Jodie Foster's humorous portrayal of an odd dysfunctional family coming together for Thanksgiving dinner should strike a chord with anyone who has ever weathered the holidays -- and survived. Home for the Holidays features a very nice 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen presentation that sports vivid colors, solid flesh tones, and even black levels. Although there is a small amount of grain and dirt in certain scenes, overall this is a very nice looking transfer from MGM. No edge enhancement or shimmer was spotted throughout the feature. The audio is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 (as well as Dolby 2.0 Surround in French) and sounds very good. Since this is a dialogue-driven film, surround effects were not aggressive, though there were moments when all speakers were engaged. Dialogue, effects, and Mark Isham's comedic score all shine clearly and concisely. Also included on this disc are French and Spanish subtitles. Much like Jodie Foster's directing debut Little Man Tate, Home for the Holidays includes a commentary track by the director. Jodie Foster tends to be very lively and talkative throughout this track, making it enjoyable and enlightening for the viewer. Also included on this disc is an original theatrical trailer for Home for the Holidays. This DVD may not be heavy in the supplements department, but it should be filling enough for any fan of disastrous family comedies.
Albert Brooks' comedy Mother comes to DVD from Paramount with a 1.85:1 widescreen transfer. Audio is offered in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound in English or Dolby Surround in French with optional English subtitles. The only extra feature is the theatrical trailer. This disc is a standard release that should be adequate for fans of the film.
Stanley Kubrick's adaptation of Stephen King's The Shining comes to DVD with a standard full-frame transfer that, while not widescreen, does in fact mirror the director's original intentions for the film (he reportedly shot it so that the frame could be cropped without compromising the integrity of the image). English and French soundtracks are rendered in Dolby Digital 5.1. English, Spanish, and French subtitles are accessible. Supplemental materials include a making-of documentary and a theatrical trailer.
This disc captures laid-back seventies singer/songwriter Dan Fogelberg in concert. The DVD offers a standard full-frame transfer. English soundtracks are rendered in Dolby Digital Stereo and PCM Stereo. English subtitles are accessible. Supplemental materials include a biography and discography of the man. This is a fine disc for fans of the performer. Songs heard during the show include "Leader of the Band", "The Power of Gold", "There's a Place in the World for a Gambler", and over a dozen others.
Kenny Ortega directs Bette Midler and Sarah Jessica Parker in the supernatural comedy Hocus Pocus, which arrives on DVD with a widescreen transfer that preserves the original theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1. The English soundtrack is rendered in Dolby Digital 5.1. There are no supplemental materials of any consequence, making this a pedestrian release from Disney/Buena Vista that will appeal primarily to Midler enthusiasts.
This release contains every episode of Bearcats! an action/adventure series starring Rod Taylor and Dennis Cole as a pair of mercenaries for hire who travel America in the early part of the 20th century doing dangerous tasks for wealthy clients.