United States

Star Wars Episode IV - A New Hope (1977 & 2004 Versions, 2-Disc Widescreen Edition)

For the first time ever and for a limited time only the enhanced versions of the Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back and Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi will be available individually on DVD. Plus these 2-Disc DVD's will feature a bonus disc that includes for the first time ever on DVD the original films as seen in theaters in 1977 1980 and 1983.System Requirements:Running Time: 127 minutesFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: SCI-FI/FANTASY Rating: PG UPC: 024543263739 Manufacturer No: 2236373

The 2006 limited-edition two-disc release of George Lucas's epic space fantasy Star Wars is not only the first time the movie has been officially available by itself on DVD. It marks the first-ever DVD release of Star Wars as it originally played in theaters in 1977. What does that mean exactly? Well, for starters, the initial title crawl proclaims that this is just Star Wars, not Episode IV, A New Hope. Second, the film is without the various "improvements" and enhancements Lucas added for the theatrical rerelease in 1997 as well as the DVD premiere in 2004. So no more critters and droids scurrying around the port of Mos Eisley when Luke and Obi-Wan Kenobi first arrive, no meetings between Han Solo and Jabba the Hut and between Luke and Biggs (extraneous scenes that were cut in 1977), no enhanced explosions during the final reel, and--most importantly to some fans--no more of Greedo shooting first in the bar. Instead Han is free to be the scoundrel and not even let Greedo squeeze off a shot.

What do you lose by watching the 1977 version? Dolby Digital 5.1 EX sound, for one thing (only 2.0 Surround here). Digital cleanup for another--Tatooine looks like it's been coated with an additional layer of sand cloud. But for home-theater owners, the biggest frustration will be from the non-anamorphic picture. On a widescreen TV, an anamorphically enhanced (16x9) picture at a 2.35:1 aspect ratio will fill the screen with the exception of small black bars on the top and bottom. The original edition of Star Wars, however, is not anamorphically enhanced (sometimes referred to as "4:3 letterbox"), so on a widescreen TV it will have large black bars on the top, the bottom, and the sides unless you stretch the picture (and distort it in the process, especially considering the substandard picture quality). If you're watching on a standard square-shaped (4:3) TV, though, you won't notice a difference.

Yes, it's true that serious home-theater lovers who want spectacular sound and anamorphically enhanced picture can always watch the 2004 version of the movie also included in this set. But chances are good that they already picked up the trilogy edition of all three films, so their decision to buy the 2006 two-disc edition depends on how much they want the original film. The official LucasFilm stance is that this is an individual release of the 2004 version of Star Wars: Episode IV, A New Hope, and the 1977 version of the film is merely a "bonus feature." Common speculation is that the only reason the original versions are seeing the official light of day at all is to undercut the booming black market for the laserdisc version. Star Wars fans will have to decide for themselves if that's worth the purchase. --David Horiuchi

Alaska: Spirit of the Wild (IMAX) [Blu-ray]

The majestic beauty of Alaska is displayed masterfully in this film, which was originally presented in IMAX theaters and received an Academy Award(r) nomination for Best Documentary in 1998. The landscape of Alaska is shown in magnificent aerial shots, and "white thunder," the spectacular sight when enormous icebergs break off from glaciers, is shown in exquisitely sharp footage. As might be expected, much of the film is devoted to Alaska's abundant wildlife, including moose, bears, seals, wolves, caribou, musk oxen, and whales. The narration, delivered by actor Charlton Heston, provides informative background on the animals, but the star of the film is always the stunning camera work. An underwater shot taken in the midst of dozens of diving seals is particularly memorable, and scenes of humpback whales breaching on the surface are simply spectacular. Bears fight each other over the best fishing spots, and even their prey, the salmon swimming upstream, are featured in an underwater montage showing their life cycle. Animals that actually welcome the Alaskan winter, polar bears, are shown as they search the snowy landscape for prey. And a traditional whale hunt by an Inuit tribe is shown. This film is intelligently produced, and the astounding quality of the photography makes it a true treat for the eyes. --Robert J. McNamara

Go far beyond even the highest definition with this Academy Award nominee for Best Short Documentary. Originally presented in IMAX Theaters, Alaska Spirit of the Wild is a visual masterpiece.

Living Landscapes HD The World's Most Beautiful Places [Blu-ray]

The LIVING LANDSCAPES series offers high-definition photography of the world's most beautiful places set to atmospheric surround-sound music for a relaxing armchair experience.System Requirements:Running Time: 75 Mins.Format: BLU-RAY DISC Genre: MISCELLANEOUS/SPECIAL INTEREST UPC: 741319475669 Manufacturer No: LLWMP-BR

Thicker Than Water

Peggy Sue Got Married

Francis Ford Coppola's passable 1986 comedy stars Kathleen Turner as an unhappy, middle-aged woman who goes back in time to her high school years and meets her future husband (Nicolas Cage) all over again. A lightweight entry from Coppola (The Godfather, Apocalypse Now), the film has some clever, backward-looking jokes (Turner's character laughs incredulously when someone turns up with a brand-new Edsel); and the lead actress does bring intelligence and searching emotions to her role. Cage (Coppola's nephew), who specialized in these dumb-guy roles back then (see Raising Arizona), is in sharp, raw form. Worth a visit, but don't expect to be bowled over this time by the legendary director. The DVD release has optional full-screen and widescreen presentations, theatrical trailer, optional Spanish soundtrack and optional Spanish and French subtitles. --Tom Keogh

Over America [Blu-ray]

Over America is a spectacular visual essay on the beauty and grandeur that is America. Shot in High Definition every detail from wave swept coasts to majestic mountains is brilliantly captured to show the awe-inspiring scenic magnificence of our nation. Transcend to some of the nations most beautiful places with this incredible program. Over America will undoubtedly become a treasured addition to your video library.System Requirements:Running Time: 88 minutesFormat: BLU-RAY DISC Genre: MISCELLANEOUS/NATURE UPC: 781735602706 Manufacturer No: 60270

The Best Caribbean Beaches / WAVES: Virtual Vacations

Get the BEST SELLING - AWARD WINNING - Relaxation / Nature DVD Video Series and see why WAVES won the popular Telly Award, Videography Award & "Best of Show" Aurora Award! Discover why doctors and therapists recommend Waves for soothing stress relief. WAVES is shown in hundreds of hospitals daily like Stanford's Cancer Center, in hotels lobbies like Guam Hotel Okura, in restaurants like The Island Time Grill in Florida, and in health spas like Euro Day Health Spa in California. Our DVDs have been used for Luau Parties to Weddings around the world.

You've probably seen us on TV! "Waves" was chosen to play on Sears' Plasma TVs in Nasdaq's National TV Ad. -10/2/06. "Waves" was also chosen as a 'Hip Mothers Day Gift' on CBS "The Early Show!" -5/2/05

GETAWAY. RELAX. RENEW! Instantly alter your environment and mood by experiencing the awe-inspiring beauty and healing power of spectacular seascapes. Listen to all natural sounds of lapping waves, sea birds, and swaying palms (without distracting music or narration). Natural images and sounds so vivid - you can almost feel the warm waves lapping at your toes! Virtually sitting there, the long stationary shots will wash your stress away. Experience over 30 soothing beach scenes and colorful sunsets.

Enjoy the Best Beaches from the Bahamas to the Virgin Islands with crisper digital images and stereo sound. Discover pristine "Treasure Cay" to "Smuggler's Cove" plus beaches from Abaco, Turtle Cay, Eleuthera, New Providence, Rose Island, St. John, Tortola, and the world famous "Baths" on Virgin Gorda. NEW "DIRECTOR'S CUT" has all new transitions (QUICK Fade Out and In) between 'day' segments removing all graphics, logos, and websites. Share with friends and family the perfect gift. Collect the Award Winning WAVES video series Vols 1-11. Get FREE Shipping, buy a 2nd DVD or our "Waves DVD Sampler" too.

ATTENTION: Doctors, Therapists, etc: Non-profit Public Screening of Waves DVD on a single TV in waiting rooms, etc are allowed for FREE.

Star Wars Episode IV - A New Hope (2-discs with Full Screen enhanced and original theatrical versions)

For the first time ever and for a limited time only the enhanced versions of the Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back and Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi will be available individually on DVD. Plus these 2-Disc DVD's will feature a bonus disc that includes for the first time ever on DVD the original films as seen in theaters in 1977 1980 and 1983.System Requirements:Running Time: 127 minutesFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: SCI-FI/FANTASY Rating: PG UPC: 024543263784 Manufacturer No: 2236378

The 2006 limited-edition two-disc release of George Lucas's epic space fantasy Star Wars is not only the first time the movie has been officially available by itself on DVD. It marks the first-ever DVD release of Star Wars as it originally played in theaters in 1977. What does that mean exactly? Well, for starters, the initial title crawl proclaims that this is just Star Wars, not Episode IV, A New Hope. Second, the film is without the various "improvements" and enhancements Lucas added for the theatrical rerelease in 1997 as well as the DVD premiere in 2004. So no more critters and droids scurrying around the port of Mos Eisley when Luke and Obi-Wan Kenobi first arrive, no meetings between Han Solo and Jabba the Hut and between Luke and Biggs (extraneous scenes that were cut in 1977), no enhanced explosions during the final reel, and--most importantly to some fans--no more of Greedo shooting first in the bar. Instead Han is free to be the scoundrel and not even let Greedo squeeze off a shot.

What do you lose by watching the 1977 version? Dolby Digital 5.1 EX sound, for one thing (only 2.0 Surround here). Digital cleanup for another--Tatooine looks like it's been coated with an additional layer of sand cloud. Yes, it's true that fans who want better sound and picture can always watch the 2004 version of the movie also included in this set. But chances are good that they already picked up the trilogy edition of all three films, so their decision to buy the 2006 two-disc edition depends on how much they want the original film. The official LucasFilm stance is that this is an individual release of the 2004 version of Star Wars: Episode IV, A New Hope, and the 1977 version of the film is merely a "bonus feature." Common speculation is that the only reason the original versions are seeing the official light of day at all is to undercut the booming black market for the laserdisc version. Star Wars fans will have to decide for themselves if that's worth the purchase. --David Horiuchi

The Reluctant Astronaut

In His Father's Shoes

Emmy Award Winner for Outstanding Children's Special & Outstanding Performer in a Children's Special, Robert Ri'chard