DVDs released March 18 include:
BIG-NAME RELEASES
- "Atonement" (R) "This film version of Ian McEwan's 2002 novel has achieved that to which every literary adaptation should aspire," wrote Post film critic Ann Hornaday and is "simply too exquisite for words." It stars Keira Knightley and James McAvoy. Extras include commentary by director Joe Wright, deleted scenes and a short making-of feature.
- "Enchanted" (PG) "This is a rare comedy that will appeal to the whole family, as it indulges in all the dreams of fairy-tale romance while making a few 21st-century adjustments," Hornaday wrote. It stars Amy Adams and Patrick Dempsey. There is a three-part look at the movie's musical production numbers and an animated feature called "Pip's Predicament."
- "I Am Legend: Two-Disc Special Edition" (PG-13) Set in New York City in 2012 and based on Richard Matheson's 1954 novel, this stars Will Smith as Robert Neville, seemingly the last person on Earth after a virus wipes out humanity. Critic Desson Thomson says watching the likable Smith is the best part of the film but that by the end it loses its edge. The special edition includes a second version of the film with an alternate ending that takes a less "Hollywood" tack. The single-disc edition lacks the alternate version.
- "Revolver" (R) Director Guy Ritchie (he of the quite fun "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels" and "Snatch") gets too complex and convoluted with this release. Critic Thomson says it's eventually like two Ritchie movies accidentally fused into one. Apparently aware of such criticism, Ritchie offers a commentary full of explanations about what's happening onscreen. There are also deleted scenes and a making-of segment.
- "The Seeker" (PG) Based on the novel "The Dark Is Rising," this is about Will Stanton (Alexander Ludwig) who, at 14, learns he is the last in a line of heroes dedicated to fighting the forces of the Dark. However, Thomson found it "a particular disappointment." Also disappointing: no extras.
- "Southland Tales" (R) Set in 2008, this movie imagines a parallel-universe America at war with the Axis of Evil, after a 2005 nuclear attack on Texas. Most critics, including Thomson, found it ambitious but incoherent. It's full of offbeat cameos, though, including Kevin Smith and Janeane Garofalo, which adds a certain entertainment value. Minimal extras do not.
HEY, IT'S BASEBALL SEASON
- MGM has rereleased three baseball flicks " "Bull Durham: Collector's Edition" (R), "Eight Men Out: Collector's Edition" (PG) and "Pride of the Yankees Collector's Edition" (Unrated) " just in time to get in the mood for the new season. Among the various new extras, "Bull Durham" has commentary from stars Kevin Costner and Tim Robbins and director Ron Shelton; "Eight Men Out" has commentary from director John Sayles; and "Pride of the Yankees" has seven short features on aspects of the film.
A RARE FIND
- "The Dragon Painter" (Unrated) This 1919 silent picture was long thought lost until relatively recently. It stars Sessue Hayakawa" (years later he was in "The Bridge on the River Kwai"). A raft of extras includes a Hayakawa and Fatty Arbuckle slapstick routine and an essay on Asian actors in U.S. cinema.
KID STUFF
- "Dennis the Menace: Trouble, Trouble Everywhere"
- "FARMkids" Animated series about a group of animals coping with life in the country after being relocated from a city's petting zoo.
- "Johnny and the Sprites: Meet the Sprites"
- "Pucca: Kung Fu Kisses" and "Pucca: Ninjas Love Noodles" Cute animated work that originated online and grew from there.
TV ON DVD
- "BET Hip Hop Awards 2007" Disappointingly, only one extra: a rehearsal performance from T.I.
- "Greek: Chapter One"
- "Married ... With Children: The Complete Eighth Season"
- "McHale's Navy: Season Three"