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Exclusive Interview with Alex Borstein of GREATESTGREATEST ANIME,ANIME, COMEDY,COMEDY, ACTION,ACTION, MARTIALMARTIAL ARTSARTS SPORTS,SPORTS, TV-DVDTV-DVD COLLEGECOLLEGE
Money Saving MOVIESMOVIESPreview of Coupons Inside Interview with the Next Billy West of Harry Potter Futurama and Doom G: PG: PG-13: R: Unrated: [ Harry Potter p 10 Inside the DVD Insider
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FAMILY GAL 12 That’s it. Summer is almost over. No more mooching off your Exclusive Interview with Alex Borstein of Family Guy folks. No more lazing by the pool. No more lollygaggin’! It’s FRY’S THE LIMIT 14 back to the classroom for you! Before you start digesting the Exclusive Interview with Billy West of Futurama > knowledge “the man” makes you learn, how about blowing a wad of your hard-earned summer cash on some quality DVDs here THE VERY BEST SCHOOL MOVIES 16 at Best Buy? IGN’s editors have spent hours and hours pouring Top Movies for Your College Dorm Room over the hottest titles for back to school action. Whether it’s your MARTIAL ARTS 19 favorite show on TV, some twisted comedy or gorgeous anime, we know you’ll find what you need. Be sure to check out our interview with Alex Borstein of Family Guy, the best school films SPORTS 20 of all time, and enough recent releases to drain your wallets and purses. Who needs food anyway? TV–DVD 21 Be sure to check our IGN DVD (http://dvd.ign.com) for the latest news and reviews. If we catch you shopping anywhere but Best UNRATED EDITIONS 24 Buy for DVDs, then it’s so on. So straighten up and fly right, put your shoulder to the wheel, take your vitamins, wash your feet, and make sure you get that hottie’s phone number before they ANIME 25
leave the library. COUPON OFFERS 26 Happy Viewing, Steven Horn Publisher, IGN.com Entertainment ACTION MARTIAL ARTS
G: General Audiences – All Ages admitted. ANIME SCI–FI PG: Parental Guidance Suggested – Some material may not be suitable for children. PG-13: Parents Strongly Cautioned – Some material may not be suitable for children under 13. COMEDY TELEVISION R: Restricted – Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian. Unrated: Not rated by the MPAA – These titles are usually geared toward those 17 years of age DRAMA and older.
Back To School 2005 > Best Buy DVD Insider 3 Join the Reward Zone Program®
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New Releases
> The Ring Two available 8/23 Naomi Watts reprises her role as reporter Rachel Keller in The Ring Two. Keller and her son, Aidan (David Dorfman), have moved to a small town in Oregon to escape the haunting memory of Samara and her cursed tape. They soon discover that she’s returned, determined to continue her cycle of terror and death. Also starring Simon Baker, Emily Van Camp, Sissy > > Spacek and Elizabeth Perkins. 2005, DreamWorks/Universal Studios, 110 Minutes, Rated PG-13 for violence/terror, > disturbing images, thematic elements and some language
> Kung Fu Hustle > Sin City available now available now With Kung Fu Hustle, director Stephen Chow Based on three of Frank Miller’s graphic novels, delivers a knockout blow to your sense of cin- filmmaker Robert Rodriguez co-directed Sin ematic viscera, and leaves your senses reeling City with Miller to create one of the most loyal long after that last punch has landed. The film comic adaptations ever. Sin City’s stylized visu- easily ranks among the best movies, martial als and sexually-charged, blood-soaked fantasy arts or otherwise, ever exported from China. world are a blast. The story is heavily steeped The story follows wannabe gangster, Sing, as in the noir world of ‘50s pulp mags and grade he overcomes his adversaries to embrace his B detective films. The star-studded cast in- destiny as one of the greatest kung fu masters cludes Bruce Willis, Jessica Alba, Mickey Rourke, of them all. Clive Owen, Jamie King, Elijah Wood, Nick Stahl, 2004, Sony Picture Entertainment, Rosario Dawson, Benicio Del Toro, Brittany Mur- 99 Minutes, Rated R for sequences phy and Michael Clarke Duncan. of strong stylized action and 2005, Dimension Home Video, violence. 126 Minutes, Rated R for sustained strong stylized violence, nudity and sexual content including dialogue.
6 Back To School 2005 > Best Buy DVD Insider > Million Dollar Baby available now A haunting and beautiful story of the human spirit, Million Dollar Baby stars Clint Eastwood as a longtime boxing trainer haunted by his past. Maggie Fitzgerald (Hilary Swank) is a boxing hopeful seeking the proper training to elevate her skills to the next level. When she approaches Dunn to assist her training, he has no interest in working with a girl. Through her persistence and some subtle urging from Scrap (Morgan Freeman), Maggie convinces Dunn to give her a shot. Eastwood, as director, has crafted one of the most heartfelt and honest works of his career. 2005, Warner Home Video, 132 Minutes, Rated PG-13 for violence, some disturbing images, thematic material and language.
> Ghostbusters > Alexander available now available now Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis Colin Ferrell plays the legendary Alexander the star as the supernatural crime fighters, the Great in the controversial film by Oliver Stone. Ghostbusters in this 80’s classic. Sigourney Supporting cast includes Angelina Jolie, Val Weaver and Rick Moranis also play memorable Kilmer, Jared Leto and Rosario Dawson. The parts in supporting roles. When you open your film tracks the rise and ultimate fall of the born fridge and find the gates of hell within, who leader, leaving no stone unturned exploring you gonna call? Ghostbusters! his unique battle strategies and mysterious 1984, Sony Picture Entertainment, 107 minutes, personal life. Rating PG 2004, Warner Brothers Home Video, Rating R (violence and some sexuality/nudity)
Back To School 2005 > Best Buy DVD Insider 7
New Releases
> Constantine > Blues Brothers 25th Anniversary Edition available now available 8/30 Keanu Reeves returns to the world of sci-fi and Dan Ackroyd and John Belushi star as Elwood and Jake Blues, a couple fantasy in this epic comic adaptation about of recently-released convicts who try to put their old band back together a ‘supernatural detective’ who fights demons to save their childhood home, only to make trouble and crash more cars who are unlucky enough to cross his path. Co- than you can count in the process. Featuring cameos by starring Rachel Weisz as a skeptical cop who such acclaimed singers as Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, reluctantly partners with him to investigate her and Cab Calloway, the film boasts a cast of thousands. twin sister’s death, Reeves literally raises hell in 1980, Universal Home Video, 133 Minutes, Rated R. this explosive action adventure. 2004, Warner Home Video, 121 Minutes, Rated R for violence and demonic images.
> Crash > Tommy Boy: Holy Schnike Edition available 9/6 available 8/30 Don Cheadle produced and starred in this The late Chris Farley enjoys a proper send-off with this bells-and-whistles ensemble drama written and directed by Mil- two disc release commemorating his first major starring role as Tommy lion Dollar Baby scribe Paul Haggis. Featuring Callahan, a hard-partying millionaire’s son who enlists a a multiracial cast that includes Sandra Bullock, reluctant low-level executive (longtime partner David Matt Dillon, and rapper Ludacris, this deeply felt Spade) to resuscitate his father’s company before it gets drama follows the lives of a cross-section of Los bought by a corporate competitor (Dan Ackroyd). Angelenos divide by race but brought together 1995, Paramount Pictures, 97 Minutes, Rated PG-13 for by the indelible essence of human empathy. sex-related humor, some drug content and nudity. 2004, Lion’s Gate Films, 113 Minutes, Rated R for language, sexual content and some violence. > > > >
8 Back To School 2005 > Best Buy DVD Insider
B IG Theatrical Releases Go to www.bestbuy.com/comingtodvd and look for this icon to find out when the hottest movies will be available! Check back often for more new movies
Arriving in theaters on October 21 is the highly-anticipated action flick, Doom, based on id Software’s wildy popular videogame series of the same name.
The Doom movie stars Karl Urban, best known for his portrayal of Eomer >in the Lord of the Rings films; professional wrestler-turned-action movie GIVE THE DVD PLAYER A BREAK! sensation Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson (Be Cool, The Rundown); and Yes, it’s true. The lazy days of summer are former Bond bad girl Rosamund Pike (Die Another Day). winding down and it’s time to start thinking about hitting the books, long hours spent Urban recently told IGN.com, “To a certain extent nothing prepares you in the classroom, boring papers, and vid- for Doom. Four months of dark corridors and med labs and blood and eogame withdrawal. If there’s a bright spot firing weapons. That was just day in and day out… loading, unloading in all of this, it’s that the theaters are still thousands of rounds.” Sounds cool to us! packed with summer films! Two films that we’re particularly looking forward to are The movie follows John Grimm (Urban), a Marine who is nicknamed “Doom” and “Harry Potter and the Goblet “Reaper” (as in grim reaper) by the other members of his squad. Head- of Fire.” When you’re ready to put down ing up the squad is Sarge, played by The Rock. As with the game, they’re the remote and venture outside the house, stationed at a Martian research facility owned and operated by the UAC other films that could very well be worth – the Union Aerospace Corporation. your time and money include: The UAC facility is researching and developing teleportation devices. August Deuce Bigalow: American Gigolo Among the scientists working there is John’s estranged sister, Saman- 12th Four Brothers tha (Pike). Needless to say, strange things are happening at the facility. The Skeleton Key Inhabitants are dead or missing, frayed lab coats and severed limbs are Pretty Persuasion discovered, and there seems to be little explanation as to why. If you’re at all familiar with the games, then you already know that the facility’s August The 40-Year Old Virgin experiments have somehow unleashed monstrous, infernal beings and 19th Red Eye now it’s up to John to save the day. Supercross Valiant Doom devotees shouldn’t expect the movie’s monsters to be cheesy computer-generated imagery – this is a top-shelf affair. Legendary effects August The Brothers Grimm guru Stan Winston and his creative team, who specialize in animatron- 26th The Cave ics and makeup effects, will be bringing the creatures to life. You might The Constant Gardender recognize their work from the Jurassic Park films, the Terminator movies, and the Alien and Predator franchises. September A Sound of Thunder 2nd Transporter 2 The Woods
September End Game 9th The Exorcism of Emily Rose The Man
10 Back To School 2005 > Best Buy DVD Insider Back To School 2005 > Best Buy DVD Insider 11
Theatrical Releases
“Dark and difficult times lie ahead, Harry,” warns Albus BIG Dumbledore (Michael Gambon), in Harry Potter and the Go to www.bestbuy.com/comingtodvd and look for Goblet of Fire. And as everyone’s favorite pubescent wizard this icon to find out when the hottest movies will be confronts the formidable challenges of teenage life, he also available! Check back often for more new movies finds himself at the center of terrifying events that will affect > the whole wizarding world. Arriving in theaters on October 21 is the The fourth film in the blockbuster Harry Pot- including Robbie Coltrane as Rubeus Hagrid, highly-anticipated action flick, Doom, based ter fantasy franchise has Harry Potter (Daniel Alan Rickman as Severus Snape, and Michael Radcliffe) facing his greatest challenge yet Gambon as Albus Dumbledore. on id Software’s wildy popular videogame when he’s mysteriously picked to compete in series of the same name. the prestigious Triwizard Tournament, a thrilling New additions to the cast this time around international competition that pits him against include Ralph Fiennes (The English Patient, The Doom movie stars Karl Urban, best known for his portrayal of Eomer older and more experienced students from Schlinder’s List) as Lord Voldemort >in the Lord of the Rings films; professional wrestler-turned-action movie Hogwarts and two rival wizarding schools in (a.k.a. He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named), Miranda GIVE THE DVD PLAYER A BREAK! sensation Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson (Be Cool, The Rundown); and Europe. Meanwhile, supporters of the evil Lord Richardson (Sleepy Hollow, The Hours) as Yes, it’s true. The lazy days of summer are former Bond bad girl Rosamund Pike (Die Another Day). Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes), send a shockwave snooping Daily Prophet reporter Rita Skee- winding down and it’s time to start thinking of fear throughout the wizard community when ter, Robert Pattinson (The Ring) as Triwizard about hitting the books, long hours spent Urban recently told IGN.com, “To a certain extent nothing prepares you their Dark Mark scorches the sky at the Quid- competitor Cedric Diggory, Clemence Poesy in the classroom, boring papers, and vid- for Doom. Four months of dark corridors and med labs and blood and ditch World Cup, signaling Voldemort’s return (Bienvenue chez les Rozes, Petite Soeur) as the eogame withdrawal. If there’s a bright spot firing weapons. That was just day in and day out… loading, unloading to power. But for Harry, this isn’t the only news lovely Fleur Delacour, and Stanislav Ianevski as in all of this, it’s that the theaters are still thousands of rounds.” Sounds cool to us! causing him anxiety – he still has to find a date Quidditch star Viktor Krum. Katie Leung plays packed with summer films! Two films that for the Yule Ball. Harry’s crush, Cho Chang. And Brendan Gleeson we’re particularly looking forward to are The movie follows John Grimm (Urban), a Marine who is nicknamed (Troy, Cold Mountain) also stars as the new “Doom” and “Harry Potter and the Goblet “Reaper” (as in grim reaper) by the other members of his squad. Head- Mike Newell (Mona Lisa Smile, Four Weddings Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Mad-Eye of Fire.” When you’re ready to put down ing up the squad is Sarge, played by The Rock. As with the game, they’re and a Funeral, Donnie Brasco) is directing Moody. the remote and venture outside the house, stationed at a Martian research facility owned and operated by the UAC Goblet of Fire from a script adapted from J.K. other films that could very well be worth – the Union Aerospace Corporation. Rowling’s novel by Steve Kloves. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire opens your time and money include: Rupert Grint and Emma Watson have, of course, simultaneously in standard-format and IMAX The UAC facility is researching and developing teleportation devices. returned to their roles as Harry’s best friends, theaters on November 18th. For the latest news August Deuce Bigalow: American Gigolo Among the scientists working there is John’s estranged sister, Saman- Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. And many on the flick visit IGN FilmForce (http://filmforce. 12th Four Brothers tha (Pike). Needless to say, strange things are happening at the facility. supporting cast members from previous Potter ign.com). The Skeleton Key Inhabitants are dead or missing, frayed lab coats and severed limbs are flicks will also be reprising their parts, Pretty Persuasion discovered, and there seems to be little explanation as to why. If you’re at all familiar with the games, then you already know that the facility’s August The 40-Year Old Virgin experiments have somehow unleashed monstrous, infernal beings and 19th Red Eye now it’s up to John to save the day. Supercross Valiant Doom devotees shouldn’t expect the movie’s monsters to be cheesy computer-generated imagery – this is a top-shelf affair. Legendary effects August The Brothers Grimm guru Stan Winston and his creative team, who specialize in animatron- 26th The Cave ics and makeup effects, will be bringing the creatures to life. You might The Constant Gardender recognize their work from the Jurassic Park films, the Terminator movies, and the Alien and Predator franchises. September A Sound of Thunder 2nd Transporter 2 The Woods
September End Game 9th The Exorcism of Emily Rose The Man
10 Back To School 2005 > Best Buy DVD Insider Back To School 2005 > Best Buy DVD Insider 11 FAMILY GAL An interview with Family Guy’s Alex Borstein To fans of the animated hit Family Guy, Alex Borstein is best known as the voice of the wife with a wild streak (and object of baby Stewie’s matricidal desires), Lois Griffin. In addition to voicing nearly a dozen other roles (including Loretta Brown, Barbara Pewterschmidt , and Asian Reporter Tricia Takanawa), she’s also been a writer on the series since its third season. Borstein was also a long-running castmember on Fox’s MadTV, creating many memorable characters (who can forget the unique logic of Ms. Swan?) in her 5 years on the show.
After being cancelled by Fox at the end of its third season, Family Guy found a brand new audience as a part of Cartoon Network’s [adult swim] block. And, spurred on by massive sales of the first three seasons on DVD, Fox greenlit a direct-to- DVD movie and eventually the series’ return to prime time with a brand-new fourth season.
That original direct-to-DVD movie, Stewie Griffin: The Untold Story!, will be available September 27th, 2005 from Fox Home Entertainment.
IGN: It’s my understanding BORSTEIN: It’s interesting… Do you know how it came to be? It’s made up of three episodes that that, based on the success will also be airing separately as well. We knew of the Family Guy reruns that was going to be the case, so we broke the on [adult swim], Fox initial- stories to fit – and it was actually quite a task. ly approached Seth (Mac- It was one of the hardest things that any of us >Farlane, creator or Family Guy) to had ever done as writers. It was really difficult. But we knew we wanted it to be an adventure, do just the direct-to-DVD movie. and we knew we wanted to take him on the What was your initial reaction to road, so that’s what we did. We said, “Okay, that door opening? Stewie… You’re going to be getting in a Win- nebago with a pervert named Quagmire.” ALEX BORSTEIN: Well, the way I was brought IGN: But so many movies have used that plot! into the loop, was that I found out through Seth that things were kind of a-stir… a-brew? I BORSTEIN: Exactly! A baby and a pervert… don’t know what you’d say… and he called me together. up at home and just said, “You know, there’s rumblings that this thing might actually come IGN: Being direct-to-video, you’re freed from the back…” And I was like, “Fudge you!” I said, restraints of standards & practices and network “Come on… You know what, Seth? Don’t mess TV. How much raunchier/adult should people with me. Don’t tell me something like that expect the movie to be? unless it’s real. Call me when it looks like it’s actually gonna happen.” And, I don’t know, a BORSTEIN: It’s pretty filthy! I have to admit, it’s few weeks later, my phone rang, and he was filthy. I’m going to probably have to warn my like, “Well, it’s actually gonna happen.” And I mother before she sees it. I don’t know… I feel flipped out. To answer your question, I’m not as long as it’s done in the spirit of comedy and sure if they called him initially about the DVD. entertainment, I’m all for it. I have no point in That sounds familiar… I think they were hearing my system or morals where I say, “This is too something like that… far.” IGN: How would you describe the plot of the IGN: How has Lois evolved as a character since movie? you started the role, and how do you view her evolution?
12 Back To School 2005 > Best Buy DVD Insider
BORSTEIN: She really has, and it’s been really BORSTEIN: Well, we are currently editing my cool. When I first came on the show, I was just show and are going to be releasing it on DVD. doing voices, and I met Seth through doing I kind of want to play with this whole power-to- MadTV. One of the same people in development the-people thing, like with NetFlix, and kind of who developed MadTV was also developing self-distribute and see what I can do. I’ve been with Seth, and introduced us. When I first start- working on my website and it’s been a huge ed doing the voice, I had nothing to do with hit – particularly the Family Guy fans have just the show as a writer, and I kind of brought this been losing their minds on it, so we want to voice to it and he liked it. As I started doing be able to offer something. So we want to try things in the booth, I would sometimes adlib a doing this self-distribution online. little, or add something here or there, and he liked it, and the writers enjoyed it. One of the IGN: Why do you think Family Guy continues to writers in particular, who’s now one of our ex- strike a chord with viewers? ecutive producers – his name is Chris Sheridan – he was like, “You know, you should write for BORSTEIN: I think part of it is that Family Guy this show. You’d be great, and we really could came back at kind of a backlash time, with our use a female voice in the room. It would be current president, current state of the nation really great, and you should consider it.” And and where we are, 9/11, Janet Jackson and boo- I was like, “I would love to!” So I started kind by malfunctions… It really came back at a time of moonlighting on days that I wasn’t working when I think people were like, “Oh my god, this at MadTV, and doing some consulting and part- is too much…” and they needed to laugh and time, and when the season ended at MadTV, I just let go, and I think Family Guy really afford- went to Family Guy full time. ed people to do that. I also think our success is our fans. It’s unbelievable. They’re so loyal, IGN: Do you have any plans for another one- and they’re so up for anything. I mean, they will woman show? (you can find out more about tune in and turn on and run out and buy this Alex’s show, Alex Borstein: Drop Dead Gorgeous and look at that and read this… If an article’s in in a Down-To-Earth Bombshell Sort of Way,” at a magazine, they buy it. They’re speaking with her official website, www.alexborstein.com) their dollars, and they’re so strong that we owe every single moment of our employment right now to our fans, and we know it.
FRY’S THE LIMIT An interview with Futurama star Billy West Mel Blanc was known as “The Man of 1,000 Voices”, but give Billy West a few more years and he might give the legend a run for his money.
As Stimpy on the original Ren & Stimpy (and later Ren as well), Bugs Bunny & Elmer Fudd in Space Jam (reprising Fudd for Back in Action), and a host of characters on Futurama (Fry, Dr. Zoidberg, Professor Farnsworth, and Zapp Brannigan – to name a few), West is the very definition of a voice artist, able to manipulate his vocal chords like a maestro (how’s that for an image?).He’s also work- ing on an edgy semi-autobiographical pilot titled Billy Bastard: Amateur Human Being (you can find out more on his website, www.billywest.com)
Sure to please fans, Fox Home Entertainment is releasing a selection of fan favorite episodes in the form of the Futurama Monster Robot Maniac Fun Collection…
14 Back To School 2005 > Best Buy DVD Insider IGN: How would you sum up your experience on Futurama?
WEST:I thought the whole experi- ence – from top to bottom – was >totally professional and really cool. I never had anybody bugging me for anything, no directors standing on my throat while they are direct- ing me. That was the kind of abuse that came with Ren & Stimpy...many actors were simply beaten down. People were emotional wrecks to the point where they had to come in with tow trucks and pick up bodies to get them out of there. That’s what I was told by Nickelodeon. They were saying, “You’ve gotta watch out, this guy wears actors out.” My response to that was, “Bring it On! I have had the worst things that can happen to a human being happen to me in the first 10 years of my life, so I was tailored made for abuse.” But I did not know how long I would last with all the screaming and yelling, and it was not just the screaming WEST: Those are all great – I love every one and yelling, it was the particular screaming and of them. There’s not an episode I don’t like… I yelling that was taking place. think some were better than others… but I do like “Roswell That Ends Well, ” because it has IGN: And Futurama was the complete opposite some great interaction with one of Fry’s rela- of that? tives from the 50’s, who got married to a girl who eventually had Fry’s father, or something WEST: Yeah, it was the total opposite of that. like that. Very Back to the Future. I like that one There’s no need for torture. There really isn’t. the best. Time runs amok, and I love time travel I mean, I like the idea that he was pushing and people that play with time. It’s so cool. me, to drive me to other places, but constant repetition of screaming… As I look back, I could IGN: And what about the rumors of new Fu- have blown my voice out, for real. I couldn’t turama adventures on the horizon? talk after a few sessions. But I learned how to do it, and I discovered a new place in my throat WEST: Well, they’re more than rumors. I was where I could do it effortlessly and sound like I talked to. The first bulletin that I got is that was on fire. they were in talks with Fox because Fox was very, very happy with the way the DVDs were IGN: So, in some ways, it was a worthy learning selling. (Executive Producer) David Cohen told experience… me they were in talks with Fox and that things were looking great, and that their idea was WEST: Yeah… Everything’s a learning experi- to make a Futurama movie to DVD, and then ence, whether you’re learning bad things or maybe release a second one. Then I heard that good ones. it was decided to do that.
IGN: If you were to look at the four Futurama IGN: And you’re ready and rarin’ to go? episodes they chose to include on the Monster Robot Maniac Fun Collection (“Hell Is Other WEST: I’m ready and rarin’ to go, because I love Robots,” “Anthology of Interest I,” Roswell That that show more than anything. I thought it was Ends Well,” & “The Sting”), which would you just far and away above anything I had ever say is your personal favorite? done.
14 Back To School 2005 > Best Buy DVD Insider Back To School 2005 > Best Buy DVD Insider 15 THE VERY BEST SCHOOL MOVIES Our memories of school are repressed, crammed in a shoebox under our bed. It’s not that we had a bad time, it’s just that we’re jealous of all you student types. You young whippersnappers and your classes, your delicious cafeteria food, your sporting events and whatnot! When we get all misty-eyed for school, >we tend to pop in one of the following DVDs and all seems right with the world again. The awkward stumbling about, clumsy dating, the crazed principals and administrators, and the parties all come rushing back, blasting us awake like that extremely hot cheese that burns the roof of your mouth when you bite into a delicious pizza. Mmmm, pizza. Without further ado, here are our picks…
> Old School Unrated Edition available now An instant classic, this is the film that captured Will “Frank the Tank” Ferrell at the top of his game alongside Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson as three thirtysomethings with wives and mortgages looking to revisit their glory days in college. The boys do what any red-blooded males would do: rent a house near the college and start a fraternity. Also featuring Jeremy Piven, Elisha Cuthbert, and Juliette Lewis with cameos from Snoop and Seann William Scott. Rated R for sexual content, nudity, and language. Universal Home Video
> National Lampoon’s Animal House available now John Belushi, Peter Riegert and Tom Hulce star in this classic John Landis-directed comedy about a frat house that produces more hangovers than high marks and is subsequently targeted (to hilarious effect) for expulsion by the school administration. Also starring Tim Matheson, Stephen Furst and Karen Allen. 1978, Universal, 109 Minutes, Rated R.
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Back To School > > > > > > 2005>BestBuyDVDInsider partying. partying. PG-13 forsexualcontent,languageandsometeen 2004, Paramount Pictures, 97Minutes, Rated for McAdams’ ex-boyfriend. adversary, whoseeksrevenge afterLohanfalls do togetit.RachelMcAdams co-starsasher about teenpopularityandwhatsomegirlswill Lindsay Lohanbecameabreakout starafter a Fox,1984, 20thCentury 90Minutes, RatedR. Busfield, thefilmepitomizes ‘80scomedy. Robert Carradine, Anthony Edwards and Timothy the originalfordeep80snerd zeitgeist. Starring three additionalfilms,butyou justcan’t beat against theirtormentors. This onelaunched obsessed collegecampus,theystrikeback launching theirown fraternityonasports- When agroup ofnerds are humiliatedfor a the successofthissometimesdark satire (Jennifer Grey).(Jennifer 1982, Universal Home Video, 90Minutes, RatedR. way foranentire generationofadult-themedteencomedies. both hilariousandheartbreaking initsdepictionsofteenagers’ lives, andpaved the and-comers likeJennifer Jason Leigh,Judge Reinhold andPhoebe Cates,thefilmis of Jeff Spicoli inCameron Crowe’s revealing portraitofhighschoollife.Featuring up- In oneofhisearliestroles, Sean Penn practically definedstonerswithhisportrayal a 1986, Paramount, 102Minutes, RatedPG-13. decides totakeabreak from classesandkickaround withhisgirlfriendSloane Matthew Broderick becamefamousasFerris Bueller, Chicago’s favorite son,ashe a makes acameoappearanceasdelinquentwhoromances Ferris’ sisterJeanie (Mia Sara) andpermanently-depressed palCameron (AlanRuck). CharlieSheen > > > > vailable now vailable now vailable now vailable now
Mean Girls Revenge oftheNerds Ferris Bueller’sDay Off Fast Times at RidgemontHigh
steals theshow. outlandish performanceasLongDuk Dong that geeks, butit’s Gedde Watanabe’s hysterically John andJoan Cusack appear in cameoroles as the school’s hottestjock(Michael Schoeffling). romance a cuteredhead, onlytoberebuffed for John Hughes followed upSixteen Candles a 1984, Universal, 93Minutes, RatedPG. this teencomedyaboutageekwhotriesto Molly Ringwaldand Anthony Michael Hall starin a 1985, Universal Home Video, 97Minutes, RatedR. this unforgettable teencomedy. movies prove asinsightfulandentertaining long afternoonindetention.Few ofHughes’s Sheedy- whofindacommonground forone Nelson, Molly Ringwald,Emilio Estevez, and Ally by Brat Packers Anthony Michael Hall, Judd and thequintetofstudents-played with thisera-defininglookatteenstereotypes > > vailable now vailable now
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> House of Flying Daggers available now Martial Arts Director Yimou Zhang’s follow-up to the highly successful Hero. Arguably a superior film according to some critics, House of Flying Daggers stars Crouching Tiger’s Zhang Ziyi as well as Asian cinema stars Andy Lau and > Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon Takeshi Kaneshiro. Government agents set out available now to locate and destroy an underground rebellion Ang Lee’s classic tale mixes the terrific wirework martial arts of master known as the House of Flying Daggers. A blind action choreographer Yuen Woo-Ping with Lee’s classic tale of myth woman (Ziyi) aids the two men, unleashing tragedy and romance. Two of Asia’s most famous actors, Chow Yun-fat some impressive fighting skills herself. Visually and Michelle Yeoh play the lead roles along with Zhang Ziyi, in the role stunning and filled with the intense action that that introduced the young talent. Crouching Tigers would launch an has become Zhang’s trademark. endless barrage of imitators, but none have equaled this classic film. 2004, Sony Pictures Classics, 118 minutes, Rating 2000, Columbia Tri-Star Home Video, 120 minutes, Rating PG-13 PG-13 (stylized martial arts violence, and some (martial arts violence and some sexuality) sexuality) > Kill Bill: Volume 1 and 2 > Hero available now available now After seven years, Quentin Tarantino returns with his first feature since In the film that helped director Yimou Zhang Jackie Brown. The stellar director proves that time off hasn’t dulled his cross over to American audiences, Jet Li plays skills, delivering one of the greatest American action films of the past the lead role, a warrior that is never named. He decade. Told in two parts (one more action and one more talk), Taran- carries three weapons, each of which were used tino delivers his own version of blood, sweat and swords, laced with his by a famous assassin who had sworn to kill the trademark penchant for slick characters and sharp dialogue, all with the Emperor. The story plays out with the Emperor’s occasional pop culture reference thrown in for good mea- interpretation of what might have happened. sure. These films get better with each viewing. Hero features stunning bright colors and styl- 2004, 2005, Miramax Home Video, 111 and 136 minutes, Rating ized breathtaking action sequences, each of R (strong bloody violence, language, some sexual content which is a work of art in and of itself. and brief drug use) 2004, Buena Vista Home Video, 99 minutes, Rating PG-13 (stylized martial arts violence and a scene > Ong Bak: The Thai Warrior of sensuality) available 8/30 Martial Arts star Tony Jaa, who has been compared to Bruce Lee, Jet Li > Enter the Dragon and Jackie Chan, shows off his exceptional skill and personality. Without available now computers or wires, Jaa leaps over a bicycle, juggles multiple baddies The film that made Bruce Lee a worldwide su- and even races across a group of pursuers’ heads. Jaa takes his share of perstar. In this martial arts classic, Lee portrays beatings in the film as well, but always comes out on top. a British agent sent to participate in a martial 2004, 105 minutes, Rating R (sequences of strong violence, language, some arts tournament in order to take down a power- drug use and sexuality) ful and villainous Asian crime lord. The set-up provides a terrific showcase for Lee as well as some other martial arts talents as they show off their skills mano a mano. Watch closely for Jackie Chan in one of his earliest appearances. 1973, Warner Home Video, 110 minutes, Rating R > > > > > >
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Sports > Friday Night Lights available now Based on the controversial bestseller by H.G. > Major League Bissinger, Friday Night Lights is the story of the available now small football-obsessed town of Odessa, Texas. Kind of like a Bad News Bears for adults, Charlie Sheen, Tom Berenger, Billy Bob Thornton plays coach Gaines, the Corbin Bernsen and Wesley Snipes lead a cast of baseball misfits known leader of the Permian High team. Derek Luke as the Cleveland Indians. The team was assembled by their new owner to plays the team’s star, Boobie Miles, a highly be the worst team ever so that the Indians could finally make the move talented, but delusional player. Lucas Black to Florida. To everyone’s surprise, these guys actually click. Suddenly is quarterback and anchor, Mike Winchell. the town and players are caught in pennant fever as the team rallies to Garrett Hedlund, Jay Hernandez, Lee Jackson deliver the first Indians division winner in years. and Tim McGraw also star. The gridiron action 1989, Paramount Home Video, 107 minutes, Rating R and off the field drama of Friday Night Lights are equally intense. > Coach Carter 2004, Universal Studios Home Entertainment, 118 available now Minutes, Rated PG-13 for thematic issues, sexual It’s Lean on Me meets Hoosiers as Sam Jackson plays a Coach Ken Carter. content, language, some teen drinking and rough sports action. Based on a true story, Carter leads a group of tough teens, teaching them that education is as important as balling. Even the school board lets these kids education slide, but Carter is determined to turn these men > Any Given Sunday into champions both on and off the court. available now 2004, Paramount Home Video, 76 minutes, Rating PG-13 (violence, sexual Oliver Stone has always been known for content, language, teen partying and some drug material) controversy, and this gritty football film is no different. Starring Jamie Fox in his first pre-Ray > Hoosiers Collector’s Edition dramatic turn, Al Pacino portrays the ranting, available now raving head coach of a fictional pro football Gene Hackman stars in this rousing sports tome about the Indiana team the Miami Sharks. Stone assaults viewers Hoosiers 1954 basketball season, when a spotty coach and the town with flashing imagery, bone crushing slow mo- drunk led the local high school team to an unlikely victory in the state tion hits and screaming psychotic fans. finals. Dennis Hopper earned a nomination as Best 1999, Warner Home Video, 157 minutes, Rating R (strong language and some nudity/sexuality) Supporting Actor for his performance in the film, which served as inspiration for scores of sports movies in the decades following its release. > Remember the Titans 1986, MGM Home Video, 114 Minutes, Rated PG. available now As racial tensions run high at T.C. Williams, > > > incoming coach Herman Boone (Denzel Washington) struggles to find acceptance from his co-workers, fights to balance the volatile tension between the black and white players on his team, the Titans, and becomes hell-bent on making sure the people around him are judged by their essence and capaci- ties instead of their skin color. Producer Jerry Bruckhemier’s usual formula, applied here by director Boaz Yakin, comes through again, allowing the viewer to carry some very important sentiments away while having a great time. 2000, Disney Studios, 114 Minutes, Rated PG for thematic elements and some language. > > >
20 Back To School 2005 > Best Buy DVD Insider
Television
> Futurama: Monster Robot Maniac Fun Collection available 8/23 A collection of four of the best episodes in Futurama history as picked by executive producers Matt Groening and David X. Cohen, this single-disc compilation includes the following classics: “Hell is Other Robots,” “Anthology of Interest,” “Roswell That Ends Well,” and “The Sting.” The disc also includes special introductions for each episode, and a full-length animatic of the “Hell” episode. Truly the best “Monster Robot Maniac Fun Collec- tion” ever assembled, this is a must-have for fans of the quirky FOX series. 2005, FOX Home Entertainment
> Nip/Tuck: Season Two available 8/30 The runaway network drama about two doctors (Dylan Walsh and Julian McMahon) making bank off cosmetic surgery. Set in white-hot Miami, the show’s second season had even the most jaded television critics standing up and applauding. The show’s writing is top notch and season two contains one of television’s most shocking season finales. A definite grab for fans of television drama. 2005, Warner Home Video
> Dukes of Hazzard: Season Four available now You know the expression “daisy dukes?” It refers to tight cut off jeans and was even immortalized in a song by one hit wonders the 69 Boyz. As Jessica Simpson suits up this summer in a pair for the Warner Brothers film, meet the original Daisy Duke on DVD: Catherine Bach. She and Bo, Luke, Boss Hogg, Enos, Cooter, Uncle Jesse, and Roscoe P. Coltrane show up in a sweet box set of the first four seasons. Cut-off jeans? Check. High flyin’ stunt driv- ing? Check. Down-home storylines wrapped up at the end of each show> Check!
> The Simpsons: Season Six available now The Springfield gang is back for another helping of animated goodness. Departing from the design of the first five sets, this box features Homer’s signature yellow dome. Containing some of the best episodes in Simpsons’ history (including Part One of the cliffhanger “Who Shot Mr. Burns?”), this 25- episode collection also promises scads of behind- the-scenes footage and other special features. 2005, FOX Home Entertainment
Back To School 2005 > Best Buy DVD Insider 21
Television
> Six Feet Under: Season Four available 8/23 Television’s best drama continues in its Fourth Season. Created by Alan Ball, the show revolves around a family of morticians known as the Fishers. Steeped in intense drama with clever doses of black comedy, the show teeters on the edge of soap opera drama, but somehow always manages to rise above. Every character is fully developed and fascinat- ing in their own way as they deal with the everyday complications of life. Each show begins with the trademark gimmick of a death sequence, an eerie start to a show that fills viewers with nervous anticipation weekly. 2005, Warner Home Video >
> Desperate Housewives: Season One Check out our new Fox, available 9/20 The first season of the hit primetime soap tells what happens when HBO and Comedy Central suburban housewife Mary Alice Young suddenly kills herself and her four friends on Wisteria Lane come together: Man-hungry single mom Susan Mayer (Teri Hatcher), former career woman and mother of four Lynette TV brands centers at Best Scarvo (Felicity Huffman), uptight perfectionist Bree Van De Kamp (Marcia Cross), and the sexy but high-mainte- Buy. The destination for nance Gabrielle Solis (Eva Longoria). The show’s darkly lighthearted approach to drama and spot-on casting are finding the hottest shows what made it an instant sensensation. 2005, Buena Vista Home Entertainment on TV!
> The O.C.: Season Two > Will & Grace: Season Four available 8/23 available now Season two of FOX’s smash hit series continues the story of the residents America’s favorite sexually incompatible couple of the idyllic Newport Beach community and their not-so-idyllic personal returns in season four of this enduring sitcom. lives. At the heart of the drama, Summer and Seth try their hardest to get Season Four finds Will (Eric McCormack), Grace over each other, to no avail. Meanwhile, Ryan’s dating his aunt, Marissa’s (Debra Messing), Karen (Megan Mullally) and confused about her attraction to another girl, Sandy is tempted by the Jack (Sean Hayes) all back together to deliver fruit of another and Kirsten just keeps hittin’ the sauce. more laughs then you can possibly stand. The O.C., with its sharply, witty dialogue, great cast and a 2005, Lions Gate Home Entertainment rocked-out soundtrack takes TV dramedy to new heights. 2005, Warner Home Video > > >
22 Back To School 2005 > Best Buy DVD Insider
Television
> Lost: Season One available 9/6 The plane has crashed. The survivors stag- ger out onto the beach. Something growls in the jungle. Remember the first time you saw “Lost?” Know you can relive each episode from Season One including the critically-acclaimed pilot! Featuring a grip of extra features such as never before aired “flashbacks” that reveal more of the story, this collection, and is a > must purchase for Lost fans and those of you who want to see what all the hub-bub is about. > Starring Matthew Fox, Jorge Garcia, Maggie Grace, Dominic Monaghan and more. Buena Vista Home Entertainment
> Sopranos: Season Three
available now > > James Gandolfini is back as beloved bad guy Tony Soprano in one of the most popular and acclaimed shows of all time. Tony and Car- > Roswell: Season Three mella are on the outs and the family business available now gets shakier by the second. Along with regular The supernatural TV drama returns for the third and final season. Fea- cast members Edie Falco, Lorraine Bracco and turing the popular theme song by Dido and a cast of terrific looking Michael Imperioli, Steve Buscemi joins this twenty-somethings portraying teenagers, Roswell revolves around a group season’s cast as Tony’s cousin, of alien teens struggling to fit in amongst a regular, human society. The Tony Blundetto. This is the last show combines drama, comedy and intrigue in the vein of X-Files. bit of Sopranos we’ll have until 2005, Fox Home Entertainment the final season starts shoot- ing sometime in 2048. 2005, Warner Home Video > Dead Like Me: Season Two available now Showtime’s take on the everyday lives of a team of grim reapers is creative, funny and even touching, and features a truly unique ensemble cast, including Ellen Muth, Mandy Patinkin, Laura Harris and Jasmine Guy. Season Two focuses on the struggles of a teenage reaper (Muth) as she struggles with her afterlife crises. As if soul-collecting wasn’t enough! 2005, MGM Home Entertainment
Back To School 2005 > Best Buy DVD Insider 23
Unrated Editions
> Dodgeball, Unrated Special Edition > Underworld: Unrated available now available now Vince Vaughn stars in this side-splitting comedy about a motley crew Kate Beckinsale stars as the lovely vampire of dodgeball players who come together to save a dilapidated gym from caught in a war between vampires and lycans being bought by a villainous corporation run by a narcissistic jock (Ben (aka werewolves). This unrated cut promises Stiller). Stiller’s wife Christine Taylor, Justin Long and Rip Torn co-star, more sex and gore as well as some extended but cameos by David Hasselhoff, Lance Armstrong and William Shatner versions of sequences from the original cut. provide gut-busting laughs in the least expected places, particularly in Also starring Scott Speedman, Michael Sheen this extended cut. and Shane Brolly, this atmospheric film is a 2004, 20th Century Fox Video, 92 Minutes, originally Rated PG-13 for rude perfect fit for fans of horror and vampire flicks. and sexual humor, and language. 2004, Columbia Tri-Star Home Video, 133 minutes, Rating NR > Chronicles of Riddick, Unrated available now > Girl Next Door: Unrated Vin Diesel follows up his breakthrough turn in Pitch Black as Riddick, available now the unlikely hero who finds himself caught between a group of interstellar Drawing comparisons to Risky Business, a invaders and a small, peace-loving planet. This director’s cut offers even charming coming of age story set against the grittier, entertaining action, as well as a handful of extra scenes that were unlikely but somehow totally appropriate adult excised for the theatrical cut. entertainment industry. Elisha Cuthbert plays 2004, Universal Home Video, 135 Minutes, originally Rated PG-13 for scenes the exceptionally fetching vixen, Danielle, while of violent action and some language Emile Hirsch is a shy teen named Matthew on the verge of graduation from high school. Headed towards an Ivy League education, > Seed of Chucky: Unrated Special Edition Matthew begins to realize he may have missed available now out on the fun aspects of high Horror fans’ favorite pint-sized homicidal maniac is back and this time, school. Danielle moves in next he’s ready to settle down… sort of. Jennifer Tilly returns to the Chucky door and Matthew quickly falls series as, err, Jennifer Tilly, an amped up version of herself, Tilly gets to for her. have some fun playing a diva and practice her blood curdling screams as 2004, 20th Century Fox Home Chucky slices and dices with the help of his lovely bride Tiffany, who is Video, 109 minutes, Rating NR also voiced by Tilly. 2004, Universal Home Video, 87 minutes, Rating NR Team America: Unrated > > > > available now Those crazy creators of South Park, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, parody Jerry Bruckheimer-style action movies using puppets (yes, puppets) to tell the tale of world heroes Team America: World Police. Parker and Stone take aim at a slew of celebrity targets along the way, from Ben Affleck to George Clooney and, “I hit her in the face a couple times, of course, Sean Penn. This unrated cut includes which was not good. Not helpful. That a very extended version of the now legendary puppet sex sequence, a scene actually affected our relationship for you probably don’t want to like a week. There’s just no way not to watch with your parents in get upset with somebody after you’ve the room. done that. It just sent us both back to > > > 2004, Paramount Home Video, eighth grade.” 98 minutes, Rating NR
– Ben Stiller to IGN.com on working with his wife Christine Taylor in Dodgeball 24 Back To School 2005 > Best Buy DVD Insider Back To School 2005 > Best Buy DVD Insider 25
Anime > > > > > >
> Full Metal Alchemist > Appleseed volumes 1-4 available now available now volume 5 available 9/20 Shirow Masamune finally brings his greatest creation to feature-length life Mizushima Seiji’s popular fantasy anime series with this revolutionary new anime film that tells the story of Deunan, a follows the adventures of Edward Elric, a young human who returns to society after a devastating apocalypse only to find alchemist who loses two limbs and his brother’s that her longtime friend Briareos has been transformed into a cyborg. body during an attempt to resurrect their dead Featuring spectacular animation, the film is a feast for the senses, and mother using forbidden alchemy. Edward and Al, offers some of the most dynamic action seen in two or three dimensions. his brother, must wander their world in search 2005, Arcangelo Entertainment, Rated R for some violence. of the Philosopher’s Stone, a gem that may hold the power to restore their losses. Smart humor and plenty of action drive this unforget- > Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence table series. available now 2005, Funimation Productions The sequel to Mamoru Oshii’s 1995 anime classic, this hotly anticipated sequel continues the adventures of Batou as he investigates a string > Samurai 7 of murders apparently committed by a new breed of robots possessing sexual functions. With colorful and imaginative visuals, the film should be volumes 1 & volumes 1 a treat for all anime fans. limited edition available 8/23 2004, Dreamworks, 100 minutes, Rating NR Based upon director Akira Kurosawa’s acclaimed film “Seven Samurai,” this sci-fi anime update combines traditional animation with CG effects > Steamboy to create an action-packed rendition of one of available now cinema’s greatest films. When the rogue cyborg Katsuhiro Otomo’s first feature-length film since “Akira” blends steampunk clan the Nobuseri terrorize the local towns, one technology with Victorian-age costumes and architecture to create one of group of villagers hires a motley collection of the most visually-stunning anime films ever. Ray Steam, a young inven- brave samurai to defend them from these invad- tor receives a mysterious steam ball contraption from his grandfather. ers. Will these seven warriors band together to He must avoid thieving bureaucrats and war-monger officials in order to fend off the Nobuseri, or will their own egos prevent mass destruction by the curious new invention, as well as battle and pride get in the way? old demons between father and son. 2005, Funimation Productions 2005, CTHE, PG-13 for action violence.
“I hit her in the face a couple times, > Initial D which was not good. Not helpful. That volumes 1-12 available now volume 13 available 9/13 actually affected our relationship for The popular racing anime series focuses on Tak, a 17-year-old delivery like a week. There’s just no way not to boy who gets caught up in the local racing scene. With his car the “Eight- get upset with somebody after you’ve Six,” Tak climbs the ranks to become one of the greatest racers in town. Volume 12 features Bunta’s unveiling and Tak’s frustration at his car’s lack done that. It just sent us both back to of power. Full of high action and fun comedy, the series boasts some of eighth grade.” the most impressive CG racing sequences in anime. 2005, TokyoPop, Not rated – Ben Stiller to IGN.com on working with his wife Christine Taylor in Dodgeball 24 Back To School 2005 > Best Buy DVD Insider Back To School 2005 > Best Buy DVD Insider 25