New on DVD

"The Golden Compass"

This family fantasy adventure tells the story of young Lyra Belacqua (Dakota Blue Richards), who discovers something special about herself. She is picked by Mrs. Coulter (Nicole Kidman), who has other motives, to go on a trip with her to the icy north. Before she leaves, her friend is kidnapped, and she is given a golden compass, which will reveal the truth. Lyra runs away to save her friend and others. Along the way she meets lots of companions while protecting the compass. Great special effects add to the story about friendship, courage and never giving up.

"27 Dresses"

Jane (Katherine Heigl) is an amateur wedding planner who has been a bridesmaid 27 times. She is in love with her boss, George (Edward Burns), but does not tell him. George meets Jane's sister, and they become engaged. Jane gets to plan the wedding, but in time falls in love with a wedding announcements writer.

"The Diving Bell and the Butterfly"

The winner of the Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film and nominated for various Oscars, the true story tells the tale of Jean-Dominique Bauby (Mathiew Amalric), editor of "Elle" magazine who suffered a massive stroke. He has locked-in syndrome, where he is a prisoner in his own mind. Unable to speak, he communicates by blinking. With the help of an editor, he writes a novel that details his experience. The film will touch your heart.

"Bernard and Doris"

Susan Sarandon stars as tobacco heiress Doris Duke, who hires down-on-his-luck butler Bernard Lafferty (Ralph Fiennes). He is very shy but is perfect for Doris. Bernard becomes her companion but only on her terms. She trusted him, and it paid off when she died. It's a beautifully photographed film that captures the time perfectly.

Available next week

• "Bella"

• "First Sunday"

• "Hottie and the Nottie"

• "I'm Not There"

• "Oprah Winfrey Presents Mitch Albom's For One More Day"

• "Over Her Dead Body"

• "P.S. I Love You"

• "The Business of Being Born"

-- Jeff Tuckman, videoanswerman@comcast.net