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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, December 4, 2009

Take home summer blockbusters


By Bob Bloom
Lafayette (Ind.) Journal & Courier

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Bryce Dallas Howard, left, and Christian Bale star in "Terminator Salvation."

Warner Bros., 20th Century Fox

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Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Ben Stiller and Amy Adams enliven "Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian."

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A futuristic sequel, more museum laughs and a cartoon character came to DVD earlier this week.

"TERMINATOR SALVATION" PG-13

The lowdown: The fourth time is definitely no charm for this series in which Christian Bale plays an adult John Connor who rallies the remnants of humanity to fight Skynet.

The movie, released on May 21, cost $200 million to make and earned back its cost, taking in $125.3 million in the United States and $246 million overseas.

Reviewers were less than kind, giving the movie a 32 percent positive rating at Rottentomatoes.com. This bare-bones DVD features a decent digital transfer; the sound is especially impressive.

Don't miss: A digital copy of the film is the only extra. Too bad Bale's infamous tirade was not included — it could have added to the appeal of the DVD.

"NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: BATTLE OF THE SMITHSONIAN" PG

The lowdown: Ben Stiller returns in this sequel boosted by a wacky performance by Hank Azaria as a touchy Egyptian pharaoh who speaks like Boris Karloff. Amy Adams is charming as Amelia Earhart. The sequel is a lot of fun, with jokes galore and finely crafted special effects.

The movie, produced for $150 million, reached theaters on May 22. It took in $177.2 million in the United States and $235.1 million in foreign markets.

Critically, it garnered a 44 percent positive rating on the tomatometer. The DVD's digital transfer enhances the mood and the effects.

Don't miss: The two-disc set features a making-of featurette, deleted scenes, a gag reel and a look at Azaria trying out different voices for his character. A second "monkey mischief" disc is devoted to the antics of the small primate co-stars.

"BEN 10: ALIEN SWARM" NOT RATED

The lowdown: A live-action version of the popular Cartoon Network character comes to DVD after its initial airing on the CN. Ben and his pals must defeat a swarming alien menace from taking over the planet. The DVD's audio and visual transfers are very sharp.

Don't miss: A standard making-of featurette and a music video comprise the extras.