'West Side Story' marks 50th anniversary
“West Side Story: 50th Anniversary Edition Box Set”
Available on Blu-ray for the first time in a terrific four-disc set, “West Side Story” has never looked or sounded better. The beloved tale of star-crossed lovers Tony and Maria (Richard Beymer and Natalie Wood) won 10 Academy Awards and set the standard for movie musicals. The film featured great choreography as it depicted rival New York gangs: the Sharks and the Jets. Stephen Sondheim and Leonard Bernstein wrote the score, and the timeless music includes the songs “Maria,” “America” and “Somewhere.” The movie has been remastered in 1080p Hi-Def with 7.1 DTS Sound, and the special features include commentary, a storyboard-to-film comparison, a tribute CD, theatrical poster postcards and more.
“It Takes A Thief: The Complete Series”
In “It Takes a Thief,” Robert Wagner starred as Alexander Mundy, a sophisticated burglar who traveled the world on behalf of an American espionage agency. Each week, he would go to exotic locations with beautiful women to take on daring jobs. He was always being monitored by department head Noah Bain (Malachi Throne). The show ran from 1968 to 1970. This 18-disc set includes all 66 episodes as well as interviews, collectible booklet, four-piece coaster set and more.
“Crime Story: The Complete Series”
“Crime Story” was well written and well acted, and this nine-disc set includes 21 episodes from season one and 22 from season two. Michael Mann created the show, and it centered around police lieutenant Mike Torello (Dennis Farina) and his pursuit of gangster Ray Luca (Anthony Denison). Season one took place in and around Chicago, while season two moved to Las Vegas. Guest stars included Gary Sinise, Kevin Spacey, Michael Madsen, Julia Roberts and David Caruso. Each episode got you involved as you tried to figure out what would happen next.
“World War II in HD: Collector's Edition”
Fans of history and the History Channel will love this DVD and Blu-ray, featuring thousands of hours of color footage of the second world war. The producers traveled the world for more two years, gathering footage to piece together this great series — one of the most comprehensive and authentic accounts of the war. Part of the series follows 12 Americans and their personal and detailed accounts of what really happened. There is a behind-the-scenes featurette along with two feature-length specials.
Available next week
• “12 Angry Men: Criterion Collection”
• “Birth of a Nation: 3 Disc Special Edition”
• “David Susskind Show: Jerry Lewis”
• “Devil's Double”
• “Doctor Who: Complete Sixth Series”
• “Lady Gaga Live at Madison Square Garden”
• “L-Word: Complete Series”
• “Vincent Price: Three Classics”