Posted on: Friday, October 3, 2008
Downey as Iron Man a winner
By Bob Bloom
Lafayette (Ind.) Journal & Courier
A Marvel hero's debut, a lowbrow romantic comedy and a disturbing documentary highlight the DVD releases this week.
"Iron Man": Ultimate 2-Disc Edition.
Paramount Home Entertainment
The lowdown: Robert Downey Jr. hits the mark as Marvel's Tony Stark, aka Iron Man, in this fabulous two-disc set that features the summer hit and hours of extras.
The movie's visual and audio transfer is top-flight, with the sound really jumping from the speakers.
Don't miss: A multipart documentary tracing the film from conception through shooting is the major bonus offering. Others include Downey's audition, deleted and extended scenes, a history of the character, a short with Downey and co- star Jeff Bridges rehearsing and more.
Rated: PG-13, science fiction violence and action.
"Forgetting Sarah Marshall": Collector's Edition.
Universal Studios Home Entertainment
The lowdown: A raunchy but romantic comedy about heartbreak and rebounding comes to DVD in a two-disc set offering the theatrical version and a longer unrated version, as well as hours of bonus materials.
The set's digital transfer is very sharp and clear; no glitches were detected.
Don't miss: A digital copy of the movie to download on either your Mac or PC is included among the extras.
Others include an entertaining commentary track, deleted and extended scenes, audition tapes, video diaries, a gag reel, a couple of alternate line readings, a featurette on co-star Russell Brand, alternate "Crime Scene" sequences and alternate drunken line offerings.
Rated: R, strong language, sexual situations, nudity.
"Taxi to the Dark Side."
Image Entertainment
The lowdown: This winner of the best documentary feature Academy Award is a disturbing look at the torture and killing of detainees by the United States.
The documentary features uncomfortable looks at the prisons at Bagram Air Force Base in Afghanistan, Abu Ghraib in Iraq and Guantanamo, Cuba.
It also asks questions that many Americans would rather ignore.
The DVD's digital transfer is first-rate; the subject matter is very dark.
Don't miss: A commentary track by and interview with director Alex Gibney, extended interviews and outtakes comprise the bulk of the extras.
Rated: R, disturbing images, torture, nudity.
