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"Planet of the Apes - The Evolution (Complete Series)"
...available here.
"A planet where apes evolved from men?"
--Col. George Taylor (Charlton Heston) takes his bearings in the
original "Planet of the Apes" (1968), also available as part of
"Planet of the Apes: The Evolution."
...available here.
ADVANCE INFORMATION
"The X-Files - The Complete Fourth Season"
...available here.
starring David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson; created by Chris
Carter Chris Carter's dark fable of paranoia and the paranormal
continues its labyrinthine evolution in this latest boxed set
comprising Scully and Mulder's fourth season of creeped-out
encounters, including fresh twists to their own ambiguous
relationship. The episodes are garnished with a variety of DVD
goodies including interviews, commentaries, and a new DVD-ROM game.
Releases November 13.
"Final Fantasy"
...available here.
starring the voices of Ming-Na, Alec Baldwin, and Steve Buscemi;
directed by Motonori Sakakibara and Hironobu Sakaguchi Visualized
entirely through computer animation, this big-screen epic is an
ambitious extension of the hit video game that mixes mysticism,
high-tech futurism, and some really cool aliens, rendered in
astonishing detail. Releases October 23.
"Star Wars - Episode I, The Phantom Menace (English/ Spanish)"
...available here.
starring Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, and Natalie Portman; directed
by George Lucas The "Star Wars" saga finally comes to DVD with the
release of 1999's introduction to the origins of Darth Vader.
Extensive special features, including archival material about the
evolution of Lucasfilm and ILM, as well as games and Web links,
spill onto a second disc. Releases October 16.
"The Mummy Returns - Collector's Edition (Widescreen)"
...available here.
starring Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz, John Hannah, and Arnold
Vosloo; directed by Stephen Sommers In the wake of "The Mummy"'s
1999 reincarnation as a box-office juggernaut, director Stephen
Sommers reunited cast and crew, drafted WWF superstar the Rock, and
upped the special-effects budget for this pedal-to-the-metal sequel,
which is definitely bigger but not necessarily better. Fans won't
quibble, and the disc extras are numerous. Releases October 2.
"An American Werewolf in London"
...available here.
starring David Naughton, Jenny Agutter, and Griffin Dunne; directed by John Landis Director John Landis wasn't the first to try and pump fresh blood into lycanthropes, but his infusion of comic energy and Rick Baker's creepy prosthetics make this 1981 werewolf tale a howler in the good sense of the word. It's spiked with pop-cultural jokes and Griffin Dunne's funny turn as a second banana who's undead, and unhappy about it. Releases September 18.
"Blood Simple (Director's Cut)"
...available here.
starring John Getz, Frances McDormand, Dan Hedaya, and M. Emmet
Walsh; directed by Joel Coen Joel and Ethan Coen launched their
careers as maverick auteurs with this grisly, funny fusion of comic
noir and pulp horror, beautifully photographed by future director
Barry Sonnenfeld and influenced by "Evil Dead" mastermind Sam Raimi.
Releases September 18.
DVD ESSENTIALS
If you're looking for definitive features in your favorite genre, look no further than our Essential DVD Store, where Amazon.com's editors serve our choices for the best-in-breed releases. We have a variety of categories for both the Horror and Science Fiction & Fantasy fan, perfect for starting--or completing--your collection. Check out such lists as:
Essential Slasher Movies
...available here.
Essential Classic Sci-Fi
...available here.
NEW RELEASES
"Hannibal"
...available here.
starring Anthony Hopkins, Julianne Moore, and Gary Oldman; directed
by Ridley Scott The ghoulish gourmet that haunted "Manhunter," then
became a serial-killer superstar with "The Silence of the Lambs,"
returns, again brought to suave, murderous life by "Lambs" star
Hopkins. Played out against the romantic shadows of Florence, and
sparked by the creeped-out intimacy between Lecter and erstwhile
nemesis Clarice Starling (Moore, stepping into Jodie Foster's
shoes), this is high-gloss horror indeed.
"The Bride of Frankenstein"
...available here.
starring Boris Karloff, Colin Clive, and Elsa Lanchester; directed
by James Whale Very rarely, the sequel actually trumps the original,
as vividly demonstrated by James Whale's stylish synthesis of Gothic
horror and campy humor. From its sly framing device (Mary Shelley,
hubby Percy, and Lord Byron dishing on a stormy night) to the
creation of Dr. Frankenstein's fey, loopy new colleague, Dr.
Pretorious (Ernest Thesiger), this 1935 romp truly is the monster's
better half.
"Killer Klowns from Outer Space"
...available here.
starring Grant Cramer, Suzanne Snyder, and John Vernon; directed by
Stephen Chiodo A camp classic finally gets digitized in this
low-budget tale of alien vampires with floppy shoes, big red noses,
mutagenic popcorn, and paralytic cotton candy. Whether you've got a
lifelong fear of circus clowns, or simply relish seeing a trio of
bratty filmmakers (the three Chiodo brothers, who pitched this with
a one-page treatment and a sketch of a clown with a gun) riff
inventively, this is a killer movie.
"Marathon Man"
...available here.
starring Dustin Hoffman, Laurence Olivier, and Roy Scheider;
directed by John Schlesinger Dustin Hoffman is a graduate student
who finds himself plunged into a waking nightmare of espionage and
terror when his CIA agent brother (Scheider) tangles with a former
Nazi (Olivier). This 1977 thriller is intelligent, electrifying
entertainment powered by a strong cast also featuring William Devane
and Marthe Keller.
Also Recommended
"Farscape #6: Till the Blood Runs Clear/Rhapsody in Blue"
...available here.
"Ultraviolet"
...available here.
"Outland"
...available here.
"Phantom of the Paradise"
...available here.
"The Dunwich Horror"
...available here.
"Judge Dredd"
...available here.
BARGAIN OF THE MONTH
"Rollerball"
...available here.
starring James Caan and John Houseman; directed by Norman Jewison
This 1975 sci-fi adventure envisions a 21st century society where
violence and crime have been contained, their impulses vented by a
popular sport that melds football, hockey, and motorsports into
ritualized violence. James Caan is the superstar who rebels against
this truly extreme sport in a cautionary tale that will hit theaters
this year as a remake. You can snag the original at well under $15
in our DVD Outlet.
Browse more sci-fi DVD bargains
...available here.
HORROR BY THE BOOK
"Black House"
...available here.
Horror masters Stephen King and Peter Straub revisit Jack Sawyer,
the hero of their 1984 collaboration, "The Talisman," in this
eagerly awaited new horror fantasy. The young teen of the earlier
book is now a thirtysomething cop who finds himself drawn into the
gruesome case of a kidnapper, killer, and cannibal who pulls Snyder
back into the alternate realities of the Territories. Releases
September 15.
IN THEATERS
The weekend is approaching; plans are being made. Everyone can
agree on going to the movies, but what's playing and where? Check
out Amazon.com In Theaters, a new service that fills you in on the
hottest films just opening and what's currently playing in your
local theaters. Sign up now for Amazon.com's free Weekly Showtimes
e-mail, and every Thursday we'll deliver--right to your inbox--a
complete listing of the showtimes and locations of the movies
playing in your area.
...available here.
"Hannibal"
...available here.
"Oh, now you're being rude, and you know I don't like rude people." --Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) defends good manners in "Hannibal" (2001). The third chapter in the serial killer's adventures arrives August 21 on DVD, but you can pre-order now.
ADVANCE ORDERS
"Star Wars - Episode I, The Phantom Menace (English/ Spanish)"
...available here.
starring Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, and Natalie Portman; directed by George Lucas The "Star Wars" saga finally comes to DVD with the release of 1999's introduction to the origins of Darth Vader. Extensive special features including archival material about the evolution of Lucasfilm and ILM, as well as games and Web links, spill onto a second disc. Releases October 16.
"The Mummy Returns - Collector's Edition (Widescreen)"
...available here.
starring Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz, John Hannah and Arnold Vosloo; directed by Stephen Sommers In the wake of "The Mummy"'s 1999 reincarnation as a box-office juggernaut, director Sommers reunited cast and crew, drafted WWF superstar Dwayne "the Rock" Johnson, and upped the special-effects budget for this pedal-to-the-metal sequel, which is definitely bigger but not necessarily better. Fans won't quibble, and the disc extras are numerous. Releases October 2.
"Carrie (Special Edition)"
...available here.
starring Sissy Spacek, Piper Laurie, Amy Irving, and John Travolta; directed by Brian De Palma The current wave of new DVD releases of Brian De Palma's horror and suspense films continues with this new edition of his 1976 classic, a watershed for the director, star Spacek, and Stephen King, who penned its source and is also profiled in the additional materials. Releases August 28.
"The Silence Of The Lambs (Widescreen Special Edition)"
...available here.
starring Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster; directed by Jonathan Demme With "Hannibal" on the horizon, MGM is simultaneously reissuing Anthony Hopkins's first turn as the diabolical serial killer with a taste for his fellow man. Truly terrifying, "The Silence of the Lambs" is a modern horror classic that achieves its shocks more by insinuation than demonstration. The 1991 chiller is also available in a full-frame version. Both arrive August 21.
"Planet of the Apes - The Evolution (Complete Series)"
...available here.
starring Roddy McDowell, Kim Hunter, Charlton Heston, and James Franciscus; various directors Tim Burton's retooled version of Pierre Boulle's cautionary fable has landed, offering a fresh excuse to revisit Franklin Schaffner's 1968 version starring Charlton Heston. It's a testament to the premise's power that the "Apes" franchise survived Heston's departure, as evidenced on "Evolution," which bundles all five theatrical features. Available August 21.
Also Recommended
"Farscape 6: Till the Blood Runs Clear/Rhapsody in Blue" (September 4)
...available here.
"Dressed to Kill" (August 28)
...available here.
"The Howling" (August 28)
...available here.
"Judge Dredd" (August 28)
...available here.
"Scanners" (August 28)
...available here.
DVD ESSENTIALS
If you're looking for definitive features in your favorite genre,
look no further than our Essential DVD Store, where Amazon.com's
editors serve our choices for the best-in-breed releases.
...available here.
Our variety of categories for both Horror and Science Fiction & Fantasy fans is perfect for starting--or completing--a DVD collection. Check out such lists as:
Essential Serial Killer Movies
...available here.
Dark Visions
...available here.
NEW RELEASES
"Akira"
...available here.
starring the voices of Mitsuo Iwata, Nozomu Sasaki, and Mami
Koyama; directed by Katsuhiro Otomo
A landmark animated feature that established a high bar for anime,
"Akira" finally arrives on DVD. Artist-writer Otomo first conceived
this violent, visionary epic in print form, then halted publication to
devote three years to its screen incarnation. Its depiction of
21st-century Neo-Tokyo and its intricate narrative revolving around
psychic and physical superpowers blur the lines between fantasy,
science fiction, and horror.
"Valentine"
...available here.
starring Denise Richards, David Boreanaz, and Marley Shelton;
directed by Jamie Blanks
Five comely and well-to-do female friends receive dire threats inside
anonymous valentines. When two of them meet violent ends, the
remaining trio suspect that the killer may be a nebbishy former
classmate whom they spurned years before at a school dance. Their
solution: throw a lavish Valentine's Day party, all the better to
distract them from the hulking, cherub-masked killer.
"Space 1999, Set 3"
...available here.
starring Martin Landau and Barbara Bain; directed by Charles
Crichton and Bob Kellett
The sleek, solemn, and occasionally (if unintentionally) silly British
sci-fi series from the 1970s continues its reincarnation as a DVD
franchise. When producer Gerry Anderson graduated from puppetry to
live action, his team flexed their formidable skill at special effects
and hardware design for this then-high-budget show, influenced more by
Kubrick than the Klingons. These episodes include new near disasters
for Moonbase Alpha, as well as fresh forays into the show's singular
brand of deep-space mysticism.
"Lexx - Series 2, Volume 3"
...available here.
starring Michael McManus, Xenia Seeburg, and Brian Downey; various
directors
"Farscape" has already underlined a growing appetite for sci-fi with
attitude, and now "Lexx" is proving just how far out the genre can
go. This Canadian-German series is a cheerfully skewed mix of space
opera and sex farce that mixes its rapid-fire special effects with
equally rapid double-entendres, as demonstrated in these four
episodes.
Also Recommended
"The Amityville Horror"
...available here.
"V: The Original Miniseries"
...available here.
"Ultraviolet"
...available here.
"Logan's Run"
...available here.
"The Dark Half"
...available here.
"Westworld"
...available here.
"Christine"
...available here.
"Wolf"
...available here.
POSTED 8 JULY 2001
"Star Wars - Episode I, The Phantom Menace"
...available here.
"Feel, don't think. Use your instincts." --Qui-Gon Jinn (Liam Neeson) explains the Force in "Star Wars: Episode I, The Phantom Menace" (1999). The first "Star Wars" feature to arrive on DVD will be released October 16, but you can pre-order it now.
ADVANCE ORDERS
"Hannibal"
...available here.
starring Anthony Hopkins and Julianne Moore; directed by Ridley
Scott
At large since "The Silence of the Lambs," the cerebral serial killer
created by novelist Thomas Harris undergoes a romantic transformation
while still flexing his homicidal (and culinary) tendencies. Anthony
Hopkins remains pitch-perfect as Hannibal Lecter, and Julianne Moore
steps gamely into the role of Clarice Starling in this gruesome but
stylish chiller. Releases August 21.
"Space 1999, Set 3"
...available here.
starring Martin Landau and Barbara Bain; directed by Charles
Crichton and Bob Kellett
The sleek, solemn and occasionally (if unintentionally) silly British
sci-fi series from the 1970s continues its rebirth as a DVD
franchise. When producer Gerry Anderson graduated from marionettes to
live action, his team flexed their formidable skill at special effects
and hardware design for this then-high-budget show, influenced more by
Kubrick than the Klingons. These episodes include new near-disasters
for Moonbase Alpha as well as fresh forays into the show's singular
brand of deep-space mysticism. Releases July 31.
"Valentine"
...available here.
starring Denise Richards, David Boreanaz, and Marley Shelton;
directed by Jamie Blanks
Five comely and well-to-do female friends receive dire threats inside
anonymous valentines. When two of them meet violent ends, the
remaining trio suspect that the killer may be a nebbishy former
classmate whom they spurned years before at a school dance. Their
solution: throw a lavish Valentine's Day party, all the better to
distract them from the hulking, cherub-masked killer. Releases July
24.
"Akira - Limited Special Edition"
...available here.
starring the voices of Mitsuo Iwata, Nozomu Sasaki, and Mami
Koyama; directed by Katsuhiro Otomo
A landmark animated feature that established a high bar for anime,
"Akira" finally arrives on DVD. Artist-writer Otomo first conceived
this violent, visionary epic in print form, then halted publication to
devote three years to its screen incarnation. Its depiction of
21st-century Neo-Tokyo and its intricate narrative revolving around
psychic and physical super-powers blur the lines between fantasy,
science fiction, and horror. This limited-edition two-disc set
releases July 24.
NEW RELEASES
"The Shining"
...available here.
starring Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall, and Scatman Crothers;
directed by Stanley Kubrick
Fans of Stephen King's original novel remain divided over this screen
adaptation, but fans of the late auteur Stanley Kubrick still savor
this deeply creepy, eerily beautiful portrait of a writer's descent
into madness while isolated with his family in a remote mountain
resort. This edition has been newly remastered and includes a remixed
5.1 surround soundtrack.
"Unbreakable"
...available here.
starring Bruce Willis and Samuel L. Jackson; directed by M. Night
Shyamalan
Writer-director Shyamalan's follow-up to his breakout hit, "The Sixth
Sense," is an ambitious, deceptively low-keyed thriller with a
tantalizing premise rooted in superhero mythology. Intended as the
first segment in a proposed trilogy, "Unbreakable" again trades on
Bruce Willis's once unexpected restraint in a story that shares the
somber tone and deliberate pace of its predecessor.
"Obsession"
...available here.
starring Cliff Robertson, Geneviève Bujold, and John Lithgow;
directed by Brian De Palma
Director De Palma signalled his reverence for Alfred Hitchcock with
this assured thriller scripted by Paul Schrader and directly inspired
by the doppelganger plot in Hitchcock's "Vertigo." Robertson is the
American doctor mesmerized by a young woman (Bujold) who bears an
uncanny resemblance to his dead wife. The Hitchcock parallels also
include a chilling score from Bernard Herrmann.
"Gormenghast"
...available here.
starring Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Ian Richardson, and Christopher Lee;
directed by Andy Wilson
This lavish BBC production brings Mervyn Peake's rich fantasy epic to
vivid life. The ancient family of Groan has presided over its imposing
castle, Gormenghast, for 77 generations when a new heir, Titus Groan,
is born. But a charming, evil kitchen boy exploits the birth as the
first step in his own ruthless ascent to power in a saga spiced with
madness, treachery, and richly eccentric characters. This edition
arrives as a two-disc set.
"Dracula 2000"
...available here.
starring Jonny Lee Miller, Justine Waddell, and Jennifer Esposito;
directed by Patrick Lussier
Producer Wes Craven filters Bram Stoker's sturdy vampire legend with
canny updates, cheeky humor, and a Gen-Y cast headed by Miller
("Trainspotting"), but it's veteran Christopher Plummer who injects
the project with verve in a juicy turn as vampire hunter Van
Helsing. Look for "Star Trek: Voyager" Borg babe Seven of Nine (Jeri
Ryan) as one of the slinky bloodsuckers.
"Ultraviolet"
...available here.
starring Jack Davenport and Susannah Harker; directed by Joe Aherne
Add this stylish sci-fi/horror miniseries to the impressive stream of
noir-tinged thrillers produced for British television. Aired in the
U.S. on the Sci-Fi Channel, "Ultraviolet" reinvents vampire lore to
depict a modern world in which the undead have long survived not
through brute force but through subtle seduction--eternal life becomes
the ultimate bribe and the key to conspiracies that share some DNA
with "The X-Files."
"2001 - A Space Odyssey (Limited Edition Collector's Set)"
...available here.
starring Keir Dullea and Gary Lockwood; directed by Stanley Kubrick
"2001: A Space Odyssey" is among the late director's signature works
reaping the benefits of a major restoration; this edition of Kubrick's
towering science fiction classic is mastered from the original Super
Panavision 70 camera negative and six-track magnetic soundtrack. With
its stunning visual design, deliberate pace, and mind-blowing thematic
leaps from prehistory to a vision of cosmic destiny, the film, based
on an Arthur C. Clarke story, would change the face of sci-fi on
film. This deluxe edition includes special memorabilia that will
delight the hardcore star child.
DVD
reviews excerpted are copyright © 2001 amazon.com & associate ncdn and CDnow, TowerRecords, Barnes & Nobel associates