DVD Releases for December 30, 2003

December 30, 2003

Every week films get a second chance at success from the home market; or, in some cases, a first chance at success. Here is a list of wide releases, limited releases and even one or two from the growing TV on DVD section. This week has more to offer than last week, which is not saying much.

Here's a list of DVDs released tomorrow, and the rest of the week.

American Wedding - (Buy from Amazon: Widescreen or Pan and Scan): The last of the American Pie Trilogy, it was the middle film both critically and financially. Two notes, this is the unrated version, but whether there are substantive differences from the R rated theatrical release, or whether it is just a marketing ploy is unknown. Also note, the DVD is released on Friday, not Tuesday like most other releases.

The Land Before Time (Anniversary Edition) - (Buy from Amazon): The first and only theatrically released movie in The Land Before Time franchise, which is now up to 10 movies. Although it's an Anniversary Edition, there seems to be little to none in the way of special features.

Northfork - (Buy from Amazon): A limited release that never managed to play in more than a few dozen theatres and could only earn mediocre reviews. It will need to outperform its theatrical release at the home market in order to earn back its very modest production budget of $2 million.

The Order - (Buy from Amazon): One of the worst bombs of 2003, The Order should do better on the home market. But that's not saying much. When this movie was released, there was talk about how this movie was bounced around four different released dates and how much of it had to be reshot after a disastrous preview. So it might be interesting to rent the DVD just for the Director's Commentary to see how he felt about that. If he even mentions it.

Sex and the City: The Complete Fifth Season - (Buy from Amazon): You can also get all five seasons of this award winning comedy in one box set. This is the same strategy employed when they released the fourth season earlier in the year.

S.W.A.T. - (Buy from Amazon: Widescreen or Pan and Scan): One of the few pleasant surprises at the box office during the late summer. Granted, its reviews are nothing to brag about, but it did surpass $100 million domestically. It's not going to challenge you intellectually, but if you just want a half-decent popcorn flick, this one could fit the bill.

Tremors 4: The Legend Begins - (Buy from Amazon ): I must admit, I'm a big fan of the original movie, I've even seen the two direct to video sequels. So this prequel has my interest piqued. Unfortunately, there's little information about the movie on Amazon, so you should check out the official site. This DVD also ships on Friday, not Tuesday as is the norm.


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Filed under: DVD and Blu-ray Releases, Home Market Releases, S.W.A.T., American Wedding, The Order, Northfork