Gary Thompson: Newly available DVDs pay homage to the military

ARMED FORCES Day is May 15 and Memorial Day is just around the corner from that on May 31 this year, prompting some commemorative DVD and Blu-ray releases.

"Saving Private Ryan" gets a two-disc Blu-ray edition ($50), featuring a new introduction from Steven Spielberg and some new special features, including a look at World War II combat photographers, the inspiration for Spielberg's visual approach to the movie.

You can also get a Blu-ray edition of "Hurt Locker" director Kathryn Bigelow's other war movie, the submarine drama "K19: Widowmaker" featuring Harrison Ford as the commander of a doomed Soviet sub. Bigelow provides commentary, and gives insight into her methods.

Old-schoolers may enjoy "No Time For Sergeants," the 1958 comedy featuring Andy Griffith as a hayseed inducted into the Army, where he annoys his commanding officer. "Sergeants" was the probable inspiration for the long-running "Gomer Pyle" TV series.