The Oscar DVDs

Take Your Pick
By Cole Smithey

The coming weeks will see the DVD release of Oscar-nominated movies like "North Country," "Pride & Prejudice," "Walk the Line," "Howl's Moving Castle," "A History of Violence," "Good Night, and Good Luck," "Capote," "King Kong," "Memoirs of a Geisha" and "Brokeback Mountain."

However, many Academy Award contenders are already available on DVD for avid movie-watchers to pour over with the added benefit of special features that might shed light on the subtext of a film’s particular charms. You can get a running start at making your Oscar-influenced DVD choices with a critical look at the titles available to you right this minute.

Batman Begins (Nominated for Cinematography)

Christian Bale does a magnificent job of portraying the Caped Crusader in the long-awaited prequel story of Batman’s auspicious origin. Although the overreaching and humorless script by director Christopher Nolan and David S. Goyer hits a few embarrassing plot snags, the movie suitably articulates a promising dramatic modern vision for the Batman franchise. Morgan Freeman brings a welcome air of lightheartedness as Bruce Wayne’s personal high-tech specialist Lucius Fox, and Michael Caine is perfectly charming as Wayne’s long trusted butler Alfred. The only miscasting comes from Cillian Murphy as Batman’s inaugural evil foe Dr. Jonathan Crane (AKA "Scarecrow"). "Batman Begins" focuses on the caliginous aspects of the Dark Knight’s personality that were minted when the young Bruce Wayne fell into a bat-filled well on his wealthy father’s sprawling estate. Special features include English and French languages, English, French and Spanish subtitles, eight making-of featurettes, a photo stills gallery and the original theatrical trailer. Aspect ratio is 2.40:1 anamorphic widescreen, with sound quality processed in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround. (Movie – Three Stars, DVD features – Three Stars) Rated PG-13, 140 mins. (Warner)

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Nominated for Costume Design)

Tim Burton lovingly adapts Roald Dahl’s famous children’s novel to the big screen with visual splendor and a hyper keen sense of the book’s cautionary themes regarding poor parenting. Johnny Depp gives a contained performance as the eccentric Willy Wonka that dips into Austin Powers’ vocal inflection as he takes five children and their parents on a tour of the world’s most elaborate chocolate factory. Superfluous musical set pieces, performed by a chorus of little Oompa-Loompas (all played by the versatile Deep Ray – "Big Fish"), accompany the episodic attrition of bratty children as their transgressions expel them from being eligible for the grand surprise prize that awaits only one of them. Special features include two making-of featurettes, a documentary on Roald Dahl, a
five part making-of documentary, an Oompa-Loompa dance game, DVD-ROM content and the film’s original trailer. Aspect ratio is 1.85:1 anamorphic, with sound quality processed in Dolby Digital 5.1. (Movie – Four Stars, DVD features – Four Stars) Rated PG, 106 mins. (Warner)

Cinderella Man (Nominated for Film Editing, Paul Giamatti nominated for Supporting Actor)

"Cinderella Man" was the first movie of 2005 to have multiple Oscar nomination contingencies thanks to a compelling script that’s expertly acted and directed. Russell Crowe brings his estimable talents to bear as a Depression era family man and boxer (Jim Braddock) who keeps his priorities straight in the face of unrelenting social and personal turmoil. Renee Zellweger rises to the acting challenge opposite Crowe as Jim’s loyal wife Mae who provides a stable if worried guardian of familial wellbeing. But it’s Paul Giamatti ("Sideways") who glues the story together as Joe Gould, Jim’s commendable boxing manager who guides his accomplished boxer through every fight. Ron Howard expertly utilizes the music of silence to underscore the deeply felt movie based on real-life boxing underdog James J. Braddock. The boxing sequences here are better than those of Martin Scorsese’s bar-setting "Raging Bull." Special features include English, French and Spanish subtitles, commentary by director Ron Howard, commentary with writer Akiva Goldsman, commentary with Writer Cliff Hollingsworth, deleted scenes with optional commentary by Ron Howard, 14 making-of featurettes, archived Braddock fight footage, DVD-ROM content and more. Aspect ratio is 2.40:1 anamorphic, with sound quality processed in choice of Dolby Digital 5.1 or 2.0 Surround. (Movie – Five Stars, DVD features – Five Stars ) Rated PG-13, 144 mins. (Universal)

The Constant Gardener (Nominated for Adapted Screenplay, Film Editing, Rachel Weisz nominated for Supporting Actress)

This scathing and socially conscious political thriller is filled with terrific ensemble performances directed by one of cinema's most innovative filmmakers Fernando Meirelles. Based on John le Carre's best-selling 2001 novel of the same name Meirelles ("City Of God") brings his bold signature docu-drama style to bear on a scandalous story of corporate and governmental greed attacking the third world. Ralph Fiennes plays Justin Quale a British diplomat whose political activist wife Tessa (Rachel Weisz - "Constantine") is assassinated for her efforts to expose her discovery about a new drug being tested on unwitting impoverished Kenyans, many of whom perish as a result. Justin Quale rattles the British corridors of power as he conducts a personal investigation into his wife's death and learns not only the horrifying truth behind a vast pharmaceutical conspiracy but also the depth of his love for Tessa. Special features include French and Spanish subtitles, four making-of featurettes and deleted scenes. Aspect ratio is 1.85:1 anamorphic, with sound quality processed in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. (Movie - Four Stars, DVD features – Three Stars) Rated R, 128 mins. (Universal)

Crash (Nominated for Picture, Original Screenplay, Paul Haggis nominated for Director)

Screenwriter Paul Haggis ("Million Dollar Baby") makes an impressive directorial debut with a telescoping deliberation on American race prejudices as viewed through a lens of day-to-day life in the melting pot of Los Angeles. Haggis rivals Robert Altman’s nimble ability to balance numerous characters across a broad narrative canvas. Multiple story threads intertwine around a racist cop (Matt Dillon) and his honest partner (Ryan Phillippe), a duo of black car thieves (Larenz Tate and Chris "Ludacris" Bridges), a Los Angeles District Attorney (Brendan Fraser), his thin-skinned wife Jean (Sandra Bullock) and a sexist police detective (Don Cheadle). Terrence Howard is outstanding as Cameron Thayer a successful television director whose dignity is challenged by his high-maintenance wife (Thandie Newton) and the fascist demands of his social milieu. "Crash" is a provocative drama that aligns with the socially conscious American theatrical dramaturgy of the ‘30s and ‘40s. Special features include English and Spanish subtitles, an introduction by director/writer/producer Paul Haggis, a making-of featurette and commentary with Paul Haggis, co-writer/producer Bobby Horesco and actor/producer Don Cheadle. Aspect ratio is 2.35:1 anamorphic, with sound quality processed in choice of Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround or Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround. (Movie – Four Stars, DVD features – Three Stars) Rated R, 100 mins. (Lionsgate)

Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room (Nominated for Documentary Feature)

See how Enron CEO Kenneth Lay, COO Jeff Skilling, and CFO Andrew Fastow held California hostage with unnecessary "rolling blackouts" during which the corporation stole millions and millions of dollars. This essential documentary skillfully maps out the shady "mark to market" accounting device that the men who called themselves "the smartest guys in the room" used to commit corporate fraud on a colossal scale. With the aid of the once respected accounting firm of Arthur Andersen, Enron hid losses from their investors in phony offshore corporate shell accounts with the names "M. Smart" ("Maxwell Smart") and "M. Yass." When you discover that the cunning "mark to market" accounting con is widely used in corporate America you’ll arrive at your own analysis about the future of the construct of "corporation." Special features include commentary with writer/director Alex Gibney, deleted scenes, three making-of featurettes, interviews with Bethany McLean and Peter Elkind, Enron script transcripts, "Firesign Theatre Presents: The Fall of Enron," Fortune magazine articles, editorial cartoons and web links. Aspect ratio is 1.78:1 anamorphic, with sound quality processed in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround. (Movie – Five Stars, DVD features – Four Stars) Rated R, 110 mins. (Magnolia)

Junebug (Amy Adams nominated for Supporting Actress)

The confining social values and conventions of America’s Southern culture are astutely evinced in director Phil Morrison’s deft realization of Angus MacLachlan’s absorbing screenplay. Chicago art dealer Madeleine (Embeth Davidtz) and her recent husband George (Alessandro Nivola) visit his small North Carolina hometown for the dual purposes of signing an eccentric artist (Frank Hoyt) to her gallery, and to meet George’s family. Things go from uncomfortable to weird and violent as George’s painfully unworldly younger brother Johnny (Ben McKenzie) misdirects frustration with his expecting wife (Amy Adams) at George and Madeleine. "Junebug" is a rare and insightful study of divergent American ideologies that makes no judgments on its subjects’ behavior. Special features include French subtitles, commentary with Amy Adams and Embeth Davditz, deleted scenes, five behind-the-scenes segments, casting sessions and a gallery of artist Ann Wood’s paintings. Aspect ratio is 1.78:1 anamorphic NTSC, with sound quality processed in Dolby Digital 5.1. (Movie – Four Stars, DVD features – Three Stars) Rated R, 108 mins. (Sony)

Hustle & Flow (Nominated for Original Song)

Terrence Howard makes an indelible mark as Djay, a low down Memphis pimp and drug dealer making a last ditch effort to turn his life around with rap music, is steeped in American values of redemption and ambition. Writer/director Craig Brewer crafts a multi-faceted drama that identifies subtle areas of American existence that are rarely exposed in the media or Hollywood films. The gritty raps that Djay writes and records are unexpectedly catchy and stay with you long after the movie is over. "You know it's hard out here for a pimp, when he's gotta get the money for the rent." It might not sound like much on paper, but the song really moves. "Hustle & Flow" is a perfect example of an American independent film that boldly embraces its rarefied subject and squeezes out sparks from every scene and every line of subtext-rich dialogue. Special features include commentary by Craig Brewer, four engrossing featurettes and 6 television promo spots. Aspect ratio is 16:9 widescreen, with sound quality processed in choice of Dolby Digital 5.1 or 2.0 Surround. (Movie – Five Stars, DVD features – Four Stars) Rated R, 115 mins. (Paramount)

March of the Penguins (Nominated for Documentary Feature)

The difficult mating and parenting rituals of Antarctica’s Emperor penguins are painstakingly documented in director Luc Jacquet’s thoughtful and touching film. Morgan Freeman lends his authoritative voice to narrate the penguins’ struggle to procreate under the most ferocious conditions that Mother Nature has to offer. While the movie doesn’t live up to its overhyped cult status, it is nonetheless an entertaining and informative study of a surprisingly graceful species of penguins and their cycle of existence. Special features include English, French and Spanish subtitles, a making-of documentary, a National Geographic documentary, the Looney Tunes Bugs Bunny cartoon "8 Ball Bunny" and the theatrical trailer. Aspect ratio is 1.85:1 anamorphic, with sound quality processed in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. (Movie – Four Stars - DVD features, Four Stars) Rated G, 80 mins. (Warner)

Murderball (Nominated for Documentary Feature)

The quadriplegic rugby sport referred to as "Murderball" is lovingly examined in a well-crafted documentary that goes a long way toward showing the mental and physical fortitude of these wheelchair bound athletes who insist on living life to the fullest. Filmmakers Henry Alex Rubin and Dana Adam Shapiro focus their attention on the indomitable Mark Zupan of Team USA and his fierce rival Joe Soares of Team Canada as the men drive their Quad Rugby teams toward the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens. "Murderball" is an inspirational and poignant movie that shatters innumerable misconceptions about quadriplegics and their ability to function at a high level of physical ability. Special features include commentary with murderball players Mark Zupan, Scott Hoggsett, and Andy Cohn, commentary with directors Dana Adam Shapiro and Henry-Alex Rubin, and producer Jeff Mandel, "Jackass Presents Murderball" featurette (featuring Johnny Knoxville, Steve-O, and Mark Zupan), a Larry King Live interview, deleted scenes, a making-of documentary, Joe Soares interview update and a New York premiere featurette. Aspect ratio is 1.78:1 anamorphic, with sound quality processed in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround. (Movie – Four Stars, DVD features – Four Stars) Rated R, 85 mins. (ThinkFilm/Lionsgate)

Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge Of The Sith (Nominated for Makeup)

Doomed to be forever referenced as the least offensive Star Wars movie of the prequel trilogy "Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge Of The Sith" is a visually delicious film filled with ostensibly crowd pleasing (read boring) lightsaber battles that escort Anakin Skywalker's violent transition into the persona of Darth Vader after he opts for the dark side's unlimited power in an attempt to circumvent a predicted death of his first offspring by his clandestine wife Padme (Natalie Portman). Inane dialogue, a wretched performance by Samuel L. Jackson and indulgent pacing hamper Lucas' already clunky plot that finally brings closure to a story that didn't need 20 years to tell. Special features include English, French and Spanish languages, commentary by writer/director George Lucas, producer Rick McCallum, visual effects supervisors John Knoll and Roger Guyett, and animation director Rob Coleman, a making-of documentary, 2 making-of featurettes, deleted scenes, DVD-ROM extras and more. Aspect ratio is 2.35:1 anamorphic, with sound quality processed in Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround. (Movie – Two Stars, DVD features – Four Stars) Rated PG-13, 140 mins. (Fox)

Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride (Nominated for Animated Feature)

"Better Off Dead" would have been a better title choice for Tim Burton’s self-indulgently macabre attempt at creating an animated underworld of gleeful singing corpses. Burton and co-director Mike Johnson set the action in a drab 19^th century English town where one very lonely Victor Van Dort (voiced by Johnny Depp) is uncomfortably poised to marry a poor little rich girl (Victoria – Emily Watson). But Victor makes the mistake of practicing his wedding vows in a forest where his Corpse Bride’s (Helena Bonham Carter) hand receives the wedding ring intended for Victoria. Victor is pulled beneath the earth where a festive world of dancing and singing corpses await new additions to their number. As Victor struggles to get back to Victoria while falling in love with his Corpse Bride the story becomes a muddled and unpleasant affair that makes being dead look a lot more fun than the dreary lives Victoria and Victor are doomed to lead. "Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride" is a movie of very limited appeal. Special features include English, French and Spanish subtitles, seven making-of featurettes, pre-production galleries, theatrical trailer, and a music-only track. Aspect ratio is 16:9 anamorphic NTSC, with sound quality processed in Dolby Digital 5.1. (Movie – One Star, DVD features – Three Stars) Rated PG, 76 mins. (Warner)

Wallace & Gromit in the Curse of the WereRabbit (Nominated for Animated Feature)

British Claymation geniuses Nick Park and Steve Box bring to life their best-loved characters Wallace (voiced by veteran actor Peter Sallis) and his faithful tongue-tied dog Gromit in a nifty children’s movie filled with just the right amount of bawdy double entendres to make adults snicker. The filmmakers create a vibrant rural British community obsessed with growing giant vegetables for their annual fairground competition. Wallace and Gromit run a brisk pest control business called "Anti-Pesto" by humanely capturing garden-ravaging bunnies with Wallace’s specially invented Bun-Vac 6000 contraption that "sucks as well as blows." But their Northern England clientele go wiggy when an enormous rabbit attacks their gardens during a harvest full moon to devour every gigantic vegetable in sight. Special features include English, Spanish and French subtitles, commentary by director/writer Steve Box and director/writer Nick Park, deleted scenes, four making-of featurettes, Steve Box’s animated short film "Stagefright," a "Family Album" of storyboards and photos, and a slew of DVD ROM features. Aspect ratio is 1.85:1, with sound quality processed in Dolby Digital 5.1. (Movie – Four Stars, DVD features – Five Stars) Rated G, 82 mins. (DreamWorks/Universal)

War Of The Worlds (Nominated for Sound Editing, Sound Mixing and for Visual Effects)

"This is E.T. gone bad," said Tom Cruise of Steven Spielberg’s cinematic adaptation of H.G. Wells’ 1898 novel as scripted by David Koepp ("Panic Room") and Josh Friedman. Cruise’s quote certainly applies to Dakota Fanning’s pungent performance here as a negative reversal of Drew Barrymore’s character in "E.T." Other factors that contribute to the film’s inadequacy are specious situations, a deviating performance by Cruise and collapsing plot points. From a sonic and visual standpoint the movie is remarkable, but from a narrative perspective it never engages the audience with either the evil motivations of the aliens or with the moral foundation of their victims. This war of worlds is a deadlock. Special features include English, French and Spanish subtitles and a making-of featurette. Aspect ratio is 1.85:1, with sound quality processed in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround. (Movie - Two Stars, DVD features – One Star) Rated PG-13, 117 mins. (DreamWorks/Universal)