Diana’s DVDs: Nov. 10, 2009
PICKS OF THE WEEK
G.I. Joe A Real American Hero: Complete Collector’s Set
Who does it star? Michael Bell (as the voice of Duke), Jack Angel (as the voice of Wet Suit), Gregg Berger (as the voice of Spirit), Aurthur Burghardt (as the voice of Destro), Corey Burton (as the voice of Tomax), Richard Gautier (as the voice of Serpentor), Neil Ross (as the voice of Shipwreck), B.J. Ward (as the voice of Scarlett) and many more.
What’s the premise? “G.I. Joe is the code name for America’s daring, highly-trained, Special Missions force. Its purpose: to defend human freedom against Cobra, a ruthless terrorist organization determined to rule the world.”
When can I see it? On DVD!
Where does it air? G.I. Joe A Real American Hero aired in syndication from 1985-87.
Why is it worth my time? I wish I could say I grew up watching G.I. Joe, but I didn’t. I know, I know — as a child of the ‘80s, this should’ve been at the top of my Saturday morning cartoon list, but I was a real girlie-girl in my youth (think pink bedroom and loads of Barbies) and crime-fighting heroes just weren’t my cup of tea.
This awesome limited-edition collector’s set might be just the trick to change a gal’s mind, though. The appropriately army-coloured footlocker case boasts all 95 episodes of G.I. Joe’s original animated adventures (including the final episodes that have never been available on DVD before) and a torrent of special bonus features (see the complete list below) that make for over 36 hours of cartoon viewing bliss.
Based on the successful toy line by Hasbro and the comic book series by Marvel, G.I. Joe A Real American Hero began life as two five-part mini-series and took off into a regular series from 1985-87 thanks to its growing popularity (two subsequent five-part mini-series aired within these two seasons as well). Since the cartoons were initially produced as a vehicle to sell toys, each episode focused on a particular character, but this is far from a bad thing; rather, all of the characters get their chance to shine in the TV spotlight and the storylines are pleasantly tweaked to showcase their individual talents.
Of course, I can’t forget to mention the PSAs that appear at the end of each half hour, too (within the regular series, that is). It’s nice to see a kids show attempting to keep its viewers safe, even if its catchphrase, “Now you know, and knowing is half the battle,” is ridiculously cheesy. But hey, sometimes a little cheese is a good thing, right? Take these choice one-liners from the show, for example:
“I'm going to kick the mustard out of that crazy hot dog.” – Duke, after almost being killed by a plane.
“I lost more time climbing to this ridiculously melodramatic location.” – Destro to Cobra Commander, after being reamed for his lateness.
“Let's get those crystals and get out. I'm starting to identify with frozen food. – Scarlett, while visiting the Arctic Circle.
In other G.I. Joe news, the hit summer blockbuster G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra, which stars the likes of Channing Tatum, Marlon Wayans, Sienna Miller, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Dennis Quaid, made its debut on Blu-ray and DVD last Tuesday, Nov. 3.
In the complete series … G.I. Joe must thwart Cobra’s plans for world domination, which includes an experimental teleportation machine, a weapon that manipulates storm systems, a device that neutralizes electrical power and a genetically engineered new leader.
Guest stars: N/A.
Bonus features: Eight retrospective featurettes, archival Hasbro Toy commercials, exclusive voice cast reunion, G.I. Joe’s Original 1963 Toy Fair presentation, public service announcements, live-action fan film “Battle for the Serpent Stone,” a collectible book, a 1-GB dog tag flash drive with two G.I. Joe Silent Comics and rub-on tattoos.
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Number of discs: 17
Number of episodes: 95
Running time: 2,190 mins |
Dawson’s Creek: The Complete Series
Who does it star? James Van Der Beek (as Dawson Leery), Katie Holmes (as Joey Potter), Michelle Williams (as Jen Lindley), Joshua Jackson (as Pacey Witter), Kerr Smith (as Jack McPhee), Meredith Monroe (as Andie McPhee), Busy Philipps (as Audrey Liddell), Mary-Margaret Humes (as Gail Leery), John Wesley Shipp (as Mitch Leery), Mary Beth Peil (as Grams) and Nina Repeta (as Bessie Potter).
What’s the premise? This teen soap follows four friends growing up in the fictional small town of Capeside, Mass.
When can I see it? Reruns or on DVD!
Where does it air? Dawson’s Creek was a property of the now-defunct WB network, but during its six-season run Canadian fans were able to catch it on Global. Canwest still retains the broadcasting rights to this show and reruns are available Monday to Friday at 1 p.m. ET and Sunday, and Tuesday to Thursday at 5 a.m. ET on TVtropolis.
Why is it worth my time? Dawson’s Creek premièred in 1998 at a time when prime-time teen dramas were slim to none on TV — Beverly Hills, 90210 was about the only thing going and unfortunately for fans, it was soon on its way out. This midseason replacement (hence why the first season was only 13 episodes long) tapped into a genre that had been widely overlooked in the past and its tremendous success spawned a bevy of soap-like serials such as The O.C., Felicity, and today’s One Tree Hill and Gossip Girl.
Yet while Dawson’s storylines were often praised for their portrayal of real teen issues, including broken homes, depression, sex, and death, creator Kevin Williamson (Scream, The Vampire Diaries) was also highly criticized for the show’s risqué content (although as an avid watcher, and part of the show’s target audience, I never considered this program to be racy) and for the characters’ verbal diarrhea. Half the time, the kids were spouting words and references well beyond typical teenage dialogue, but it didn’t seem to matter in the end — Dawson’s still garnered a hefty following throughout its six years on-air.
Now, for the first time ever, the entire series is available on DVD (individual seasons were released between 2003-06) in a picturesque gift box. Relive the magic of some of Dawson’s Creek’s best moments (including Jen and Henry’s first kiss, Joey and Eddie’s rocky relationship, and Pacey and Tamara’s torrid affair) with this soon-to-be collector’s item.
In the complete series … Dawson, Joey, Jen and Pacey (and in later seasons, Andie and Jack) cope with the trials and tribulations of their teen and college years.
Guest stars: Scott Foley, Leann Hunley, Eric Balfour, Ali Larter, Jason Behr, Rachael Leigh Cook, Mädchen Amick, Robin Dunne, Jonathan Lipnicki, Carolyn Hennesy, Jane Lynch, Chad Michael Murray, Pauley Perrette, Hilarie Burton, Jensen Ackles, Greg Rikaart, Roger Howarth, Seth Rogen, Dr. Drew Pinsky, Adam Carolla, Sarah Shahi, Virginia Madsen and musical guest No Doubt, among many more.
Bonus features: Season 1 time capsule, audio commentary, official Dawson’s Creek website, original pilot ending, deleted scenes, bonus CD with music from the series and featurettes titled “Dawson’s Creek: Day One,” “Creek Daze: An Interview with Creator Kevin Williamson” and “Final Exams: Dawson’s Creek Trivia Game.”
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Number of discs: 24
Number of episodes: 127
Running time: Unknown |
Heartland: Season 1, Part 2
Who does it star? Amber Marshall (as Amy Fleming), Michelle Morgan (as Lou Fleming), Nathaniel Arcand (as Scott Cardinal), Chris Potter (as Tim Fleming), Jessica Amlee (as Mallory Wells), Shaun Johnston (as Jack Bartlett), Graham Wardle (as Ty Borden) and Kerry James (as Caleb Odell).
What’s the premise? Family drama follows two sisters, Amy and Lou, and their grandfather, Jack, through the highs and lows of life on a horse ranch.
When can I see it? Sundays at 7 p.m. ET.
Where does it air? CBC.
Why is it worth my time? For more in-depth details on Heartland, please check out Diana’s DVDs review from the series’ Part 1 release back in September.
And, if you need another reason to pick up this Canadian-bred drama, look no further than series star Graham Wardle. The Vancouver native recently revealed to TVG his reasons for loving the show: “It’s a good family show that involves horses and good family values. It’s kind of cheesy to say, but it’s true. There are not many shows on television that you can sit down with your whole family and watch.”
Add in a totally original concept (“I’m so proud to be a part of something where we’re not recycling anything,” Wardle boasts) and stunning scenery (“Alberta is a beautiful [province] … we have some of the best locations that we shoot at,” he claims) and Heartland’s homegrown appeal jumps tenfold.
Look for the full Q&A with Wardle on TVG.ca later this season.
In Season 1, Part 2 … Amy confronts her unresolved feelings about her mother’s accident; Ty decides to tell Amy that he thinks of her as more than a friend; Lou grows surprisingly attached to Mrs. Bell’s pony; Mallory takes steps to ensure that her favourite horse isn’t sold; Lou tries to impress her estranged father; Jack goes fishing with Lisa; a deliberate barn fire puts the Heartland ranch in financial straits; Val offers to buy some of Jack’s land; Amy competes in the Fall Finale.
Guest stars: Ben Hollingsworth and Beau Mirchoff.
Bonus features: Behind-the-scenes featurettes including interviews with the cast and crew.
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Number of discs: 2
Number of episodes: 6
Running time: 270 mins |
OTHER TV AVAILABLE THIS WEEK
Questions or comments? diana@tvguide.ca
Diana's DVDs every Tuesday
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To escape from the daily chaos of life, Diana enjoys curling up on the couch to watch a good movie, and is guilty of partaking in the current TV-on-DVD trend. From documentaries and dramas to comedies and animated flicks, no genre is off-limits.
Before her current editorial gig, Diana worked in TVGuide.ca’s listings department, so she’s a pro at getting the most up-to-date info to keep fellow movie buffs in the know with the latest TV and film releases. Now a content specialist, Diana graduated from the Broadcast Journalism program at Seneca College in Toronto. |
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