Challenging, but rewarding, 'Cloud Atlas' now out on DVD

“Cloud Atlas,” based on David Mitchell's best-selling novel, tells six linked stories set in six different time periods and utilizing six different genres.

The stories span from the 19th century to a post-apocalyptic future with each segment interconnecting with the others, all steeped in the social conditions of our history and those of the future.

The movie has a spiritual side, showing that humans are in states of reincarnation. The same actors play different roles in each segment, sometimes evolving from male to female, white to black, nationality to nationality.

This is quite a challenge for the actors, who are all so good that we believe the characters when we see them.

“Cloud Atlas” is also an emotion-charged film that inspires us to think. There is great attention to detail with the language and culture of each era, along with the makeup, the costumes, the photography, direction, writing and ensemble cast, including Tom Hanks, Halle Berry, Hugo Weaving, Doona Bae, Jim Broadbent, Jim Sturgess, Ben Whishaw, Susan Sarandon and Hugh Grant.

“The Marx Brothers Silver Screen Collection” — The Marx Brothers were one of the funniest comedy teams of all time. Their films and routines are timeless and this great collection is the only one to feature all four brothers: Groucho, Chico, Harpo and Zeppo.

Five films, bonus material and a booklet are part of the collection. The films include “Animal Crackers,” “Duck Soup,” “Horse Feathers,” “Monkey Business” and “The Cocoanuts.”

“Roseanne: The Complete Series” — One of television's classic sitcoms, is now available with all nine seasons. The show gained a huge and loyal audience by portraying an average family that America could relate to.

The cast, led by Roseanne Barr and John Goodman, carried the show, along with excellent writing.

The program was always in the top 10 shows of the week, and can now be seen in reruns around the world.

The set includes 27 discs, four hours of bonus material and 222 episodes for $69.98.

“History of Your Life: The Decades Collection” — This terrific collection has something for everyone. It is history before our eyes, taking us from the 1940s to the 1980s.

You will see the famous people who made their marks on each era, along with the events that shaped the times.

Documentaries, TV episodes, movie trailers, television commercials, celebrity profiles, and interactive timelines are included.

Next week:

Ÿ “Audrey Hepburn Collection”

Ÿ “Best of Warner Brothers Cartoon Collection”

Ÿ “Mel Brooks: Make a Noise”

Ÿ “Moody Blues: Live at Montreux”

Ÿ “Rick Steves Europe: All 100 Shows”

Ÿ “Side Effects”

Ÿ “True Blood: Season Five”