Pick of the Week

We've got a few big titles out this week, but considering the season we are heading into, there was only one choice I could make. This weeks pick is: Friday the 13th: From Crystal Lake to Manhattan. It's a 5 DVD set of the first 8 Jason films. All of the films released by Paramount are represented here, the only ones absent are those that were put out by New Line Cinema, Jason Goes to Hell, Jason X, and Freddy vs. Jason.

All 8 of these movies have new anamorphic transfers that I hear are very good. A few of the films have commentaries, plus there is a fifth disk of documentaries and featurettes. I've always held the Friday films in slightly lower regard than the Nightmare on Elm Street, but there is no denying there place in horror lore. I haven't sampled the set yet, but I eagerly look forward to seeing these films again for the first time.

Here are some other releases I am interested in:

• Fahrenheit 9/11. Michael Moore's latest work of controversy. Personally, I enjoyed the film, and no I do not like Moore nor do I agree with his politics. The film serves a good purpose of spurring conversation and thought on the situation.
• Aladdin: Platinum Edition. It's Aladdin! I remember watching this many times when I was working a retail electronics counter.
• Dream Theater: Live at Budokan. One of my favorite bands releasing a live disk I didn't know about? Don't know how I missed this. Two disk set of live music and documentaries.
• The Fearless Vampire Killers. Roman Polanski's horror/comedy. I just love the title, the full title is "The Fearless Vampire Killers or: Pardon Me, but Your Teeth are in My Neck."
• Saved! An entertaining comedy, different take on the high school film.
• Return of the Living Dead Part II. I have the first and third, now to complete the trilogy.
• The Shawshank Redemption: Special Edition. One of, if not the, best adaptation of a Stephen King story.
• The Untouchables: Special Edition. Kevin Costner and Sean Connery in the gangster classic.
• Dead or Alive Trilogy. Takashi Miike's yakuza trilogy. I've the seen the first, now I can get them all.
• Ed Wood Box Set. Glen or Glenda, Jail Bait, Bride of the Monster, Plan 9 from Outer Space, Night of the Ghouls, The Haunted World of Ed Wood. How can you go wrong with the king of bad movies?

There are also a couple of music releases that look good:

• Korn: Greatest Hits Vol. 1. An excellent set of their work, includes a set performed at CBGB's on a bonus DVD.
• Helmet: Size Matters. I had thought that these guys broke up.
• Cake: Pressure Chief. Kings of quirky music.
• REM: Around the Sun. I haven't listened to them for awhile, but I've heard good things about this album.