catacombs       
Lionsgate Films

The first thing you notice about Catacombs is the blurb “From the producers of Saw.”  The next thing you probably notice is the “Unrated Director’s Cut,” which usually is a horror movie’s seal of approval. Based on these two things, most horror fans will give Catacombs a chance. So what do you get for this leap of faith? Well, you get a decent horror flick, which oddly enough is not very gory, given the rating. There is a lot of screaming in this movie (maybe too much), but then again, what’s a horror movie without screaming?  But in the end, most horror fans will see Catacombs is a good flick, with an ending that will have you saying either “Man, that was cool,” or “What the %$#%!”
–dark abyss
 

dallas: the complete eighth season       
Warner Home Video

Before I begin, I have a confession to make. Before reviewing this DVD collection, I had never seen an episode of “Dallas.” I was hoping this collection included the famous “Who Shot J.R.” episode, but no such luck. In any case, I watched a few episodes to get a feel for them. Now, I will admit that “Dallas” isn’t my normal cup of tea and I don’t think it ever will be. That said, after watching three straight hours of “Dallas,” I can see how so many people are crazy about this show. “Dallas,” when it’s all said and done, is entertaining, and I guess that’s what really counts.
–dark abyss

angels in the dust       
Cinema Libre

the tudors: the complete first season       
Showtime Entertainment

“The Tudors” is a fascinating drama about King Henry VIII, who ascended to the throne of England at the age of 19. Jonathan Rhys Meyers (Match Point, Bend It Like Beckham) is very effective as the king, exuding charisma and desire in equal parts. This show is quite elaborate in its making although it’s a bit dramatically tepid throughout many of its episodes. That quibble aside, series creator Michael Hirst must be proud of himself for being behind such a well-executed historical drama.
–forrest green III
 

mchale’s navy: season three       
Studio: Shout Factory

Along with “The Honeymooners” and “The Andy Griffith Show,” “McHale’s Navy” is one of my all-time favorite shows. Once again, Quinton McHale (Ernest Borgnine) and his partner in crime, Chuck Parker (Tim Conway) are at odds with their commander, the always-scheming Wallace Binghamton (Joe Flynn). As usual, at least for me, it’s always Tim Conway that steals the show. On the down side, this new edition doesn’t include any bonus features such as interviews with original cast members. So if you’re a true fan, then you may want to check out “McHale’s Navy Series 1 and 2.” They include some old-time memories and comments from original cast members.
–dark abyss 
 

desert bayou       
Cinema Libre Studio

Desert Bayou is a documentary on the Katrina Hurricane debacle. After watching Spike Lee’s four-hour epic When the Levees Broke, I thought anything else on the subject would be a letdown. Well, I was wrong. Yes, Desert Bayou does indeed cover the horrid conditions of the Katrina evacuees, but with somewhat of a twist. This movie focuses solely on the evacuees sent to the military installation in Utah. Told from a fish-out-of water perspective, Desert Bayou is an interesting and moving story of how these evacuees and the residents of Utah come to grips with each other. Make sure you check out the special features, which includes a gem of an interview with a displaced New Orleans resident that is about a real as real can get.
–dark abyss