TV on DVD:
Family Ties: The Complete First Season (Paramount) — The 1980s sitcom
that gave Michael J. Fox his big break debuts on DVD. Fox plays an
ultraconservative teen with liberal parents (Meredith Baxter Birney and
Michael Gross), a ditzy sister (Justine Bateman) and a tomboy youngest
sister. A four-disc set has the first 22 episodes.
Alias Smith and Jones: Season One (Universal) — The Western series
from the 1970s stars Ben Murphy and Pete Duel as outlaws trying to go
straight, who adopt new identities to avoid bounty hunters on their
trail. The first 15 episodes come in a four-disc set.
What's New, Scooby-Doo? Complete 1st Season (Warner Bros.) — A
two-disc set holds Season 1 of the new cartoon adventures of the goofy
Great Dane and his ghost-busting human pals. The set has the first 13
episodes, plus a special Valentine's Day episode.
Penn & Teller: Bull---- — The Complete Fourth Season (Showtime) —
The magicians and showmen continue their efforts to expose some of the
bull of modern life, taking on such issues as capital punishment,
abstinence and even the Boy Scouts. Year four's 10 episodes come in a
three-disc set.
Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea: Season Two, Volume Two (20th Century
Fox) — The super submarine Seaview sails again with a three-disc set
packing the second half of season two. The set has 13 episodes of the
1960s sci-fi adventure series.
Other new releases:
For Your Consideration (Warner Bros.) — Director Christopher Guest and
co-writer Eugene Levy (Best in Show, A Mighty Wind) co-star with their
usual ensemble for a comedy about a devastating Hollywood contagion:
Academy Awards buzz. The film features Catherine O'Hara, Parker Posey
and Harry Shearer as actors consumed by Oscar fever after their mediocre
flick catches unmerited awards attention. Extras include commentary by
Guest and Levy.
Crossover (Sony) — Anthony Mackie and Wesley Jonathan play best
buddies and gifted basketball players who challenge the reigning champs
in a secret underground streetball competition. Jonathan joins director
Presley A. Whitmore II for audio commentary.
Gandhi (Sony) — A two-disc set marks the 25th anniversary of the
best-picture winner starring Ben Kingsley in the life story of the slain
pacifist. The huge range of behind-the-scenes materials includes
interviews with Kingsley and director Richard Attenborough.