New Release of the Week
Legend of the Seeker: Season 1 (DVD only)
Deleted Scenes, Audio Commentaries
Featurettes: Forging the Sword: Crafting A Legend, Words Of Truth: A Conversation With Terry Goodkind
Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth series of books was originally set to be adapted as a miniseries, but it became a full-blown ongoing series. Legend of the Seeker is one of the sole fantasy TV series on the air (or at least the only one that's any good). I've been a sucker for decently-crafted fantasy TV shows like Hercules: The Legendary Journeys ever since I first got into that show. The fact that Sam Raimi and Robert Tapert are on-board this series as executive producers is a good sign indeed. The first episode is promising in that I may have found a program that airs on ABC Family that I'll actually watch.
Catalog Release of the Week
The Mighty Boosh: Special Edition (DVD only)
There's a whole new disc of extras on this on top of what was already on the three individual season discs.
New Release
Flashpoint: Season 1 (DVD only)
Commentary on Pilot by series creator
Featurettes: Behind the Scenes, "The Human Cost of Heroism"
Flashpoint stars Enrico Colantoni as the lead negotiator for Toronto PD's Strategic Response Unit. I'll spare you a refrain of my weakness for police drama. The show's gimmick is that each show has to do with a hostage situation, bomb threat, or "guy with a gun". The name among the supporting cast that stuck out was none other than Amy Jo Johnson, a fine actor in her own right, but who will forever be remembered as the original Pink Power Ranger. It's unfortunate they list Colantoni as Just Shoot Me's Enrico Colantoni, but hopefully the residual checks are nice and fat.
Nick Swardson: Seriously, Who Farted? (DVD only)
Beardo & Dirt Nasty Performance, 8 Drinks Later Trailer, Timeless Comedian Featurette, A Very Terry Christmas
This guy is best known as the gay rollerskating prostitute Terry on the now-cancelled Reno! 911, but he's totally straight and very much of the video game-playing, gross-out humor-loving Sandler school. This standup special was recorded at Austin's very own Paramount Theater, and there were only a few moments that made me laugh out loud. It's a better showcase of his ability to stay focused and tell a story, which isn't just a key to being a good comic, but a believable actor. The pattern he falls into throughout was quick anecdote, re-enactment using a few funny voices, and a little physical He's also remarkably candid about things like a hidden "Asian Massage Parlor" that he went to only once. A rather good standup special overall compared to many I've suffered through on Comedy Central over the last few years, but he falls into the same drunken fratboy style that Dane Cook made marketable.
Girlfriends: Season 7 (DVD only)
Selected Audio Commentary with creator Mara Brock Akil
The seventh season of one of the few shows on TV featuring non-whites. It is "colorful" in ways that NBC's fall season is not, contrary to their ad campaign.
My Little Pony: Twinkle Wish Adventure (DVD only)
Six sing-alongs, Waiting for the Winter Wishes Festival prequel, Elefun And Friends animated short, downloadable coloring sheets and activities
So why the hell am I reviewing this? My wife grew up on My Little Pony and told me to ask for it. The MLP of her youth is truly very far gone. The design of the "ponies" has taken on the dyed-hair Bratz look. The plot, as described by the press release "follows Pinkie Pie and all her pony friends on a fun-filled adventure as they discover that friendship can make wishes come true. All the ponies can't wait for the Winter Wishes festival where the Wishing Star grants each pony one special wish. But when the Wishing Star disappears, they go on a journey to find it. Will they make it back in time for the festival? Find out by joining Pinkie Pie and all her pony friends on this magical journey of discovery." It's the same type of story as the original show, but the aesthetic is catering as much as possible to stylistic...dare I say...sexualization of My Little Pony. The "ponies" all have dyed hair and accessories. I'm sure they'll wear high heels in future installments.
Reissue/Repackage
Land of the Lost: Season 1-3
This time out they're available individually rather than all in one lunchbox.
Futurama: The Complete Collection
TV on Disc is generally posted a few days after the corresponding week's Disc Roundup (Movies) and covers the week's TV releases on DVD & Blu-ray. Unless otherwise noted, screener copies of titles reviewed were provided by the respective studio.
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