New on DVD: '50/50' and 'Memphis'

“50/50”

Screenwriter Will Reiser was only 27 years old when he was diagnosed with spinal cancer and given a 50 percent chance of survival. He infuses “50/50” — starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt as cancer patient Adam — with his experiences. The film follows Adam through his daily life and stars Seth Rogen as his longtime friend Kyle, Bryce Dallas Howard as his girlfriend, Anjelica Houston as his loving and overbearing mother and Anna Kendrick as his young therapist. The ensemble cast works well together, and the script is sensitively written. “50/50” is a comedy/drama that is both touching and inspiring.

“Memphis: The Original Broadway Production”

If you have not seen this terrific musical, then you are in for a treat. “Memphis” won multiple Tony Awards, and the music was written by Bon Jovi band member David Bryan and Joe DiPietro. The story takes place in the segregated underground clubs in 1950s Memphis, where a white DJ (Chad Kimball) falls in love with a black singer (Montego Glover). The entire cast is outstanding, and this production was filmed live before a sold-out audience.

“Kojak: The Complete Movie Collection”

The beloved TV cop drama “Kojak” featured one of the genre's most memorable leading characters. Telly Savalas starred as street-wise veteran detective Theo Kojak. who had his own way of solving homicide cases — as well as his trademark lollipop. This collection puts together eight films featuring Kojak: “Ariana,” “Fatal Flaw,” “Flowers For Matty.” “It's Always Something,” “None So Blind,” “The Belarus File,” “The Marcus-Nelson Murders” and “The Prince of Justice.”

Available next week

• “Dream House”

• “Drive”

• “In Time”

• “Styx: The Grand Illusion Live”

• “The Big Year”

• “The Thing”

• “To Kill A Mockingbird 50th Anniversary Edition”

• “Underground Railroad: The William Still Story”