New Blu-rays: 'Benjamin Button' will end the year on The Pilot's Best-of list and 'Saturday Night Fever' is a must-have

“THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON”

“LAST CHANCE HARVEY”

“SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER: 30th ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL COLLECTOR’S EDITION”

“WENDY AND LUCY”

“FERRIS BUELLER’S DAY OFF”

“GREASE: ROCKIN’ RYDELL EDITION”

“ENCHANTED APRIL”

“A PLUMM SUMMER”

“EARTH: FINAL CONFLICT SEASON ONE”

“JUST ANOTHER LOVE STORY”

Blu-ray widescreen and DVD widescreen, 2008, PG-13 for war violence, sexual content, language and smoking

Best extra: The extensive (nearly three hours), hi-def four-part feature “The Curious Birth of Benjamin Button”

THERE’S A RISK in diving too deeply into the hours of extras that take up the second disc on “Benjamin Button”: Learning about the magical, Oscar-winning makeup and visual effects tends to break the spell woven by this moving, enriching saga.

By all means, though, cue up director David Fincher’s preface. When he read the script – adapted from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 1921 short story about a man who is born in his 80s and ages backward – he remembered being at his father’s deathbed, “an act of love,” he says, “so much more profound than having a child.”

And listen to his account of an early round robin with his crew. Rather than discuss the significant technical hurdles they faced in spinning the story of a man (Oscar nominee Brad Pitt) born in New Orleans at the end of World War I, they talked about their lives – first kisses and things like that.

It was then, says Fincher (“Zodiac,” “Se7en”), that he realized what the movie could do for audiences.

“It can put you in touch with how you defined yourself, or how you’re defined by certain moments in time, and what that stuff really means to us all.”

That’s why this disc will end the year on The Pilot’s best-of list. And this: “Button” a rare contemporary title from Criterion, is a home run. The hi-def picture and sound (DTS-HD Master Audio) are impeccable, easily among the best. The extras show the same thought the label brings to its extensive library of classics.

“The Curious Birth of Benjamin Button” delves into every facet of the production. Producers Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall, Fincher, Pitt and screenwriter Eric Roth (“Forrest Gump”) talk about the film’s long gestation. The project had been floating around since the mid-1980s and, at one time, was attached to Steven Spielberg and Tom Cruise. Spielberg eventually passed to work on “Schindler’s List” and “Jurassic Park.” Director Spike Jonze (“Being John Malkovich”) was in the mix, too.

Fincher provides a thoughtful commentary on the first disc. The ease with which he moves from topic to topic – the music cues, having septuagenarian extras on the set, how co-star Tilda Swinton came on board – and the depth he brings to each, go a long way toward explaining the film’s impact.

And give Criterion/Paramount points for breaking ground with a Fincher production. When most of his other movies debuted on DVD, they were bare-bones affairs; extras were saved until later, for the pricier director’s cuts.

This time at least, he isn’t the king of the double dip.  

“LAST CHANCE HARVEY”

Blu-ray widescreen and DVD widescreen, 2009, rated PG-13 for language

Best extra: Commentary by Dustin Hoffman, Emma Thompson and writer/director Joel Hopkins.

CONSIDERING HOW SAPPY this middle-aged romance might have been, viewers will surely be pleased by its performances and fine writing, which raise it to an entertaining work of humor, pathos, and credibility.

Hoffman plays Harvey, a divorced American jingle writer, who travels to London to attend his estranged daughter’s wedding. He meets Kate (Thompson), an independent but lonely airline employee, after he has, in quick succession, humiliated himself at the rehearsal dinner and discovered he’s lost his job. There is one plot point that threatens to be an “Affair to Remember” cliché, but everything else about this fresh, genuine film more than makes up for it.

The hi-def imagery is striking – highlighting the London landscape – especially along The Thames where Harvey and Kate take long walks.

In the hi-def making-of documentary, Thompson and Hoffman talk about having met when they made “Stranger Than Fiction,” and wanting very much to work together again.

During the excellent commentary, we discover that Hopkins wrote the script specifically for the two stars, both of whom heavily, and beneficially, contributed to the final product. “We all wrote this together,” declares Hoffman, who did a lot of improvisation and encouraged his co-stars to do the same, to great effect.

“SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER: 30th ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL COLLECTOR’S EDITION”

Blu-ray widescreen, 1977, R for strong language, sexuality/nudity and some drug content

Best extra: "Catching the Fever," a hi-def look at the movie and its legend, from fashion to music, Brooklyn to Travolta.

YES, THE 30th anniversary was two years ago – and that’s when it came out on DVD – but “Fever’s” arrival on Blu-ray brings to life this classic tale of misguided youth trying to make something of themselves. A comparison proves it.

From the brighter, lighter colors to the incredible soundtrack, the Blu-ray version is a must-have, even if John Travolta shows neither hide nor hair on the extensive movie features.

If you already own the DVD, don’t worry - the bonus features, in HD this time, are the exact same; they include director John Badham’s commentary; deleted scenes; numerous featurettes, including "Deejays and Discos," "Making Soundtrack History" and "Back to Bay Ridge" with Joseph Cali (Joey); and Discopedia pop-up facts during the film.

This classic Robert Stigwood production still rules on many levels, both cinematically and culturally, not only in America, but throughout the world. So, if you have the opportunity, look at the hi-def transfer in all of its glory and maybe, just maybe, get up and dance. 

“WENDY AND LUCY”

DVD widescreen, 2008, R for language

Best extra:  Five short experimental films from colleagues of "Wendy and Lucy's" director are included.

MADE FOR ONLY $200,000, writer/director Kelly Reichardt's follow up to 2006's beautiful and understated "Old Joy" landed on over 70 Top Ten lists for 2008 (it was bested only by "Wall-E").  Bolstered by an absolutely heartbreaking performance by Michelle Williams, "Wendy and Lucy" is a film about being desperate and broke that was made before the Dow took a swan dive into an empty swimming pool. 

The eerily prophetic and socially conscious film follows a young woman named Wendy and her dog, Lucy, who find themselves broken down in Oregon with a dwindling supply of money. Through circumstances I won't reveal, they are separated, and the rest of the film is Wendy's search for her dog. That's essentially it. European in flavor, it's a minimalist piece that manages to say an awful lot about our country in 80 minutes.

The film comes to DVD without extras to shed light on the film's production, although I have read that Reichardt was concerned that Williams was too pretty for the role and instructed her to stop wearing makeup and washing her hair during filming. Special features aren't really necessary here. "Wendy and Lucy" speaks for itself quite well. What we do get are five fascinating and very artsy short experimental films chosen by Reichardt from the Film Faculty at Bard College.

It’s not for everyone, but those looking for something deeper than typical Hollywood fare should find "Wendy" right up their alley.  Highly recommended.

— Josh Boone

DVD widescreen, 2007, R for strong sexual content, pervasive language, some violence and brief drug use

Best extra: What could be better than seeing the softer side of a couple of kidnapping cop killers? Yeah, this is that kind of movie, and the DVD’s alternate and deleted scenes add context to several of the film’s gritty characters.

HERE’S A SCARY THOUGHT: According to “Look,” there are an estimated 30 million surveillance cameras in this country and, on any given day, the average American is captured about 200 times by one of these eyes in the sky.

The fictional flick plays on the disturbing notion that every naughty little thing you do is being watched, whether you believe in a supreme being or not. Filmed entirely from the perspective of surveillance cameras – in dressing rooms, at gas stations, high school parking lots, police cars, ATMs, hotels and even a “Nanny Cam” – the movie captures varying degrees of dirty laundry.

Voyeurs will witness a teen shoplifter, who subsequently seduces her high school teacher. You can peek in on a department store manager who seduces, well, every woman who crosses his path in the store’s back room. You’ll be privy to the private life of a husband and father sneaking around with his gay lover.

Not disturbed enough yet? Not to worry. Mall cameras capture a kidnapping and cop cams provide footage of an officer being attacked during a routine traffic stop. Writer/director Alan Rifkin, clearly, has a negative view of this world. A graphic one, too.

This is no family film, but the unique perspective and that (sad) reality of the storylines are certainly compelling. The movie was a hit on the film festival circuit, taking several prizes.

And the bonus material is top-notch. The behind-the-scenes piece is interesting because it includes pre-filming footage of one producer basically asking Rifkin about his odd technique: Are you sure this will work? The outtakes are similarly worthwhile for the peek they provide into the making of this strange film.

The commentary, including Rifkin, two producers and the actor who plays the oversexed mall manager – his name is Hayes MacArthur and you’ll wonder whether he’s Dane Cook’s half-brother, or just his twin – is rich with details and fun stories about the movie’s production.

“FERRIS BUELLER’S DAY OFF”

Blu-ray widescreen, 1986, PG-13 for language

Best extra: The standard-def carry-over documentary “Getting the class Together – The Cast” originally produced for the 20th Anniversary Edition DVD.

That one word repeated over and over from author/actor Ben Stein resonates with a generation of teenagers and moviegoers. It’s the sound of escape – skipping school – and leaving boredom behind for a perfect day on the town.

“Ferris is doing what I think everybody at some point has wanted to do. How can someone be expected to go to school on day like today? A beautiful day,” says writer/director John Hughes (“Sixteen Candles,” “The Breakfast Club”) during the 30-minute documentary.

This magical movie experience developed by accident. A Paramount producer was trying to get Hughes to write a script just before a looming strike would shut Hollywood down. Legend has it Hughes went into a room and, with almost like god like facility, finished “Bueller” in six days.

Nearly every single cast member joins the interview party, spread over four documentaries providing nearly 60-minutes of stories. Watch Matthew Broderick (Ferris), Alan Ruck (Cameron), Mia Sara (Sloane), Jeffery Jones (Ed Rooney), Jennifer Grey (Jeanine Bueller) post nose job, you won’t recognize her, Cindy Pickett, (Mom), Lyman Ward (Dad), Edie McClurg (school secretary) and even Richard Edson (garage attendant) and Kristy Swanson (Simone) the economics class student.

The hi-def imagery is extremely film-like with natural film grain throughout and no sign of digital noise reduction or over-sharpening which is always a plus. But the visual depth is slightly reduced, a product of Hughes’ decision to film in Super35 widescreen process. It’s considered a notch below the industry standard of using Panavision cameras and anamorphic lens. That format provides larger negatives and sharper movies. 

“GREASE: ROCKIN’ RYDELL EDITION”

Blu-ray widescreen, 1978, PG for adult situations and language

Best extra: When John Travolta said at the DVD release party of "Grease" in 2002 that the movie is part of American culture, he wasn’t whistling Dixie. (He actually sang "You’re the One That I Want" on stage with his co-star, Olivia Newton-John.)

"GREASE" IS AN American classic, and what better way to pay homage to it then to release it in high definition. This Blu-ray version is crisp. The transfer to 1080p is incredible, except for a couple scenes where it’s almost too bright, i.e. "Beauty School Drop Out." But, if you do a comparison of, say, the last scene in the movie where Sandy (John) and Danny (Travolta) sing "You’re the One That I Want," you’ll see an appreciable difference. Of course, the soundtrack rocks in surround sound.

Unfortunately, the bonus features, which are the same as the ones on the 2006 DVD release of the "Rockin’ Rydell Edition," are in standard definition. They shock the system back to DVD reality after watching the movie in HD.

Nonetheless, the extras are decent, including scenes from the original DVD release party in 2002, where Newton-John also sings "Hopelessly Devoted to You" live. Many members of the cast come to the party, but, unfortunately not everyone, including Stockard Channing (Rizzo). Other extras include:20Rydell Sing-Along with each song – or even during the film; 11 deleted/extended/alternate scenes, each in black and white; "Grease" memories with John and Olivia at the release party; the moves behind the scenes with choreographer Pat Birch; "Thunder Roadsters," folks who redo old cars to either their original shape or souped up; a remembering "Grease" featurette with many of the movie’s principals; movie gallery; theatrical trailer; photo gallery; and a commentary by director Randal Kleiser and Birch. This is not only Kleiser’s first motion picture, it’s his first musical. He had worked with Travolta on "The Boy in the Plastic Bubble," a made-for-TV movie in 1976.

You even get "Grease Day" interviews – one with Newton-John and Robert Stigwood, the other with Travolta and Allan Carr. "Grease Day" was filmed after the movie’s premier in 1978 as a made-for-television special (check out Newton-John’s hot-pink body suit). Stigwood and Carr both made the movie version of "Grease" happen. Stigwood worked with Travolta on "Saturday Night Fever" (1977), the movie that made him a huge star. Interviews with Stigwood, Carr, Kleiser, Birch, director of photography Bill Butler and many others show what a spectacular movie this musical was and is, and probably will be for years and years to come.

— Toni Guagenti

Blu-ray widescreen, 2006, not rated, originally PG-13 for action violence and disturbing imagery

Best extra: An exclusive – and loaded – Picture In Picture track uses icons to access interviews, differences between the book and screenplay, historical trivia and other facts.

THE BLU-RAY presentation of “The Da Vinci Code” is ably tied to the release of “Angels & Demons,” opening in theaters May 15 – just don’t get your hopes up for this long-awaited disc.

The good point we have here is plenty of extras, including exclusives such as PiP, and all the features available on the two-disc standard-def collector’s edition. Just don’t look for the theatrical release. It’s missing in action. 

In the PiP, director Ron Howard talks about how his wife, Cheryl Howard, and her book club introduced him to Dan Brown’s novel. He then began his own investigation to see if the story was worthy of being made into a film. Co-partner Brian Grazer talks about the importance of making the story fresh while still following the book. It was his plan to up the danger level to create suspense.

It’s always fun to hear the pros talk about how they create.

Still, on the flip side of this two-disc Blu-ray set, we have one of the worst Sony video transfers seen, lacking depth, sharpness and high-def pop. Darkness swallows too many scenes, detail is just missing and the color … let’s say it varies. The Dolby TrueHD 5.1 surround track is good, although by no means the best.

Buyers should proceed with caution.

Blu-ray widescreen, 2007, not rated, contains scenes of violence, gore, adult themes, language and sexuality

Best extra: The exclusive BD Live feature includes online specials most fans are already familiar with (“Dark Defender” series, outstanding podcasts with cast and crew, games) through Internet access.

DEXTER MORGAN – “Dex” to his intimates – is everyone’s favorite serial killer, the avenger you’d like to have next door just in case someone starts messing with you or your family. He would so be the man to remedy the situation.

But then again, he might just “remedy” you.

Based on characters and situations created by Jeff Lindsay, executive producer James Manos Jr. has taken Showtime’s hit and created a second (and, yes, third) season thriller/drama that pays off with excellent returning and new characters, mystery and genuine chills. It is unusual when the film exceeds the book, but this is the case with Season Two material. “Dexter” maintains its dark humor and delivers a powerful, dramatic conclusion. This is the kind of thriller where you just can’t wait to find out what happens next.

In Season Two, Dexter (Emmy nominated Michael C. Hall) is nearly outed – twice. First, his girlfriend Rita (Julie Benz) suspects him of playing foul with her husband; second, the Miami-Dade Police have discovered Dexter’s dumping ground. It seems it’s only a matter of time before Special FBI agent Frank Lunday (Keith Carradine) and Dexter’s own co-workers (Jennifer Carpenter, Erik King, Lauren Valez, David Zayas and C.S. Lee) discover his secret. Then there’s Lila Tourney, wickedly played by Jaime Murray, Dexter’s 12-Step sponsor, who knows how to raise heat on a number of levels.

This is a series worth picking up for its Blu-ray transfer. Now in sparkling high-def, episodes look even more fantastic. There is plenty of contrast and vivid color to make the most of brilliant South Beach locales. Blacks are solid and deep; the variety of fleshtones are true. A lossless soundtrack is dialogue heavy, but there are enough special effects to keep the sound system happy.

The big surprise is the lack of special features. Why not place the “Dark Avenger” and podcast interviews on disc? Why do we have to keep linking into the Internet for access?

“ENCHANTED APRIL”

DVD widescreen, 1993, rated PG

Best extra: The only extra is a commentary by Mike Newell and Ann Scott, director and producer.

THIS LOVABLE FILM only improves with time. It is the 1920s-era story of four unhappy Englishwomen who come together to share a heavenly Italian villa, where lasting friendships and life-changing surprises take place.

In their commentary, Newell and Scott discuss the beginnings of the project, when it was meant to be a series for BBC-TV. They also talk about their very small budget and how they used existing locations for scenes because they couldn’t afford to build sets. One of the positive results of the film’s being “below the radar,” was the freedom it gave to cast it however they wished. Since then, many of the actors have gone on to become big stars, such as Miranda Richardson, Polly Walker, Jim Broadbent and Alfred Molina.

“A PLUMM SUMMER”

DVD widescreen DVD, 2008, PG for thematic elements and some mild rude language

Best extra: A commentary from writer/director Caroline Zelder and writer/producer Frank Antonelli, Froggy Doo, where are you?

WHO OR WHAT IS Froggy Doo? He’s a marionette from the 1950's/1960's in Montana, famous as all get out. But, when he’s kidnapped, Montana goes nuts and tries to find the quirky puppet.

Based on a true story, "A Plumm Summer" is a family movie worth watching.

Amazingly, the scenery, even without Blu-ray, is fantastic – the rolling mountains and crystal rapids are enchanting.

With narration by Jeff Daniels, this movie has a little bit of everything, a heartwarming story about a man and his puppet, a teenager falling in love for the first time, and a family that actually mends itself. Plus, Owen Pearce, who plays 5-year-old Rocky, is adorable as Froggy Doo’s biggest fan.

Zelder and Antonelli’s commentary oftentimes gets congratulatory for the cast and crew, which is fine considering they end up coming out of it and giving great information about the real Froggy Doo and his operator, Happy Herb, played by Henry Winkler.

You also get the basics in bonus features on this disc, including a gag reel, deleted scenes, behind-the-scenes music video, the theatrical trailer, and a behind-scenes look on the red carpet of the movie’s opening day, hosted by Lisa Guerrero, who not only played Rocky and Elliott’s (Chris Massoglia) mom in the movie, but she and her husband also footed its bill.

“INCENDIARY”

Blu-ray widescreen and DVD widescreen, 2008, R for a strong sex scene and brief language

Best extra: No extras

WHILE “WENDY AND LUCY” was one of last year's best indie films and features an acclaimed performance by star Michelle Williams, "Incendiary," another smaller 2008 film she starred in was panned by critics and went straight to DVD. Williams plays an adulterous woman with no name whose husband and son are killed in a suicide bombing while she is having a tryst with Ewan McGregor (who also appeared with Williams in "Deception").

This is truly one of the worst of the post 9-11 films. It is by turns pretentious and laughable (particularly bad is the protagonist reading a letter she wrote to Osama Bin Laden). While all the actors are capable, they are forced to recite bad dialogue with a complete lack of subtlety.

The Blu-ray looks quite good with a competent transfer with solid black levels and a faultless print. The uncompressed audio track is fine as well but since this is a largely dialogue driven film there's nothing to write home about.

Skip "Incendiary.”

— Josh Boone

“EARTH: FINAL CONFLICT SEASON ONE”

DVD full-screen, 1997-1998, not rated

Best extra: A half-dozen commentaries are sure to keep new fans and converts busy.

DECEASED "STAR TREK" creator Gene Roddenberry may no longer be around, but his lesser-known science-fiction ideas soldier on. Two of them,"Andromeda" and "Earth: Final Conflict," became the basis for TV shows and, a decade after its premiere, the latter makes its first-season DVD debut.

The show centers around an alien race, the Taelons, who've made their home on Earth after offering several advanced technologies for the planet's benefit. While their true objective remains hidden, an Earth resistance movement is extremely skeptical. In an effort to ferret out the truth, savvy cop William Boone gets caught between both sides as a double agent. What seems to be an attempt to cash in on the Roddenberry name is actually a thoughtful, idea-filled show. Newcomers to the party should find well worth their time.

Two short featurettes detail Roddenberry's philososophy of the future (in short, generally hopeful), and give the actors and creators a chance to reminisce. Kevin Kilner, in the lead role as the conflicted cop, reveals how he gave fellow actor and friend Lisa Howard a leg up to snag a recurring role, while f/x people explain how the symbiotic Skrill, worn on the wrist by human Taelon supporters, needed to be replaced in real life after each use. Cast and crew also wax enthusiastic about Roddenberry's widow, producer/actor Majel Barrett, who shepherded the idea to the light of day. The good-natured commentaries by cast and crew are light on substance but enjoyable to listen to, with each contributing fun-filled on-set memories.

"The great thing about the show," says Roddenberry's son, technical adviser Eugene "Rod" Roddenberry, "was that nothing in the show was ever black-and-white." Although it seems to go against the elder Roddenberry's stated philosophy, one suspects he would approve.

“JUST ANOTHER LOVE STORY”

DVD widescreen, 2007, no MPAA rating but contains violence and nudity

Best extra: No extras

GOOD FOR A RENTAL this week is a nifty Danish thriller from Ole Bordenal (who gave us the classic "Nightwatch") that takes noir conventions like amnesia, taking a suitcase that doesn't belong to you and pretending you're someone you're not, and throws them into a style blender that includes flashbacks, flash forwards, dream sequences, and violence. Although not perfect, it’s sure to hold your attention to its bitter end.

The DVD is void of extra features but the image and audio quality are strong.

— Josh Boone