Film/DVD

DVD Shorts: September 2007

Deliverance: 35th Anniversary Deluxe Edition, The Gymnast, Follow My Voice: With the Music of Hedwig, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, The Mickey Rooney & Judy Garland Ultimate Collector’s Edition

DeliveranceDeliverance: 35th Anniversary Deluxe Edition
You’ll squeal like a pig over the informative special features of this remastered classic tale of man versus nature. Did you know the odd-faced hillbilly boy in the film’s beginning is not actually playing that banjo? Instead, a third sleeve was sewn into his jacket so another boy could slide his arm through and work the fret board. • 1972. Directed by James Boorman. • From Warner Home Video (www.warnerbros.com). — Preview: Eric A.T. Dieckman

The Gymnast
The visuals, especially the feats of gymnastic grace, are astonishing in this story of forbidden love. What’s even more astonishing, however, is that someone found gymnasts who are as talented at acting as they are amazing at acrobatics. Of course, the building passion between these two superbly fit women lends plenty of eye candy to the narrative. • 2006. Written and directed by Ned Farr. • From Wolfe Video (www.WolfeVideo.com). — Review: E.D.

myvoiceFollow My Voice: With the Music of Hedwig
Too ensnared by the cult of the angry inch to stop at the DVD, the soundtrack, and seeing the live show? Don’t fret just yet. This dynamic doc takes an in-depth look at some of the students of New York’s Harvey Milk School and mixes that footage with a fantastic slate of musicians contributing to the Hedwig tribute album, including Rufus Wainright and Cyndi Lauper. (The album benefits the Harvey Milk School.) • 2006. Directed by Katherine Linton. • From Wolfe Video (www.WolfeVideo.com). — Preview: E.D.

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Seasons One & Two
In this deliciously tasteless series, four twenty-somethings confront practically every taboo of decent society and fondle them all inappropriately. In “The Gang Gets Racist,” a friend promotes the main characters’ pub as a gay bar with OUTrageous success. While one owner wants his old straight bar back, the others want to keep the gay customers, for their money. • From Fox Home Entertainment (www.foxhome.com). — Review: E.D.

RooneyGarlandThe Mickey Rooney & Judy Garland Collection: Ultimate Collector’s Edition
Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland appeared in around 10 films together, and four of these, the so-called “backyard musicals,” are making their DVD debuts in The Mickey Rooney & Judy Garland Collection: Ultimate Collector’s Edition. The five-disc set offers Babes in Arms (1939), Strike Up the Band (1940), Babes on Broadway (1941), and Girl Crazy (1943), and includes a bonus disc containing nearly three hours of special features. It should be pointed out that the “classic” status of these films is due in no small part to the contributions of legendary director and choreographer Busby Berkeley. (Consumer Alert: The faint-of-heart may want to be adequately sedated before viewing Rooney’s Carmen Miranda drag in Babes on Broadway.) — Review: Jack Varsi

Rick & Steve: The Happiest Gay Couple in All the World
Rick & Steve hit Logo on July 10, 2007, and was an instant success. This original animated series stars the voice talent of Alan Cumming, Peter Paige, Wilson Cruz, and Margaret Cho, with music from the creators of the hit Broadway show, Avenue Q. The DVD includes all six episodes of the series, with special features straight from West Lahunga Beach, the gayest of gay ghettos. Meet “The Puppet Masters” and go behind the scenes with “Toys Will Be Toys: Animating Rick & Steve.” Other extras include cast interviews, 12 digisodes, and more. From Logo (www.logoonline.com). — Preview: Suzie Lynde

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