‘Planet of the Apes’ go ‘Blu-ray’

“Humans are even uglier in high-def,” Fox promises, and the new “Planet Of the Apes: 40-Year Evolution Blu-ray Collection” delivers.

The 1968 original anchors the set — you know, the one with the Statue of Liberty. After that, it’s “Beneath the Planet of the Apes,” “Escape From the Planet of The Apes,” “Conquest of the Planet of the Apes” and “Battle for the Planet of the Apes.” In other words, fans of the futuristic series will go ape for this gift set. Or any of the “Planet of the Apes” Blu-ray
titles, available separately.

The films in “Planet Of the Apes: 40-Year Evolution” are all in HD-friendly widescreen (ratio of 2.35:1, as in theaters) with reworked soundtracks in 5.1 DTS.

New bonus features (in addition to older material) are presented in high-def. They include:

• “Impact of the Apes” on the long-running phenomenon.
• Making-of featurettes for all of the sequel films.
• “Science of the Apes”: Scientists and anthropologists weigh in.
• “Evolution of the Apes” featurette tracking the apes from the original novel to the screen.
• “Public Service Announcement From ANSA”

Perfect gift for: Male Baby Boomers, science fiction fans

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James Bond back, on Blu-ray

“Dr. No,” “From Russia With Love” and “Thunderball” — all 007 classics starring Sean Connery — have made it to Blu-ray. That old gadget maker Q must be thrilled to see the movies in 21st century high definition.

The rest of the James Bond high-definition titles released by MGM/Fox in October: “Die Another Day” (Pierce Brosnan), “Live and Let Die” (Roger Moore) and “For Your Eyes Only” (Moore).

These great-looking Blu-ray releases were all targeted for the debut of “Quantum of Solace” and, of course, holiday shopping. Daniel Craig, by the way, is the best Bond since Connery. (Check out “Casino Royale” on Blu-ray.)

These Bonds are the first pre-”Casino Royale” Blu-rays in the series. They’re the Lowry process restorations, which were done four years or so ago for DVD, but with future high definition releases in mind.

A word of caution: The 007 Blu-rays have refused to work in part on some Sony players and refuse to play at all on the problem-plagued Samsung BD-P1200. To see if there are issues with your player, do a Google search on the model number and “James Bond Blu-rays.”

Perfect gifts for: Baby Boomers, action fans

Buy the new James Bond Blu-rays at Amazon.

‘Wall-E’ DVDs have the right stuff

“Wall-E” is a brave little trash compactor. Not a line of dialog is spoken in the first 20 minutes of the latest Pixar hit, leaving the robot has to carry the computer animated film like some old-time silent star.

Charlie Chaplin, move over. Kids sit there fascinated; adults are suckers for the gorgeous 3D animation. Lots of youngsters will end up loving this movie for their lifetimes.

“Wall-E” the movie proves to be another instant classic from the guys and gals at Pixar, who are working these days for ex-rivals Disney, seemingly none the worse for it. The mix of lovable characters, high-flying action and an eco-friendly plotline make the “Wall-E” DVD a can’t-miss gift for the whole family.

The film comes in single- double- and triple-disc packages. (The third discs carry a digital copy, great for teens with iPods.) This review refers to the three-disc Blu-ray of “Wall-E.”

The film looks and sounds up to Pixar and Disney’s high standards for major releases. While the DVD and Blu-ray visuals seem pretty hazy and soft in the initial Earth sequences, once the action zooms into space the picture becomes state-of-the-art sharp.

“I wanted it overcast (on Earth), and then I wanted that cold, clean clinical (view of) space that you got in ‘2001,’ ” director director Andrew Stanton says in the generous extra features.

The audio certainly delivers the high fidelity with the Blu-ray’s 5.1 DTS-HD audio, but the surround mix is a disappointment, compared with, say, the new “Nightmare Before Christmas” releases.

The movie disc kicks off with a pair of cartoons. “BURN-E” is exclusive to DVD, starring the welding robot that has a minor part in the movie. It’s fast and and fun. The magician and bunny toon “Presto” encores from “Wall-E’s” theatrical run, feeling like Looney Tunes in CG (computer graphics).

Disney figured out long ago that both kids and adults are the consumers of their videos (unlike most kidvid titles). Dating back to “The Lion King” at least, the Mouse House has provided separate areas for the young and old. On Wall-E, it’s “robots” and “humans.” (You get to be the human, sorry.)

“Wall-E” has some decent arcade games, one a knockoff of the old space-shooter Galaga that doesn’t translate so well with a DVD remote control, but we love it anyway.

For the adults, the best feature is a profile of Pixar that tracks the pioneering computer animation company from its early days with George Lucas, to the relatively new buyout by the post-Michael Eisner regime at Disney.

The 90-minute documentary “The Pixar Story” (on disc 2) tracks the animation house via the story of creative chief John Lasseter. In part, it’s also a history of computer animation in movies. Steve Jobs, George Lucas and Michael Eisner are among the major players.

The (1080p) high-def documentary was directed by Leslie Iwerks. Take a bow, Leslie.

In the extra “Captain’s Log,” we see that the initial concept for the space ship’s occupants was not exiled humans but otherwordly “moving blobs of Jello” ruled by a jiggly king and queen and served by downtrodden robots.

In the short film “Imperfect Lens,” Stanton talks about how he grew up with the space movies “2001,” “Star Wars” and their many imitators. He sought to reproduce the anamorphic widescreen look of 70 mm films, using tricks with CG animation.

“Wall-E,” by the way, is the first Pixar feature film set (mostly) in space. Out of sight!

Perfect gift for: Kids, teenagers, animation fans, Blu-ray buffs.

Buy “Wall-E&amp” videos at Amazon.

‘Hancock’ the hung-over hero

“Hancock,” starring Will Smith as the sorriest superhero ever to fly the unfriendly skies, pleasantly surprised just about everyone last summer.

It’s the story of a bum who happens to fight crime and save humans in peril, in between bouts of drinking and despair. A PR man (Bateman) figures he can rehabilitate Hancock’s image — good luck! Hancock even takes an unusual interest in the PR guy’s stay-at-home wife (Charllize Theron).

Audiences loved its unpredictability, as the story takes a major turn heading into the final act. Just when you thought you had “Hancock” figured out …

Great acting from pretty much all involved: Smith, Theron, Bateman and even the the kid in the remake of “Halloween,” who has a brief bit as a weird bully.

The “Hancock” double-disc DVD
and Blu-ray offer state-of-the-art picture and sound. On Blu-ray, the Dolby TrueHD fills the living room with shattering glass and sonic booms. Hope the neighbors don’t call the cops!

Extra features are the usual fare, covering special effects, the making of the movie, stunts, etc. One terrific extra looks at the family house that was, remarkably, built on a studio lot — along with the rest of the cul de sac. Just imagine living there, actor Bateman says. “The security would be great.”

Perfect gift for: Teenage boys, Blu-ray buffs.
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The lovely ‘Sabrina,’ restored

“Sabrina” with Audrey Hepburn has received a tasteful makeover courtesy of Paramount Home Entertainment and its “Centennial Celebration” DVD series.

“Sabrina” sets a standard for ugly-duckling romance stories, with Hepburn playing a chauffeur’s daughter who’s loved by two rich brothers: Humphrey Bogart and William Holden. Who will she choose? Linus (Bogart) the hard-working boss of the family business? Or David, the playboy who can’t be bothered to work.

The 1954 film was directed by the great Billy Wilder, whose classic ““Sunset Boulevard”” was rereleased along with “Sabrina.” Actor Holden, of course, plays the sap in “Sunset,” but gets lighter duty here. Wilder’s touch with comedy can’t be beat — see “Some Like It Hot.”

Don’t be confused or waylaid by the 1995 “Sabrina” remake directed by Sydney Pollack, who should have known better than to try to update Wilder. The original “Sabrina” is 50 years older, but feels fresher, hipper and much more romantic.

The new release of “Sabrina” improves slightly on the pictures and sound found on its previous DVD release, in 2001, part of the “The Audrey Hepburn DVD Collection.”.

Extras on the new “Sabrina” DVD include a 17-minute look at Hepburn as a fashion icon; a visit to the Long Island setting of the movie; and, in a nice touch, “Supporting Sabrina,” about the outstanding character actors who worked the movie.

There’s a profile of Holden at Paramount (different than the decent Holden extra feature on “Sunset Boulevard”) and the same “Paramount in the ’50s” documentary that’s found on the other Centennial DVDs.

The other title in the Centennial series (so far) is Hepburn’s “Roman Holiday.”

Perfect gift for: Romantics, Billy Wilder fans, Audrey Hepburn fans

Buy Audrey Hepburn movies at Amazon.

‘Sleeping Beauty’ a DVD dream

The ying and the yang of classic Disney are on display in “Sleeping Beauty,” which gets an upgrade in two-disc Platinum editions on DVD and Blu-ray.

The 50th anniversary “Sleeping Beauty” videos follow a fine DVD version from five years ago that has been largely unavailable. Disney’s video techs have improved the picture, removed some signs of wear and done wonderful things with the audio.

The Blu-ray “Sleeping Beauty” includes a standard DVD, a nice touch. So the kids can do their little-fingers thing with the DVD while mom and dad keep the gorgeous HD safely stored. Brilliant.

The movie is one of Disney’s princess adventures, so of course girls will love it. Boys under 6 will find plenty to like as well — plenty of evil lurking about and a cool prince as the hero.

Most of the extra features from the 2003 Special Edition have been ported over to the new double disc set, but not the commentary. These include storyboards and image galleries. The new feature-length talk features Pixar/Disney’s John Lasseter, Leonard Maltin and the animator Andreas Deja.

“Picture Perfect: The Making of Sleeping Beauty” brings together interviews with many of the creative forces behind the animated classic. Some of the interviews clearly are old, of necessity.

Disc 1 has the still-amazing Grand Canyon short feature you might remember from Disneyland.

Disney continues to reveal deleted songs from its classic films, this time “It Happens When I Have a Picture,” “Riddle Diddle” and “Go to Sleep.” Worth a listen at least once.

Perfect gift for: Little girls of all ages.

Buy “Sleeping Beauty” at Amazon.

‘Two Fat Ladies’ ride again

“Two Fat Ladies” found fame on these shores via their late ’90s broadcasts on the Food Network. The irreverent BBC stars were unlike anything ever seen on that cooking network. Not only were they fat, they wanted to make sure you were, too.

Until recently, the delightful cooking shows of Jennifer Paterson and Clarissa Dickson Wright have been MIA on DVD. Acorn Media has imported all episodes of the politically incorrect cooking show, in a tribute to butter and lard and fat yumminess. Light up a ciggie, crack open a brew and enter the world of “Two Fat Ladies.”

Lard and butter were the basics for most dishes, slathered on in portions that would give a nutritionist hives. The BBC chief of the time recalls the ladies’ “pornographic zeal” in pouring on the butter. “They were determined that as many people as possible should die early because they’ve eaten (these recipes).”

The show had its share of great-looking dishes, too, and offered honest culinary instruction. It made no pretense of keeping up with cooking trends, however. The Fats officially hate vegetarians and those who would dare to watch their weights.

The show faded to black in 1999, sadly. Fat Lady Jennifer Paterson, who drove the show’s signature Triumph motorcycle, died of lung cancer.

Acorn’s DVD set features a BBC tribute to Paterson that tells of her fairly amazing life growing up bold and British, with a total disregard for authority. For decades, the well-traveled cook was in high demand at London’s choicest dinner parties, both as a guest and a caterer. She got the media bug working on ITV’s “Candid Camera.”

“You could always hear her voice in the recipes,” a friend says.

The “Fat Ladies” DVD set has OK audio and video, in stereo and TV full screen. A brief booklet has “eight yummo recipes,” including the famous “Hedgehog” meatloaf. “Quekke treat!”

Perfect gift for: Foodies, Food Network fans, Anglophiles.

Buy the “Two Fat Ladies” DVD set at Amazon.

‘Nightmare Before Christmas’ a dream on Blu-ray

Thrill the big kids and terrorize the tots with this truly fine Blu-ray version of Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas.”

The dark but delightful animated feature has gorgeous visuals, this time presented correctly in anamorphic widescreen.

The best part could be the state-of-the art audio, which adds to the fun and drama to be found on Danny Elfman’s musical score. All 7.1 channels of Dolby TruHD send out bold playful signals.

Both the DVDs and Blu-rays of “The Nightmare Before Christmas” feature new commentary from director Burton and music man Elfman. They also have a digital copy, which will thrill the iPod crowd. The regular “Nightmare” DVD comes with cool see-through packaging. Both versions of the movie come with “Frankenweenie,” Burton’s early animated effort about a stitched-together dog.

Perfect gift for: Teens, animation fans, hipsters, Blu-ray buffs

Buy “The Nightmare Before Christmas” Blu-ray at Amazon.

Indiana Jones back in action

Paramount’s “Indiana Jones: The Complete Adventure Collection” brings together all four of Indy’s movies, in their latest and greatest versions.

This collection adds the new Indy film to the box set released in spring 2008. The first three movies are the quality as the DVD versions put out then and in 2003. The big difference is the addition of extras on the individual titles, great for fans of the series. Plus, of course, there’s the latest installment: “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.” (Read the “Crystal Skull” DVD review.

All four movies are presented in widescreen (2.35:1), enhanced to look great on 16×9 TVs. Only “Crystal Skull” comes on Blu-ray. Audio and video carry the THX endorsement, naturally.

The new extras on “Crystal Skull” feature Steven Spielberg and George Lucas talking about how they decided to revive the franchise even though star Harrison Ford was way past action-star age.

Spielberg says Ford’s age was a major concern, of course, with the filmmakers wondering if he could pull off the role at age 55 — his age when they started to talk about a fourth film.

Now, Spielberg says, of course Ford could do it. And he did it in his middle-60s.

The main “Crystal Skull” making-of docu runs 80 minutes, covering the domestic locations, shooting in Hawaii and the extensive set work done on the Universal lot for the ancient city of Akator.

On Blu-ray, the video presentation is state of the art, although the TrueHD 5.1 audio came across too tame — a playful surround sound stage would have worked wonders. The DVD version of the film looks and sounds just fine, especially upconverted.

The documentary extras are in 1080i (on the Blu-ray), crisp and clear. Disc 1 of the Blu-ray has an interactive time line, which tracks the production as well as the history of the events cited in the film, a mix of reality and fiction. You can click on a dead poet’s profile to find out what John Hurt’s crazy professor was reciting in the jungle.

Pre-production, galleries, HD previsualization sequences and effects breakdowns fill out the package. The DVD (only) has an Xbox 360 demo of the tie-in Lego game.

Perfect gift for: Action fans, older boys, Baby Boomers