DVD Pick of the Week: The Nightmare Before Christmas

Welcome back! Well, to some of you, anyway. To the rest of you, glad you decided to stop by and I hope that this humble column helps you navigate the stacks of new releases each week. My goal is to point you toward titles of interest and warn you away from those films that seek to do nothing but leech away your time and give you nothing in return.

This week brings a decent selection of titles — so decent that I had a hard time selecting my pick for this week. At first it was obvious, and it was that first pick that eventually one out, but there were a few that challenged for the top spot. Hopefully you will also see a number of worthwhile films in here.

The Nightmare Before Christmas: 2 Disc Collector's Edition. Here is a movie that missed the first (and second) time around on the big screen. I was one of the many who discovered it and fell in love on VHS (that's right, VHS). This is a beautiful example of the magic contained within Tim Burton's mind, not to mention his stop-motion skills combined with those of director Henry Selick (who would also direct James and the Giant Peach). This dark fairy tale is funny, magical, and slightly creepy. The songs, the imagery, everything just works so beautifully. This is, I believe, the third DVD incarnation, but it will assuredly be better than its predecessors. Why? First off this will be the first time it has been released anamorphically, plus it will have a host of new extras and a digital copy for your iPod. It is also being released on Blu ray. (BUY, RENT, SKIP)

Heroes: Season 2. The second season was nowhere near as good as the first, but it still made for good television, getting better the deeper in that it got. Unfortunately, the season was cut short by the strike necessitating a change in the season finale to close it out with the ability to begin the third season fresh. This DVD set will include the original planned finale climax. Hopefully, season three will be a step up. (BUY, RENT, SKIP)

The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning. I could have sworn Disney was going to stop doing these direct to video sequels. I guess I was either wrong or just wasn't paying attention. Not being in the target age group, I can only say that I wish they left these classics alone, if you are going to do direct to video stuff, at least do it with new characters. However, that does not make good business sense. In any case, I doubt I will watch this. (BUY, RENT, SKIP)

The Three Stooges Collection 3: 1940-1942. Sony Pictures continues their Stooges release with volume three, another two disk set of classic comedy. They have been releasing these old school shorts completely remastered and in the order of their original release. I applaud them for this and hope they continue to put these out, these shorts are great and no one should be without them. (BUY, RENT, SKIP)

What Happens in Vegas. This movie is just a bit too loud and obnoxious to truly enjoy. Yes, there were a couple of chuckles to be had, but not nearly enough to recommend. It stars Ashton Kutcher and Cameron Diaz as a couple who marry after a night of drunken excess and wake up to realize the mistake they made, but a slot machine bounty stands between them and bachelor bliss. (BUY, RENT, SKIP)

Salo, or the 120 Days of Sodom. Much has been said about this Pasolini film over the years. Until now, it had been out of print for years, leading to steep prices for the prior Criterion pressings on eBay. (BUY, RENT, SKIP)

Redbelt. This movie is about honor and being true to oneself above all else. It is about living by a code that is larger than yourself. More than an action film, it is a character study. This may not be David Mamet's best work, and it may have some big plot issues in retrospect, but it is still an interesting film and one that is definitely worth spending a couple of hours with. If nothing else, you will find a strong performance from Chiwetel Ejiofor. (BUY, RENT, SKIP)

Where in the World is Osama Bin Laden? I missed this on the big screen. I also heard that it was not terribly good. Whatever the case, I am interested in checking it out having enjoyed Super Size Me. Does he actually find him? (I would hazard the guess that he doesn't) (BUY, RENT, SKIP)

Brotherhood of the Wolf: Director's Cut. I thought this movie was great when I saw it on the big screen, with its odd mix of period drama, horror, and martial arts. What makes this director's cut all that different from what I saw on the big screen, I do not know but would like to find out. (BUY, RENT, SKIP)

Everybody Hates Chris: The Third Season. This show is an under appreciated gem. A series that is safe for the whole family yet still has something of an edge to it. It stands out from other sitcoms for its strong writing, good characters, and imaginative execution. This is definitely worth spending time with. (BUY, RENT, SKIP)

Postal. Uwe Boll strikes again. This movie was supposed to open wide across the nation as the strongest competition for Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. That didn't happen, and Boll blamed a Hollywood conspiracy as he claimed he is the greatest filmmaker working today. Well, anyone foolish enough to believe that deserves what they get. Still, I am attracted to his train wrecks, not because I think they are good, but because everyone likes a good train wreck, makes us glad we weren't involved. (BUY, RENT, SKIP)

Phantasm: OblIVion. Never did see this one, the original is a classic and the first couple of sequels were halfway decent. If nothing else, it will be good to see the Tall Man and his driller balls again. I know this has been out before, but somehow I managed to miss it. Hopefully, it doesn't go the way of the latter Hellraiser films. (BUY, RENT, SKIP)

Delicatessan. This movie is absolutely fantastic, and I believe this its first region 1 DVD release. I bought my copy as an import from England. It is from the man behind City of Lost Children and Amelie. It is a post apocalyptic dark comedy about people who live above a deli when meat is scarce, and they get their meat by hiring a handy man, then when the work is done, butcher him. It is simply brilliant. (BUY, RENT, SKIP)

Cannibal Holocaust. I bought the previous limited edition release of this. Frankly, I am surprised there is enough demand for this to get a full release, but I guess there is. If you are a horror fan, you need to see this, if only to say you have. The film disturbed me for a long time with its realistic depiction of violence (including real violence against animals). Director Ruggero Deodato (who had a cameo recently in Hostel Part II) was even dragged before the courts to prove he did not kill any of the people who appear in it. See this, just be ready for it. (BUY, RENT, SKIP)

The Crow: Stairway to Heaven, Best of. The entire short-lived series was previously released by TV Guide. The show is based on the original Crow character of Eric Draven and was portrayed by Mark Dacascos, who was Brandon Lee's body double on the original film. The series is all right, so this is worth picking up for fans who did not get the full series release. (BUY, RENT, SKIP)