The year's biggest movie 'The Dark Knight' shines on Blu-ray and DVD

Blu-ray widescreen and DVD widescreen, 2008, PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and some menace

Best extra: An 18-part hi-def documentary “Gotham Uncovered,” breaking down the complete production, narrated by director Christopher Nolan.

INTENSE. POWERFUL. DISTURBING. Christopher Nolan’s “Batman Begins” sequel is clearly a masterpiece – especially with the late Heath Ledger’s haunting archvillain role as The Joker. Moviegoers were enthralled with Ledger’s Oscar-worthy performance. “The Dark Knight” nearly dethroned “Titanic” as the highest grossing movie of all time.

Nolan’s vision was simple: just make the next “Batman” bigger and better. His mission was accomplished using massive IMAX cameras (nine times the size of normal 35mm film) for six action sequences – which produced an incredibly detailed picture in the IMAX theaters.

At home, the results will vary. The Blu-ray shows the IMAX scenes uncropped, with the sharpest picture, surpassing the multiplex on my huge 8-foot by 4-foot screen. Still, it’s no match for the eight-story IMAX screen.

The uncompressed audio is a real workout for the subwoofer, leaving those family room knick-knacks vulnerable. Better get them out of there.

The three-disc set includes a digital copy, The second disc presents two major hi-def documentaries (90-minutes) highlighting Batman’s gadgets and tools, and delves into the psyche of Bruce Wayne (Christian Bale) with interviews from the medical and academic communities. There are hi-def galleries with concept art, posters, photographs and video footage from Gotham Cable Network.

The Blu-ray includes online access, with a live chat planned with the director (next Thursday 9 p.m.) and possibilities to record your own commentary (not sure how that works) to share. Sounds impressive; still, most online extras have been a bore.

“HORTON HEARS A WHO”

Blu-ray widescreen and DVD widescreen, 2008, G

Best extra: Interviews with voice talents Jim Carrey and Steve Carell

TAKEN ON ITS OWN, this computer-generated feature-length animated film of Dr. Seuss’ classic book is funny and engaging. Directors Jimmy Hayward and Steve Martino have masterfully filled out the story of Horton’s concern for people that only he can hear by focusing on Whoville and fleshing out the rest of the story with funny bits of business.

But if you’ve read the book and/or seen the 1970 animated TV, the movie will have you drumming your fingers and mumbling, “Get on with it already.”

Carrey’s performance is subtle, yet manic; controlled, compassionate and passionate, all at once. The animation and settings are stunning and if you have a mammoth flat screen. This movie is the perfect fodder for it – especially with Blu-ray.

The commentary from Hayward and Martino seems compelled to tell you everything, while the rest of the extras are split into numerous, tiresome featurettes. Just shut up and entertain!

In addition, there’s a new Ice Age short, “Surviving Sid,” presented in hi-def; and an exclusive Blu-ray pop-up of Jo Jo, the smallest 'Who,' appearing on screen throughout the movie, eating popcorn and sipping his favorite drink. Finally, there’s a digital copy for your iPod or PC.

“THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL”

Blu-ray full-screen and DVD full-screen, 1951, unrated

Best extra: “Race to Oblivion,” a 1982 public service announcement

IT’S HARDLY NEWS that this influential film still resonates, but to understand why, cue up “Race to Oblivion.”

A survivor of Hiroshima, just 13 on Aug. 6, 1945, talks – not with rancor, but urgency – about the horrors she endured. Members of the advocacy group Physicians for Social Responsibility make eloquent appeals for nuclear disarmament.

If the PSA plays like a warning from Klaatu, there’s good reason: It was created by “Earth” screenwriter Edmund North. The profile “The Man Who Made the Earth Stand Still” adds more perspective: North’s service in WWII, his daughter says, convinced him of the stupidity of war.

Other extras, some new and in hi-def, some from the ’04 edition, are just as telling: the feature “Decoding ‘Klaatu Barada Nikto’ ”; a fine commentary with director Robert Wise and colleague Nicholas Meyer; a lively salute to the Theremin, the otherworldly instrument that helped put sci-fi on the movie map.

The hi-def picture is good, too, considering the source(s). In some frames it sparkles; in others, it’s just standard.

In fact, you only have to press NEXT once: At the start, when the trailer for the Keanu Reeves remake comes up.

"WANTED"

Blu-ray widescreen and DVD widescreen, 2008, R for strong bloody violence throughout, pervasive language and some sexuality

Best extra: "Wanted: Motion Comics" brings comic book heavyweight Mark Millar's graphic novel to life, giving you narration and sound effects as you read the comic the film is based on.

ANGELINA JOLIE LEAVES behind a trail of bullet-riddled corpses in "Wanted," an ultraviolent and wildly entertaining action flick about a secret society of assassins (led by Morgan Freeman) and their newest member (James McAvoy, “Atonement”).

This is one of Universal's best Blu-ray efforts to date. Film grain is maintained and color and detail are exceptionally rendered. The uncompressed audio brings the film's action to life, with loud gunfights, incredible bass, and an incredible train wreck that’s a perfect sequence to show off to friends on the fence about Blu-ray.

Though it lacks a commentary, there are a number of video based extras, for the most part presented in HD, that give a nice rounded look at the production. A fairly active picture-in-picture track coupled with a scene explorer that gives viewers access to storyboards and computer previsualizations make for an entertaining watch once you've got the film out of your system. Millar appears often and couldn't be happier with how the film turned out – many scenes are lifted word for word from his comic. Several short featurettes cover the film's special effects and the climactic train sequence.

— Josh Boone

"THE X-FILES: I WANT TO BELIEVE" and "THE X-FILES: FIGHT THE FUTURE"

Blu-ray widescreen and DVD widescreen, 2008,1998, PG-13 for some intense violence and gore, disturbing content and thematic material

Best extra: The vast "Interactive Timeline," exclusive to the Blu-ray release, features a staggering 80 video clips from the show's nine seasons, giving viewers a tour through the show's history that you can spend hours exploring.

IT’S BEEN OVER five years since we last heard from Fox Mulder and Dana Scully. Now they're back on the case in an all new "X-Files" adventure that plays more like a well made two-part episode than a feature film. "I Want To Believe" finds Mulder and Scully investigating the psychic visions of a defrocked priest which may lead them to a kidnapped FBI agent. While there's a lot to like here, '98's excellent "Fight the Future," a vast conspiracy thriller that would make Woodward and Bernstein's heads spin, fares much better. It moves fast and features big set pieces, nail-biting suspense and terrific writing.

Both films debut on Blu-ray with a slew of extras (many in hi-def), great transfers, and uncompressed audio. Fox has really gone all out for both releases. Aside from the commentary from the 1999 DVD, Chris Carter and Co. have recorded a brand new picture-in-picture commentary for both films. There's also a great 80-minute documentary, "Trust No One: Can The X-Files Remain a Secret?", which takes you behind the scenes of "I Want To Believe" and shows the great lengths the production went to maintain absolute secrecy about the storyline of the new film. You'll also find gag reels, deleted scenes, the extended cuts of both films as well as the theatrical versions, a digital copy of the new film for your iPod, and much, much more.

These discs are must owns for "X-Files" fans and highly recommended for everyone else as well.

"THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: PRINCE CASPIAN”

Blu-ray widescreen and DVD widescreen, 2008, PG for epic battle action and violence

Best extra: "Sets of Narnia: A Classic Come to Life" does an excellent and enlightening job comparing the spartan description of scenery in C.S. Lewis' book with the lush visuals of "Prince Caspian." 

WHERE LEWIS’ BOOK skimps -- on scenery and spectacle -- this movie excels, with lovingly detailed sets, seamless special effects and beautiful scenery from such far-flung spots as an isolated river valley in Slovenia and a remote beach in New Zealand.

The look is not a problem. In fact, it's a triumph. Where "Prince Caspian" falls flat is the plot, which is carelessly constructed, and character development, which is almost nonexistent. Without the first movie, as well as perhaps the entire book series, to fill in the gaps, this is a movie that looks gorgeous but collapses under its own weight.

The extras highlight the strengths of "Caspian." On Blu-ray, in particular, the grand vistas are stunning, and the additional Blu-ray extra -- a 360-degree interactive tour of the "Creating the Castle Raid" sequence -- is well worth exploring. Peter Dinklage, who dominates the screen in a way his younger co-stars could only hope to, gets his own featurette, and the battles, special effects and the look of the movie are also singled out for attention. Of course, there is also an commentary (with returning director Andrew Adamson and cast members) and a long list of other goodies, including bloopers, deleted scenes, and more "making of" specials.

The profusion of extras is ultimately frustrating, though. "Prince Caspian" is beautiful to look at but unsatisfying to contemplate, and delving so deep into its creation only calls more attention to its failings. A lot of effort went into the movie and its extras, but despite all the loving care, the whole package falls short. — Caroline Luzzatto

“HOME ALONE: FAMILY FUN EDITION”

Blu-ray widescreen, 1990, PG

Best extra: All are presented in standard-def and collected from earlier editions, but there are several to choose from. “The Making Of” provides a nostalgic look at memories from the crew and cast.

IT’S A BONA FIDE family classic. Directed by Chris Columbus from a script by John Hughes, “Home Alone” was nominated for several awards, including two Oscars for John Williams’ score. It also spawned two sequels.

Still, the one folks love best – like “A Christmas Story” and “It’s A Wonderful Life” – is the first, starring Macaulay Culkin as eight-year-old Kevin accidentally left home over Christmas and besieged by comical crooks played by Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern.

Blu-ray gives a fresh look to the film, with good color and definition. It has a clean and well-defined look with only a bit of the ’90s film softness. Audio is excellent, providing clear dialogue.

Extras also include deleted scenes and alternate takes, “Mac Cam: Behind the Scenes with Macaulay Culkin,” a 1990 press featurette and more.

“AUSTIN POWERS COLLECTION: SHADELIC EDITION LOADED WITH EXTRA MOJO”

Blu-ray widescreen, 2008, PG-13, contains sexual innuendo and crude humor

Best extra: No exclusive features, but each film – “Austin Powers, International Man of Mystery,” “Austin Powers’ The Spy Who Shagged Me,” and “Austin Powers in Goldmember” – retain most of the features found on original DVD releases.

RIGHT ON THE body trail of the latest Bond film “Quantum of Solace,” we find the Blu-ray collection of Mike Myers’ equally outrageous – although completely different – spy spoof, Austin Powers.

The first film, “International Man of Mystery,” remains the most fun and has the best backstory, which we all should know by now. Myers created Powers as an homage to his father who loved the spy films and series of the ’60s, including the Bond books and films. Success of the first movie paved the way for “Shagged” and “Goldmember.” Comingsoon.net reports that Myers is working on a script for a fourth Austin Powers outing.

Meanwhile, fans can enjoy the films’ transition to Blu-ray. Visuals vary, with the best found on the two earlier films. Still, all three look fresh and new with rich, bold color – all the better to enjoy ’60s pop culture. There’s a bit of softness here and there, but the pictures are clean and, for the most part, crisp. Sound rules in all three films. Dialogue comes out especially good but if you’re looking for the big boom of speaker shaking explosions, pick up “The Dark Knight.”

Extra features include music videos, commentary and deleted scenes. “Goldmember” has a “Fact Track” of trivia that can be viewed as the movie plays, but it only rehashes material from the features. 

“LOST: THE COMPLETE FOURTH SEASON”

Blu-ray widescreen and DVD widescreen, 2008, TV-14

Best extra: "Lost in 8:15" brilliantly recaps the previous three seasons in a way that is both helpful to viewers who need a memory jog and entertaining and amusing for those who know all of the show's nooks and crannies.

THE THIRD SEASON ended with one of the most shocking and brilliantly executed season finales in TV history – turning the show's flashbacks into flash forwards. Now, we’re shuttled back and forth between the present and the future where a handful of survivors have made it back to civilization and are coping with celebrity and the lies they have told to hide the truth. You’re taken deeper into the rabbit hole, weaving an addictive and complex sci-fi adventure.

Just like the third season, the Blu-ray offers an incredible hi-def presentation with a startling picture that rivals any feature film. Owing much to its Hawaiian locales, "Lost" sports gorgeous beaches, a blue ocean, and vibrant green forests. Detail and color are striking. The uncompressed audio rivals other series, with layers of ambient sound and a wonderful score.

Aside from four commentaries with cast and crew, the extras, all presented in hi-def, are housed on the fifth disc. A number of interesting featurettes focus on the difficult task of having one island pose as any number of countries for the flash forward scenes, Michael Giacchino's work as composer is celebrated in concert in Hawaii and we get to see a bit of that, and a featurette that takes place within the world of "Lost" explores the conspiracy theories by those who don't believe the survivors' story of where they were since the plane crash.

If you're a fan of "Lost," there's no better way to spend your money. — Josh Boone

“DEADWOOD: THE COMPLETE SERIES”

DVD widescreen, 2004-06, unrated, pervasive violence and language, nudity

Best extra: The new feature “The Meaning of Endings: David Milch on the Conclusion of ‘Deadwood’”

HAND IT TO THE folks in the marketing department. They know their audience.

Fans of HBO’s lauded (but criminally short-lived) Western no doubt snapped up the individual season sets when they came out from 2005-07. But how to get them to tap their billfolds for this complete-series job?

For starters, streamline. The show’s three seasons – plus all the commentaries, features and photo galleries – are collected on 19 discs. But, now housed in a handsome case decked out with vintage photographs of the boomtown’s real-life residents and the actors who played them, they take up a lot less shelf space.

Even better, give them something new. The set comes with another disc of all-new extras, more than four hours’ worth. Prediction: Completists will be unable to resist.

Nor should they, if only for the feature “The Meaning of Endings: David Milch on the Conclusion of ‘Deadwood.’ ” As he walks through the deserted set, the series’ creator says straight off that he finds the “whole idea of the ending of something being a source of meaning” problematic. In other words, don’t expect to hear “something pretty.” Candid and totally engrossing, it plays like a soliloquy. Don’t miss it.

The other big new extra is “The Real Deadwood: Out of the Ashes,” an in-depth feature that brings in historians and authors to talk about the history of the town. Clearly, it’s a subject they love. Favorite part: One lady, the apple-cheeked director of a museum, says the series seems to have given visitors the license to swear. She then launches into a few examples.

Rounding out the bonus disc are a Q&A with cast and crew, a “Deadwood” tour and an audition reel for the character of Al Swearengen – performed, oddly, by an actor who is not Ian McShane.

“THE LONGSHOTS”

Blu-ray widescreen and DVD widescreen, 2008, PG for some thematic elements, mild language and brief rude humor

Best extra: "Jasmine Plummer: The Real Longshot" (in standard-def).

WHO SAID GIRLS can't play football? Jasmine Plummer played quarterback for her Pop Warner team. Her goal was to take the team all the way to the Super Bowl. KeKe Palmer brings Plummer's story to the big screen in "The Longshots." Ice Cube stars as Plummer's uncle and coach, Curtis Plummer.

In "Jasmine Plummer: The Real Longshot," we meet the real Curtis and Jasmine, who now plays basketball and hopes to play in the WNBA. Jasmine lets girls know that "you can be a girl and still be an athlete," Curtis Plummer said.

In "Making The Longshots," Palmer talks about the joys of working with Ice Cube and director Fred Durst. Durst and Ice Cube go way back too. Durst, co-founder of Limp Bizkit, remembers hanging with Ice Cube on the road.

Ice Cube has a diverse range of talents, Durst said. That's why he's such a joy to work with. Ice Cube, who has starred in violent and family films, says he can't wait to work with Durst again.

The movie was a joy to make, Durst said. He's excited to see Jasmine Plummer's reaction. "I just hope she enjoys it," he said.

The Blu-ray imagery was solid with plenty of detail, excellent contrast, with muted colors giving the down and out small town of Minden that depressed look, since the town factory was shut down.

“STEP BROTHERS”

DVD widescreen, 2008, R for crude and sexual content and pervasive language

Best extra: "The Making Of Step Brothers"

THERE’S NOTHING FUNNY about a grown man who won't leave the nest. "Step Brothers" is the exception. It's hilarious, but don't get any ideas. It’s fiction, folks!

Will Ferrell stars as Brennan Huff, an ill-adjusted 39-year-old living with his mom. John C. Reilly plays 40-year-old Dale Doback, an aspiring musician who lives with his dad. When their parents Nancy Huff and Dr. Robert Doback get married, the "boys" have to share a room. That's when the grown-up mischief begins.

Ferrell and Reilly worked together on "Talladega Nights," but "Step Brothers" was much more fun because they starred together for the entire film, Ferrell says in the making-of featurette.

Richard Jenkins, who plays Dr. Doback, had no idea "Step Brothers" would be so funny, he says in the extras. Much of the film was improvisation from Ferrell and Reilly. "Every day you come in, you have to be ready," Jenkins said. As a matter of fact, "you have to be ready to not be ready," he said.

The DVD release also includes commentary from writer and director Adam McKay, a few alternate and extended scenes and the hilarious music video that the brothers made in the film. They're definitely worth the watch, because it's hard to get enough of Ferrell and Reilly.

"THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION"

Blu-ray widescreen, 1994, R for language and violence

Best extra: A retrospective interview with writer/director Frank Darabont and actors Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman conducted by Charlie Rose.

BASED ON STEPHEN KING'S novella "Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption," Darabont's first film is a beautiful realization of King's story of hope and friendship in prison. Though it didn't make many waves upon its initial release, "Shawshank" has taken on a life of its own on home video, earning a place on Roger Ebert's list of the greatest films ever made and ranked the #1 best movie of all time on the popular Internet Movie Database by close to 400,000 voters.

 Warner Bros. brings this beloved modern classic to Blu-ray with an impressive transfer highlighting the film's crisp photography (courtesy of DP Roger Deakins who has shot many films for the Coen brothers) and colors. The uncompressed audio is good; but considering how much of the film is dialogue-driven, there's not much use of the surround sound.

Extras are identical to the 10th Anniversary Edition released on regular DVD in 2004. Darabont provides a low-key commentary where he discusses adapting King's novella and helming his first feature film.

There are also two documentaries focusing on the film's remarkable popularity after poor box office returns and behind-the-scenes stories. The Charlie Rose interview and a lame spoof, "The Sharktank Redemption," are also included. The only extras presented in HD are over one hundred photos and the original theatrical trailer.

Highly recommended. An essential part of any film lover's library.

“MEET DAVE”

Blu-ray widescreen and DVD widescreen, 2008, PG

Best extra: “The Making Of ‘Meet Dave’” presents the concept of a clever film. What went wrong?

YOU’VE GOT TO WONDER what’s going on with Eddie Murphy. He’s good. We see his talent shine most recently in the “Shrek” series and in his Oscar-nominated role in “Dreamgirls.” But the tradeoff is films such as “Norbit,” “The Nutty Professor,” “Bowfinger” and, now, “Meet Dave.”

The trailers set us up for a funny, clever film with Murphy as captain of an invading alien crew in a robot ship designed to look like Murphy himself. The story falls apart in the standard – and very tired – off-color jokes.

Still, viewers will enjoy a beautiful picture and terrific sound on Blu-ray. No, it’s not the best you’ll see in this format, but it’s certainly good. (Good enough to wade through yet another player upgrade? Uh, no.) The very young will enjoy “Meet Dave” but older viewers might be baffled at the waste of technology. The film is generally family friendly, but save Blu-ray bucks for a better film. Or rent this one.

An abundance of extras makes sure viewers get a full package with a gag reel, deleted scenes and an alternate ending. Three Fox Movie Channel featurettes round out the bunch.

"PLANET TERROR" & "DEATH PROOF"

Blu-ray widescreen, 2007, unrated with strong language, violence and sexuality

Best extra: Exclusive to the Blu-ray is an additional pristine version of "Planet Terror" presented in stunning hi-def and minus the scratches, cigarette burns, and all the other "Grindhouse" effects added in post.

WHEN QUENTIN TARANTINO AND Robert Rodriguez announced they were teaming up to bring moviegoers a double feature in the spirit of ’70s exploitation grindhouse movies, film fans went nuts. Tarantino's half of the equation stars Kurt Russell as Stuntman Mike, a serial killer whose car is his weapon of choice as he terrorizes beautiful girls in Texas. Featuring one of the most breathtaking car chases ever committed to film, "Death Proof" is another great addition to Tarantino's already glowing filmography. Though not as pure of an homage to the genre as Tarantino's "Death Proof," Rodriguez still manages to entertain with exploding zombies, a stripper with a machine gun instead of a leg, and a scientist who collects testicles as a hobby. "Planet Terror" is the definition of over the top.

Both films arrive on Blu-ray this week in their extended and unrated versions with the same additional features found on the double disc standard editions. Picture quality is excellent, although it can be hard to discern considering all the post effects used to damage the film and keep with the grindhouse spirit of things. The uncompressed audio is great as well, especially the roar of car engines during Tarantino's thrilling chase scenes.

"Planet Terror" offers an array of featurettes focusing on the casting and the effects. Rodriguez wrote the lead roles specifically for Rose McGowan and Marley Shelton. He was particularly inspired by the works of director John Carpenter and he considered "Planet Terror" the film Carpenter could have made between "The Thing" and "Escape from New York." As always, Rodriguez, who wrote, directed, edited, scored and acted as his own cinematographer on the film, provides an excellent commentary filled with information about how he made the movie. "Death Proof" sports "Stunts on Wheels: The Legendary Drivers of Death Proof" which takes you behind the wheel of the film's impressive car stunts, inspired by everything from "Vanishing Point" to "White Lightning." There are close to 90 minutes of featurettes focusing primarily on the stunts and interviews with Tarantino about how he went about casting the film. He recruited some of cinema's most revered stunt drivers for the film. Through interviews and behind-the-scenes footage in the aforementioned “Stunts on Wheels,” you get a real sense of how they pulled off those stunts.

Fans of the films will be happy with these releases for the time being while they hold out for the long promised "Grindhouse" experience, which will return the films to their double feature theatrical versions and add the outrageous bonus trailers shown between the films.

— Josh Boone

“CHUNGKING EXPRESS”

Blu-ray widescreen and DVD widescreen, 1994, PG-13 for some violence, sexuality and drug content. Best extra: A short segment from the BBC series "Moving Pictures," which features an interview with director Wong Kar-wai and cinematographer Christopher Doyle, who take viewers to various Hong Kong locations used in the film, presented in HD.

KAR-WAI, DIRECTOR of the rapturously romantic "In the Mood for Love" and "2046," made a splash on the international scene with this critically acclaimed and entertaining tale (or "tales," as there's two of them) about two cops whose paths cross at a takeout restaurant stand where a beautiful waitress listens to "California Dreaming" continuously. You'll never look at canned pineapples the same way again.

The Blu-ray offers stunning picture quality approved by both Kar-wai and Doyle. The film looks beautiful, boasting an absolutely film-like transfer that will transport you to a movie theater where you can almost see the beam from the projector above your head. Though it doesn't compare to razor-sharp recent Hollywood offerings, this is a gorgeous offering that hasn't been manipulated like many major studio discs. This is a great sign for Criterion's other recently released and upcoming Blu-ray titles.

This single disc offering from Criterion, though notable for being one of the company's first Blu-ray releases, is light on extras. Tony Rayns, an expert on Asian cinema and a contributor to "Sight and Sound" magazine, offers an informative audio commentary. Rayns reveals that Kar-wai originally planned on shooting three parts of the narrative instead of the resulting two. This third narrative became Kar-wai's next film "Fallen Angels," which has a number of connections to "Chungking." Rayns also discusses how the film was shot in 23 days while Kar-wai was on hiatus from filming his expensive epic "Ashes of Time." The film's North American trailer is included and also presented in HD.

— Josh Boone

“BONES: SEASON THREE”

DVD widescreen, 2007-2008, not rated, contains forensics images and adult material

Best extra: There’s plenty of good ones, including four episodes from Season 4 (Season 3 was cut short because of the writers’ strike.)

NOW HERE’S A SERIES that keeps on giving no matter what the holiday. “Bones,” in its third season, makes fine, beguiling viewing. There’s an ensemble of quirky characters played by Michaela Conlin, T.J. Thyne, Eric Millegan and Tamara Taylor, headed up by Emily Deschanel as the enigmatic Dr. Temperance “Bones” Brennan and David Boreanaz as Special Agent Seeley Booth. Think “NCIS” meets “Criminal Minds” and you’re on the right path, although this series offers a definite romantic kick.

There are plenty of plot twists as the Jeffersonian forensics team chase the cannibalistic Gormogon Killer. It’s the kind of material that might make you want to pick up the earlier seasons if you haven’t been a regular viewer. During the viewing wasteland of December and January, it will be hard to find more enjoyable or suspenseful series TV.

Extras feature extended episodes and occasional director’s commentary, an unaired version of “Player Under Pressure,” gag reel and an extended kiss from “The Santa in the Slush.” Nice to see Fox keeping up quality extras even in its third season. Bring out the mistletoe.

“SNL: COMPLETE FOURTH SEASON”

DVD full-screen, 1978-1979, unrated

Best extra: Today show interview with Gilda Radner.

THIS IS THE YEAR SNL hit its stride and really got funny. You’ve got your Dan Ackroyd/Julia Child routine, your Widette family, your Blues Brothers, your Vatican gossip columnist Father Guido Sarducci, your Bill Murray and Gilda Radner as the Nerds. And then there’s music by the Stones and Peter Tosh and Devo and Bette Midler and Linda Ronstadt and Kate Bush and Eubie Blake and Frank Zappa and Ornette Coleman, for goodness’ sake. Sure there are a few so-so shows, but the majority have enough laugh-out-loud moments to make this the best SNL box set yet.

Of the handful of special features, the one that stands out is Gilda talking to Gene Shalit about the invention of Roseanne Roseannadanna, inspired by Gilda’s chance discovery of the fright wig. She also talks about her Baba Wawa impression and the night she met the original, who vowed to “work on her r’s.”

Best extra: Only one on the three-disc set, “Happy Days: 3rd Anniversary Show”

SHORTCAKE IS GETTING too many tips from Jenny Piccolo and The Fonz is getting an education, literally.

Those are some of the highlights of Americana in the 1950s on “Happy Days.”

The season’s 23 episodes are still pertinent and make you laugh, from Richie’s slapstick to Fonzie’s thumbs-up approvals. It really doesn’t matter that the episodes aren’t in HD; the look is still crisp and the music nostalgic.

The third anniversary show is a regular episode showcasing some of the series’ funniest and touching memories from its first three years. If you didn’t know that Richie loves to sing “I found my thrill, on Blueberry Hill,” you certainly will after the half-hour show.

So slick back your hair, put on your leather jacket, rev up your motorcycle and enjoy the Cunninghams, The Fonz, Al Delvecchio, Potsie, Ralph Malph and even Pinky Tuscadero.