DVDomination #2

Welcome to the second edition of DVDomination where we filter out those useless releases of T.V. series no one cares about and narrow it down to three interesting choices you won't just shelve after a single viewing of, stuff worth plunking down cash for. This week is slim pickings for movies coming out, with only one making the top three and even then it's a re-release.

1. The Simpsons: Season 8

Nothing’s more of a sure bet this week than a new season of the Simpsons, spanning the 1997 - 1998 slate, it just may mark one of the last memorable seasons for America’s dysfunctional family. Memorable episodes include the discovery of Bart’s evil twin in Treehouse of Horror VII, the legendary Hank Scorpio, Bart’s employment at a burlesque house, the divorce of Milhouse’s parents, a crossover with the X-Files, the memorable nanny Sherry Bobbins, Homer’s fear of gays, Homer’s nemesis Frank Grimes and Homer’s battling of prohibition. Another stellar guest star filled season and a must own for any fan of classic Simpsons.

Special Features
• Commentary on all episodes
• Deleted Scenes
• A Simpsons House Featurette with James L. Brooks
• Three Animated Showcases
• Illustrated Commentaries
• Deleted Scenes gallery with optional commentary
• Promotional spots


2. Apocalypse Now

For those of you who’ve refused to pick up Francis Ford Coppola’s memorable take on Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness, this new edition, “The Complete Dossier” gives you both the theatrical edition as well as the Redux that was released in theatres a few years back. For owners of one who prefer the other, Warner Bros. is offering this 2-disc set at the tune of $12.99, so you’re hardly breaking the bank by double dipping on this classic.

Special Features
• Both the theatrical and Redux version
• Commentary by Francis Ford Coppola
• Apocalypse Now and Then: A Retrospective
• 4 A/V club featurettes
• 5 post-production featurettes


3. Rome

The Emmy nominated historical drama Rome also arrives in stores via a 6-disc box set collecting all 12 episodes. Set in 52 B.C, Rome charts the dramatic shifts in the balance of power between former friends Pompey Magnus, leader of the Senate, and Julius Caesar, whose imminent return after eight years to Rome after conquering the Gauls, has the ruling class up in arms. What follows are events of betrayal, treachery and violence as characters scheme and plot their foes demise.

Special Features
• Select Episode Commentary
• "Friends, Romans, Countrymen" - Introduction to the characters
• All Roads Lead to Rome: An on-screen guide
• Shot by Show: select scene breakdowns
• Behind the Scenes: The Rise of Rome
• When in Rome featurette
• An 8-page guide to the series

Thus concludes another week of DVDomination, we'll be back next week to cover the releases of August 22nd, until then, avoid the DTV releases.