New on DVD: 'Veronica Mars,' big musicals, 'Blazing Saddles'
A few blasts from the past with this week's DVD releases. Veronica Mars, Grade B: The film picks up nine years after Veronica Mars (Kristen Bell) left Neptune, Calif. She's on the fast track to a job with a prestigious New York law firm. That's when she is called home to help her old high school friend Logan Echolls (Jason Dohring), who is the prime suspect in the murder of his pop-star girlfriend.
A few blasts from the past with this week's DVD releases.
Veronica Mars, Grade B: The film picks up nine years after Veronica Mars (Kristen Bell) left Neptune, Calif. She's on the fast track to a job with a prestigious New York law firm. That's when she is called home to help her old high school friend Logan Echolls (Jason Dohring), who is the prime suspect in the murder of his pop-star girlfriend.
Rob Thomas creates a film that will draw in those who never saw the series. For the newbies, he provides the right amount of exposition to explain who the characters are - without making the production feel slow to loyal fans. Because he finds that balance, the film is both a loving gift for those who adore the series and a fun and entertaining murder mystery for those who don't know Veronica Mars from Bruno Mars.
The Rodgers & Hammerstein Blu-ray Collection. Grade A: The songwriting team of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II produced some of the most memorable musicals of the 20th century. This collection features six Academy Award-winning movie musicals by the team.
The set features digital restorations of The King and I, Carousel, Oklahoma!, State Fair, The Sound of Music, and South Pacific.
Blazing Saddles, Grade A: The 40th anniversary edition of the comedy is being released on Blu-ray. In any form, this is a must-own for anyone who loves film comedy. Starring Gene Wilder and Cleavon Little, the film written and directed by Mel Brooks is considered one of the top movie comedies of all time.
Included in the special-edition release is the featurette "Blaze of Glory: Mel Brooks' Wild, Wild West" in which Brooks reflects on his own movie-making chutzpah and the film's cultural impact on audiences of all generations.
Also new on DVD:
Making the Rules: Robin Thicke makes his feature-film debut.
The Terminal: The Tom Hanks film on Blu-ray.
I Love Lucy - Ultimate Season One: New Blu-ray includes the first episodes of the Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz series.
Desert Riders: The story of human trafficking behind camel racing.
Truth: The blurred line between love and lies.
Revenge of the Nerds: Nerds are back to mark the 30th anniversary of the film's release.
Your Inner Fish: Three-part series hosted by paleobiologist Neil Shubin.
7 Boxes: Teen offered $100 to deliver seven boxes.