DVD/VIDEO REVIEWS week of April 03, 2011

This week's DVD and Blu-ray releases 

The following are capsule reviews of new and recent DVD and Blu-ray releases from Catholic News Service. Theatrical movies have a Catholic News Service classification and Motion Picture Association of America rating. These classifications refer only to the theatrical version of the films below, and do not take into account the discs' extra content.

Funny Face

Elegant musical romance in which an American gamin (Audrey Hepburn) is turned into a top Paris model by a love-smitten photographer (Fred Astaire) in cahoots with his fashion magazine editor (Kay Thompson). Director Stanley Donen fleshes out the thin narrative with lovely musical numbers by George and Ira Gershwin as well as lots of gorgeous Paris scenery and a rainbow palette of color photography. Pleasant escapist fare for all but unromantic youngsters. A-I -- general patronage. (N/R) (Paramount Home Entertainment) 1957

Invincible

Inspirational sports drama based on the true-life story of unlikely football star Vince Papale (Mark Wahlberg), a bartender who, falling on hard luck, tries out for his hometown Philadelphia Eagles and makes the team, winning over the coach (Greg Kinnear) and eventually the entire city. Director Ericson Core follows a generic underdog formula, but you'll find it hard not to cheer for this feel-good film about overcoming obstacles and having the courage to follow one's dreams. Some mildly crude language, intense football violence, and a presumed off-screen premarital situation limit its appropriateness to older adolescents and up. Spanish titles option. A-II -- adults and adolescents. (PG) (Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment; also available on Blu-ray) 2006

King of Kings (Blu-ray Edition)

Stolid screen spectacular presents the life of Christ within the historical context of Jewish resistance to Roman rule. Uncomfortably cast in the title role is Jeffrey Hunter, though more effective are Siobhan McKenna as his mother, Robert Ryan as John the Baptist, Hurd Hatfield as Pilate, Rip Torn as Judas and Harry Guardino as Barabbas. Directed by Nicholas Ray, the script is preoccupied with the period's political unrest but treats the Gospel account reverentially, if with more dramatic license than some might find acceptable. Spanish titles option. L -- limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling. (N/R) (Warner Home Video) 1961

Paris When It Sizzles

Failed romantic comedy set in Paris where an American screenwriter (William Holden) and a typist (Audrey Hepburn) work out a script by imagining themselves as characters in a crime thriller that inevitably turns into a love story. Directed by Richard Quine, the contrived situations are more heavy-handed than lighthearted and the hammy results have little wit and less charm. Sexual innuendo. Spanish titles option. A-III -- adults. (N/R) (Paramount Home Entertainment) 1964

Remember the Titans

Uplifting drama set in 1971 about the desegregation of two powerhouse high school football teams that learn to overcome racism and go on to victory under the leadership of their African-American coach (Denzel Washington). Aside from occasionally faltering with emotional manipulation, director Boaz Yakin's heartwarming, fact-based saga shows the triumph of the human spirit over adversity, fear and societal prejudices. Racism theme and fleeting crass language. A-II -- adults and adolescents. (PG) (Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment; also available on Blu-ray) 2000

Tangled

In this traditional animated offering based on the Rapunzel fairy tale, a golden-haired damsel (voice of Mandy Moore) imprisoned in a tower by an evil crone (voice of Donna Murphy) escapes with the help of a boastful thief (voice of Zachary Levi). An equally dynamic and wholesome vehicle for its "love conquers all" theme, this family-friendly fantasy by directors Nathan Greno and Byron Howard blends lighthearted romance, vigorous action sequences, humor via two funny animal characters, and music by composer Alan Menken into an entertaining whole. But the proceedings also include some mild swashbuckling violence, many slapstick pratfalls and a distinct but inoffensive pagan undertone as well as a potentially upsetting interlude that might be too intense for preschoolers. Spanish language and titles options. A-I -- general patronage. (PG) (Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment; also available on Blu-ray) 2010

The Ten Commandments

Less an inspirational story based on biblical sources than a dramatic vehicle with a sense of history, director Cecil B. DeMille's epic production offers some spectacular re-creations, excellent technical effects and good acting from a fine cast, including Charlton Heston as Moses, Yul Brynner, Anne Baxter, Edward G. Robinson and many other stars of the era. Spanish language and titles options. A-I -- general patronage. (G) (Paramount Home Entertainment; also available on Blu-ray) 1956

Topsy-Turvy

Sprightly dramatization follows the 1884 career slump of British light-opera mavens Gilbert and Sullivan (Jim Broadbent and Allan Corduner), followed by renewed vigor on their next, and best-remembered collaboration, "The Mikado." Director Mike Leigh turns in a lengthy, bustling valentine to the creative process involved in musical theatre productions while wryly mocking the human frailties of the artistic temperament. Sexual situations with brief full nudity, references to abortion and occasional substance abuse. L -- limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling. (R) (Criterion Collection; also available on Blu-ray) 1999