Ground-breaking 'Graduate' gets spruced up for DVD
Dustin Hoffman had appeared in a variety of television shows before he got his big break in the groundbreaking film "The Graduate." The film was quite controversial in 1967, with its scenes of an older woman (Anne Bancroft) seducing a young man (Hoffman).
The film, which was nominated for seven Academy Awards and won for Best Director, was voted the No. 17 film of all time by the American Film Institute. Besides terrific performances by the entire cast, the film's writing and cinematography provide a firm foundation for a biting satirical comedy filled with drama. The music of Simon and Garfunkel adds to the feel of the classic.
"The Graduate: 40th Anniversary Edition" (MGM, two discs, $24.98)
Director Mike Nichols' film has been re-mastered for the best video and audio quality. The special features include audio commentaries, four featurettes, a theatrical trailer and four songs from the original soundtrack.
Collections
"The Vincent Price Collection" (MGM, five discs, $39.98)
Vincent Price was a Hollywood treasure who found his niche in horror films. He had a distinctive voice and look, and he was perfectly cast in the many roles that he starred in.
The films in this collection include "Abominable Dr. Phibes," "Dr. Phibes Rides Again," "Theater of Blood," "Madhouse," "Tales of Terror," "Twice Told Tales," "Witchfinder" and a bonus disc that includes featurettes and a documentary.
"The Fly Collection" (MGM, four discs, $39.98)
Vincent Price stars in the classic film series, which is available in a box set. The films are: "The Fly," "The Return of the Fly," "The Curse of the Fly" and a bonus disc that includes Price's biography, featurettes, photo galleries, trailers, TV spots, lobby cards and more.
The public saved the "Midnite Movies" double features by voting online to have MGM continue with new releases. The latest double features, which retail for $14.98 each, are: "The Beast Within/Bat People," "The Phantom From 10,000 Leagues/The Beast With a Million Eyes," "Pharoh's Curse/Cure of the Faceless Man," "Return of Dracula/The Vampire" and "Youngary, Monster From the Deep/Konga."
Fox Home Video has added six double features of its own, which retail for $14.98 each. They are: "Blueprint for Murder/Man in the Attic," "Chosen Survivors/Earth Dies Screaming," "Tales From the Crypt/Vault of Horror," "Devils of Darkness/Witchcraft," "House on Skull Mountain/Mephisto Waltz" and "Gorilla at Large/Mystery at Monster Island."
Also available is H.G. Wells' "Food of the Gods" for $14.98.
Television
"Addams Family: Vol. 3" $29.98
"Avatar: The Last Airbender -- Book 2" $69.99
"Bones: Season Two" $59.98
"Charmed: The Final Season" $54.99
"Fraggle Rock: Season Three" $49.98
"Grey's Anatomy: Season Three" $59.99
"I Dream of Jeanie: Season Four" $39.95
"Jericho of Scotland Yard No. 2" $29.95
"Jimmy Dean Show No. 2" $14.98
"Judge Judy: Justice Served" $19.98
"Las Vegas: Season Four" $59.98
"McHale's Navy: Season Two" $44.98
"Overhaulin': Season 3, No. 3" $29.98
"Ozzie and Harriet Collection" $29.98
"Prime Suspect 7: The Final Act" $29.99
"Supernatural: Season Two" $59.98
"Two and a Half Men: Season One" $44.98
Available this week
• "A Few Days in September"
• "As You Like It"
• "Away From Her"
• "Blue Smoke"
• "Blue Rose"
• "Burning"
• "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee"
• "Buy the Ticket, Take the Ride: Hunter S. Thompson on Film"
• "Carolina Moon"
• "Cautiva"
• "DOA: Dead or Alive"
• "Even Money"
• "Face/Off: Special Edition"
• "Griffin & Phoenix"
• "House of Usher"
• "I Have Not Forgotten You: Life and Times of Simon Wiesenthal"
• "Krazy Keystone Komedies"
• "Lillies"
• "Lost World: 1960 & 1925 Versions"
• "Private Property"
• "When Comedy Was King"
Next week
Available Tuesday:
• "Beyond the Gates"
• "Brothers and Sisters: Season One"
• "Cruisin': Special Edition"
• "Gracie"
• "Roger Corman Collection"
• "Saturday Night Fever: 30th Anniversary Edition"
• "Troy: Director's Edition"
• "Two Weeks"
• "We are Marshall"