COMING ATTRACTIONS

Friday, December 22, 2006

Notable DVDs being released Tuesday include:

· The Black Dahlia (R) Based on a James Ellroy novel about a sensational real-life murder and starring Josh Hartnett, Aaron Eckhart, Scarlett Johansson and Hilary Swank, this Brian DePalma-directed flick would seem destined for greatness. It misses. Badly. The DVD has more than 45 minutes of bonus features, including "Reality and Fiction: The Story of The Black Dahlia," a sit-down with novelist Ellroy as he gives his perspective on the crime.

· The Descent (R and unrated versions available) Six women go caving deep in the Appalachian woods and baaaaaad things happen. A rarity in the sense that it was a generally well-reviewed horror film. Also available in the Blu-Ray high-definition format. Each version has special features, including outtakes, deleted scenes, commentaries by the director and cast, featurettes and more.

· Factotum (R) This one is based on the autobiographical novel of the same name by Charles Bukowski and is directed by Bent Hamer. It stars Matt Dillon and Lili Taylor. Dillon's performance is especially intriguing. Post film critic Ann Hornaday says the "film wins you over even as it dares you to keep watching."

· Jackass Number Two (R) Johnny Knoxville and his band of merry doofuses are back to engage in all manner of masochistic stunts. You're guaranteed to end up on the floor either laughing or vomiting.

· The Last Kiss (R) Post critic Desson Thomson writes: "Zach Braff plays Michael, an almost-30 architect who has just learned his beloved girlfriend, Jenna (Jacinda Barrett), is pregnant. Michael says the proper, supportive things, trying not to see the suddenly predictable trajectory of his life. He succumbs immediately to the flirtations of Kim (Rachel Bilson). Do we really want to watch the slow-burn destruction of trust and happiness? In this case, yes."

· Sir! No Sir! (Unrated) This documentary is narrated by a variety of veteran GIs who traded dog tags for picket signs and became key parts in the movement against the Vietnam War. Directed by David Zeiger, it's an important and highly relevant film considering the situation in Iraq.

· Mi Amigo (PG-13) Josh Holloway alert! You may know him as con man Sawyer on TV's "Lost," but in this 2002 movie he's a cowboy in Cherub, Tex. Problems between him and a friend cause both to leave town. Thirty years later, their paths cross again as they return to Cherub and try to settle an old debt.

Also being released:

· Angst (R)

· Magma: Volcanic Disaster (PG-13)

· The Simple Life: 'Til Death Do Us Part

-- Curt Fields

SEE THEM NOW

DVDs released Dec. 19 include:

· Little Miss Sunshine (R)

· My Super Ex-Girlfriend (PG-13)

· All the King's Men (PG-13)

· Lady in the Water (PG-13)

· Jet Li's Fearless (PG-13 and unrated versions)

· The Beauty Academy of Kabul (Unrated)

· A Scanner Darkly (R)

· The Wicker Man (PG-13 and unrated versions)

· American Pie Presents: The Naked Mile (R and unrated versions)

· Step Up (PG-13)

· The Celestine Prophecy (PG)

· The Simpsons: The Complete Ninth Season