<I>Robert DeNiro, Ben Stiller, Teri Polo, Blythe Danner, Owen Wilson, John Abrahams, James Rebhorn. Directed by Jay Roach. Aspect ratio: 1.85:1 (anamorphic). Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS. 108 minutes. 2000. Universal Home Video 21133. PG-13. $26.98.</I>
Video: 4
Audio: 4
Extras: 3
Michael Mann revisits the iconic ‘80s TV show he helmed with this humorless, straight-for-the-jugular film adaptation, which puts Colin Farrell’s Crockett and Jamie Foxx’s Tubbs deep undercover against a drug cartel. In his audio commentary, the director terms the DVD the “more extensive” cut—completed weeks after the release of the theatrical version—rather than the “extended” or “director’s” cut. In any case, this unrated version runs six minutes longer and, presumably, includes some violent moments not seen theatrically.
Video: 5
Audio: 4
Extras: 4 M:i:III is the first film to be released simultaneously on HD DVD, Blu-ray, and standard DVD. Underachieving at the box office, this is nonetheless a lavish and worthy entry in the franchise. Philip Seymour Hoffman steals the show as a vile weapons dealer, but there are plenty of action sequences, stunts, and disguises to support Cruise. So what if it feels like we’ve seen it all before? Director J.J. Abrams adds a few fresh twists, and it’s still good fun the third time around.
Video: 4
Audio: 4
Extras: 3
Steven Spielberg strikes a conciliatory tone in his introduction to this two-disc presentation of his acclaimed revenge opus. Clearly responding to some criticism, he notes that he is “in no way, shape, or form” attacking Israel in the film. We’ll take him at his word; however, Munich is a harsh look at how the country sought to avenge the kidnapping and murder of its athletes at the 1972 Olympics by implementing its own campaign of sanctioned murder.
Somewhere at my mom's house, I still have a Planet of the Apes action figure or two and possibly a 45-record with a storybook. Prior to Star Wars, POTA was the movie-marketing phenomenon.
M<I>ia Farrow, John Cassavetes, Ruth Gordon, Ralph Bellamy. Directed by Roman Polanski. Aspect ratio: 4:3 (anamorphic). Dolby Digital mono. 136 minutes. 1968. Paramount Home Video 06831. R. $29.99.</I>
Video: 3
Audio: 2
Extras: 3 RV had good potential, but even Robin Williams’ presence fails to turn this retread into anything more than a forgettable evening’s rental. Everything about this story of a man dragging his family on a road trip in a rented recreational vehicle—from the overly enthusiastic but bumbling dad, to the resentful kids and the family bond forged on four wheels—was done better in National Lampoon’s Vacation. That doesn’t mean RV is devoid of laughs. There are enough chuckles to keep nondiscriminating viewers reasonably entertained, and the overly long waste-disposal sequence should evoke gales of laughter from the kids. But you’ll be left with a “been there, done that” feeling.