris Pine), who grows up to wreak havoc on the Iowa countryside. When Captain Christopher Pike (Bruce Greenwood) meets an adult Kirk, he encourages him to join Starfleet, giving him the opportunity to meet Spock (Zachary Quinto), Uhura (Zoe Saldana), and the rest of the characters audiences have loved for decades. Abrams has assembled a fine cast who seem to be aware of their predecessors but never resort to impressions. Both Quinto and Pine do a fine job with their portrayals of Kirk and Spock, and Karl Urban couldn’t be better as Leonard McCoy. The supporting players--Simon Pegg (Scotty), John Cho (Sulu), and Anton Yelchin (Chekov)--all capture the essence of what drove their characters, though their screen time is limited. STAR TREK manages the nearly impossible: it pleases hardcore fans with plenty of in-jokes and references (and an appearance by the original Spock, Leonard Nimoy), but it doesn’t alienate newcomers with tons of technobabble. The action and effects rank with any other top-tier summer blockbuster, but there’s plenty of humor to balance the excitement. For anyone who (wrongly) felt he had to hide his trekker tendencies, this undeniably cool version of STAR TREK offers a chance to wear the "geek" label with pride. … more less -
Snow White and the Huntsman
Genre: Science-Fiction/Fantasy Release Date: 09/11/2012 Rating Production Year: 2012 Cast: Kristen Stewart, Chris Hemsworth, Charlize Theron, Sam Claflin, Sam Spruell The enchanting Snow White (Kristen Stewart) joins forces with the fierce Huntsman (Chris Hemsworth), who was recruited by the diabolical Queen (Charlize Theron) to kill the fair beauty, and together they fight to rid their kingdom of evil in this bold new take on the fairy-tale classic from commercial director Rupert Sanders. Obsessed with being the fairest woman in the land, the Queen learns that Snow White will soon surpass her in beauty, and seeks to achieve immortality by consuming the young girl's heart. But the Huntsman is the only one capable of braving the dark forest to seek out Snow White. Threatened with death should he refuse to follow his order, the Huntsman finds Snow White, and begins training her for the arduous battle ahead. Meanwhile, a handsome prince (Sam Claflin) falls hopelessly under Snow White's spell. Ray Winstone, Ian McShane, Eddie Izzard, Bob Hoskins, Toby Jones, Eddie Marsan, and Stephen Graham co-star as the seven dwarfs. … more less -
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Genre: Science-Fiction/Fantasy Release Date: 12/11/2007 Rating PG Production Year: 2002 Run Time: 335 mins Released By: Warner Home Video Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Robbie Coltrane, Kenneth Branagh Director Chris Columbus recreates the magic of the second book from author J.K. Rowling's best-selling series about a young wizard, Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe). In this sequel, Harry and his friends Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) and Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) return to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for the new school year only to be met with a terrifying mystery. An unknown creature, one that supposedly lives in the legendary Chamber of Secrets hidden at Hogwarts, is attacking students in the school, leaving them literally petrified and as cold as stone. Even the professors seem at a loss for how to solve the chilling mystery, leaving it up to Harry and his friends to save the day. Rowling's story translates well to the big screen, with a magical flying car, a giant spider, a house elf named Dobby, and assorted other creatures making their film debuts. Radcliffe continues to charm as the wide-eyed young Potter, and Grint shines as his best friend and sidekick. Kenneth Branagh joins the all-star cast as the preening megalomaniac author and professor, Gilderoy Lockhart. HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS also stars the late Richard Harris, majestic Maggie Smith, and an under-used Alan Rickman. … more less -
Earth's Final Hours
Genre: Science-Fiction/Fantasy Release Date: 04/02/2013 Rating PG-13 Production Year: 2012 Run Time: 91 mins Released By: Anchor Bay/Starz A doomsday scenario unfolds after a super-dense fragment of interstellar mass pierces the Earth's core and slows down the planet's rotation. … more less -
Men in Black II
Genre: Science-Fiction/Fantasy Release Date: 01/04/2011 Rating Production Year: 2002 Run Time: 88 mins Released By: Sony Pictures Home Cast: Will Smith, Tommy Lee Jones, Rosario Dawson, Lara Flynn Boyle, Johnny Knoxville Reuniting director Barry Sonnenfeld with most of the original hit film's cast, MEN IN BLACK II picks up with alien-monitoring secret agent Jay (Will Smith) in a rut. Weary of the isolated life of an MiB operative, Jay continually fires new partners until MiB director Zed (Rip Torn) teams him up with the talkative pug, Frank (voiced by Tim Blaney). Together they investigate an "alien-on-alien" murder witnessed by the lovely Rita (Rosario Dawson), who Jay immediately falls for. The case eventually leads Jay and Frank to track down agent Kay (Tommy Lee Jones), who now works at a rural post office, completely unaware of his former life. Unfortunately, it's what Kay can't remember that may save the world from destruction at the hands of the shape-shifting alien Serleena (Lara Flynn Boyle). As Jay attempts to jog the memory of the reluctant Kay, Serleena takes over MiB headquarters, building up to a big New York City showdown. A fast-paced follow-up to the 1997 sci-fi comedy, MEN IN BLACK II sticks to its guns, offering up more action, aliens, and intergalactic weirdness. This time around Smith and characters such as Frank and the wisecracking worms are the focus, although Jones makes the most out of his screen time with his deadpan persona thoroughly intact. And, as with the first movie, MIB II features plenty of enjoyable scenes, including an underground romp involving a subway-sized alien and Frank the Dog's head-out-of-the-car-window rendition of "I Will Survive." … more less -
Godzilla Vs. Biollante
Genre: Science-Fiction/Fantasy Release Date: 12/04/2012 Rating PG Production Year: 1989 Run Time: 104 mins Released By: Miramax Echo Bridge Using some rare cells from Godzilla, Dr. Shiragami has genetically engineered a indestructible plant life form. Known as Biollante, the creature is content to be alone until Godzilla comes back to wreak havoc on Tokyo. Upon his return from the deep, Godzilla finds a worthy opponent in Biollante and the two creatures come face to face in an explosive fight to the finish. … more less -
Avatar
Genre: Science-Fiction/Fantasy Release Date: 11/16/2010 Rating PG-13 Production Year: 2009 Run Time: 162 mins Released By: 20th Century Fox Cast: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Stephen Lang, Sigourney Weaver, Michelle Rodriguez ALIENS and THE TERMINATOR director James Cameron returns to the genre that made him famous with AVATAR. As an avatar (a human mind housed in an alien body), an ex-Marine finds his inner conflict competes with the far-flung war he must fight. This sci-fi film reunites the director with his ALIENS actress, Sigourney Weaver, and it co-stars Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Stephen Lang, and Michelle Rodriguez. Cameron also brings on WETA, the special effects team behind the Lord of the Rings trilogy, in his efforts to create this 3-D film filled with awe-inspiring CGI. … more less -
Jurassic Park
Genre: Science-Fiction/Fantasy Release Date: 08/28/2012 Rating PG-13 Production Year: 1993 Run Time: 127 mins Released By: Universal Studios Home Video Cast: Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum, Richard Attenborough, Samuel L. Jackson Steven Spielberg directed this blockbuster thriller based on the popular book by Michael Crichton. Millionaire John Hammond (Richard Attenborough) asks two dinosaur experts (Laura Dern and Sam Neill) to act as consultants on his entrepreneurial endeavor--an amusement park with DNA-cloned live dinosaurs as the main attraction. The paleontologists, along with a mathematician (Jeff Goldblum) and Hammond's two grandchildren, takes a run-through tour of the park. But soon the joyride turns to terror when an impending hurricane, an unscrupulous engineer (Wayne Knight), and the rebelling dinosaurs begin to destroy the park. Spielberg considered the most popular star of the film to be a computer-generated Tyrannosaurus rex. The special effects in general are spectacular. As Hollywood's preeminent director, Spielberg was used as a kind of financial savior for Universal Studios, which was hurting economically prior to the dinosaurian venture. Spielberg made a deal with Universal--his dream project, SCHINDLER'S LIST, would be green-lighted if he agreed to make JURASSIC PARK for the studio first. By the time SCHINDLER'S LIST premiered in December 1993, JURASSIC PARK, which had been released six months earlier, had broken E.T. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL's worldwide box-office record. … more less -
9
Genre: Science-Fiction/Fantasy Release Date: 12/29/2009 Rating PG-13 Production Year: 2009 Run Time: 80 mins Released By: Universal Studios Home Video Cast: Elijah Wood, Jennifer Connelly, John C. Reilly, Crispin Glover, Martin Landau Elijah Wood and Jennifer Connelly lend their voices to this animated fantasy directed by Shane Acker, a veteran of Spike and Mike's film festival. In 9, Acker turns his Oscar-nominated short into a full-length fantasy about a world where humanity has been annihilated by machines. In this post-apocalyptic earth, a group of sewn creations bands together to battle the few remaining machines. Produced by visionary directors Tim Burton and Timur Bekmambetov, this film also features the voices of Christopher Plummer, Martin Landau, John C. Reilly, Crispin Glover, and Fred Tatasciore. … more less -
Terminator Salvation
Genre: Science-Fiction/Fantasy Release Date: 12/01/2009 Rating PG-13 Production Year: 2009 Run Time: 115 mins Released By: Warner Home Video Cast: Christian Bale, Sam Worthington, Anton Yelchin, Moon Bloodgood, Bryce Dallas Howard The fourth installment of the TERMINATOR series follows an adult John Connor (played by Christian Bale) as he attempts to organize a human resistance force which could prove to be mankind's last true hope in the war against the machines. Opening in the year 2018, TERMINATOR SALVATION finds John Connor's certainty about the future shaken by the sudden appearance of a mysterious stranger named Marcus Wright (Sam Worthington), whose last memory is of sitting on death row and awaiting execution. Unable to determine whether Marcus was sent from the future or rescued from the past, Conno begins to wonder whether there is still any hope left for the human race as the robots grow more powerful and aggressive than ever before. It appears that Skynet is preparing a devastating final attack designed to eliminate the human resistance once and for all, leaving Connor and Marcus with no choice but to strike back at the cybernetic heart of Skynet's operations. Once there, the two battle-scarred soldiers discover a devastating secret regarding the potential annihilation of all humankind. Anton Yelchin fills Michael Biehn's shoes as a young Kyle Reese in the first installment of a planned TERMINATOR trilogy from director McG (CHARLIE'S ANGELS). … more less -
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
Genre: Science-Fiction/Fantasy Release Date: 09/22/2009 Rating PG Production Year: 1982 Run Time: 112 mins Released By: Paramount Home Entertainment Cast: William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, Ricardo Montalban, DeForest Kelley, James Doohan While out on routine training maneuvers, a starship encounters a powerful and supposedly exiled foe from the distant past: Khan. Only Kirk can stop the Moby Dick-quoting, vengeance-crazed genius from bringing about universal destruction in this warp-speed thrill ride. A continuation of the plotline begun in episode 24 of the original series, "The Space Seed." … more less -
Indian in the Cupboard, The
Genre: Science-Fiction/Fantasy Release Date: 03/16/2004 Rating PG Production Year: 1995 Run Time: 97 mins Released By: Sony Pictures Home Cast: Hal Scardino, Litefoot, Lindsay Crouse, David Keith, Rishi Bhat Good things often come in little packages, as young Omri (Hal Scardino) discovers when he receives a present from his friend Patrick, a plastic Indian figure that comes to life after Omri locks him in his toy cupboard. Little Bear (Litefoot), an Iroquois Indian from 1761, opens up new worlds of thought, experience, and tolerance to young Omri. A few disastrous experiments with other toys in the cupboard and Patrick's insistence on receiving his own living toy reveals to Omri that the "toys" have feelings just as he does, no matter how small their stature. Frank Oz (BOWFINGER) directs from a script from Melissa Mathison (E.T.). … more less -
Flight of the Navigator
Genre: Science-Fiction/Fantasy Release Date: 02/07/2006 Rating PG Production Year: 1986 Run Time: 90 mins Released By: Buena Vista Home Entertainment Cast: Joey Cramer, Paul Mall, Veronica Cartwright, Cliff De Young, Sarah Jessica Parker David Freeman (Joey Cramer), a 12-year-old boy, is mysteriously abducted by an alien ship and returns to Earth eight years later, still only 12. He now possesses great navigational powers that enable him to fly his space ship anywhere he desires. Along with the robotic Commander Max (voiced by Paul Reubens under the name Paul Mall) and Mascot Puckmarin, the boy encounters an adventure of extraterrestrial proportions. … more less -
Repo Man
Genre: Science-Fiction/Fantasy Release Date: 04/16/2013 Rating R Production Year: 1984 Run Time: 92 mins Released By: Criterion Collection Cast: Emilio Estevez, Harry Dean Stanton, Vonetta McGee, Olivia Barash, Tracey Walter Otto (Emilio Estevez) is a Los Angeles punk, a loser with no direction and no role models. But he discovers a code of honor and higher purpose when he joins a select group of latter-day knights: the repo men. As a fledging apprentice, Otto slowly learns the ways of these high-caliber, overmedicated auto repossessors. And when a $20,000 bounty is placed on a mysterious missing car, Otto eludes the police, feds, religious cultists, and other repo men in a frantic search for this holy grail. Could one man's destiny lie in the back of a 1964 Chevy Malibu? Alex Cox's feature-film debut boasts a clever, satirical script that combines the larger-than-life edginess of urban L.A. with a bizarre array of science-fiction conspiracy theories. The film also features a strong soundtrack by an array of early 1980s punk and new wave bands and a terrific lead performance by Estevez. … more less -
City of Lost Children, The
Genre: Science-Fiction/Fantasy Release Date: 10/19/1999 Rating R Production Year: 1995 Run Time: 114 mins Released By: Sony Pictures Home Cast: Daniel Emilfork, Mireille Mosse, Dominique Pinon, Joseph Lucien, Ron Perlman In THE CITY OF LOST CHILDREN, an imaginative fantasy from the creators of DELICATESSEN, a prematurely aging mad scientist named Krank (Daniel Emilfork) kidnaps children so he can steal their dreams. However, Krank runs into trouble when his henchmen grab Denrée (Joseph Lucien), a little boy whose adopted brother, One (Ron Perelman), is a circus strongman. One desperately tries to find Denrée and begs for help from Miette (Judith Vittet), a 9-year-old girl who heads up a gang of orphans. Together, One and Miette finally find Krank's castle, meeting along the way the lost identical brother--the original--of the three clones (each played by Dominique Pinon) who serve as Krank's assistants. French directors Marc Caro and Jean-Pierre Jeunet once again prove their technical prowess with this dark fairy tale, which features outstanding performances from its youthful cast (most notably Vittet). As is the case with DELICATESSEN, however, their genius in constructing a highly artificial, beautiful, believable world threatens to overshadow the story. But even the fantastic sets cannot compare to the bizarre spectacles that Jeunet and Caro dream up. In one unforgettable scene, a pair of evil Siamese twin sisters prepare dinner, their four arms working perfectly in sync--one holding vegetables for another to chop while a third stirs the soup and a fourth scratches their collective itches. Frequent David Lynch collaborator Angelo Badalamenti creates the chilling, circusy musical score that adds to the film's magic. … more less -
Clash of the Titans
Genre: Science-Fiction/Fantasy Release Date: 03/02/2010 Rating PG Production Year: 1981 Run Time: 118 mins Released By: Warner Home Video Cast: Harry Hamlin, Laurence Olivier, Ursula Andress, Maggie Smith, Claire Bloom Full of pride, Cassiopeia compares her daughter's beauty to that of Hera. Angered, the queen of the gods has Poseidon unleash the monstrous beast Craken to destroy their village unless Cassiopeia's daughter, Andromeda, is sacrificed. Perseus, the son of Zeus, becomes enchanted with the breathtaking beauty and is determined to save her from this fate. The young hero, armed with a magical shield, a winged stallion and a mechanical owl, discovers the only way to defeat the monster is with the head of Medusa. The gods watch and intervene on Perseus' quest to save his beloved. This was legendary special effects wizard Ray Harryhausen's last film before he retired from creating movie magic. L.A. LAW's Harry Hamlin stars as the Greek mythological hero Perseus who fights snake-haired Medusa and two-headed dogs to save the lovely Andromeda (Judi Bowker). Laurence Olivier, as Zeus, is one of the many screen legends in this adventure. Burgess Meredith, Claire Bloom, Maggie Smith and Ursula Andress round out the cast as the Gods of Mount Olympus. Director Desmond Davis was camera operator on TOM JONES and A TASTE OF HONEY, two influential early 1960s British films. Writer Beverly Cross was one of the writers on 1963's Ray Harryhausen film, JASON AND THE ARGONAUTS. … more less










