"Frankenweenie" (PG, 87 minutes, Disney)
The story of a young science nerd who brings his dead dog back to life with a blast from a lightning bolt is an expansive adaptation by Tim Burton of his 1984 live-action short of the same name. Designed to appeal to both discriminating adults and older kids, the gorgeous, black-and-white stop-motion film is a fresh, clever and affectionate love letter to classic horror movies. Warning: It is decidedly not for little children. Extras: "Frankenweenie" touring exhibit, "Pet Sematary" music video by Plain White T's. Also, on Blu-ray: the original "Frankenweenie" short; another original short, "Captain Sparky vs The Flying Saucers"; and a "Bringing Frankenweenie to Life" making-of feature. Also available in 3-D.
"House at the End of the Street" (PG-13, 101 minutes, Fox): This violent but not terribly bloody thriller boasts a few nice touches including the relationship between moderately rebellious 17-year-old Elissa (Jennifer Lawrence) and her justifiably apprehensive mother, Sarah (Elisabeth Shue). Contains violence, scares, profanity and drug use. Extras: unrated version; making-of featurette.
"Dredd 3D" (R, 95 minutes, Lionsgate): Pete Travis' savage interpretation of John Wagner's futuristic law enforcer adheres to the character's grim graphic-novel roots and proves far superior to the corny 1995 misfire. Solemn Karl Urban dons the trademark helmet and motorcycle boots of Dredd, a ruthless judge presiding over the decaying postapocalyptic metropolis of Mega-City One. "Dredd 3D" is malicious, gory, masochistic and uncompromising. Contains strong bloody violence, drug use, language and some sexual content. Extras: Dredd motion comic prequel and featurettes including "Mega-City Masters: 35 Years of Judge Dredd," 3-D visual effects, "Dredd's Gear," "The 3rd Dimension" and "Welcome to Peach Trees."
Also on DVD:
"Hit and Run," "Samsara," "Seal Team Six: The Raid on Osama Bin Laden," "Compliance," "Game Change" (HBO's Emmy-winning depiction of the John McCain-Sarah Palin presidential campaign), "The Assassins" (China)," "Sleep Tight" (2011, Spain), "The Inbetweeners Movie" (2008), "Jack and Diane," "Lapland Odyssey" (2010, Finland), "Love Notes" (Lifetime original movie), "Now Is Good," "Pathfinders: In the Company of Strangers," "Stone of Destiny" (2008, Scotland), "Red Dwarf X," "Who Did I Marry?", "The Wise Kids," "Guns, Girls and Gambling" and "Ghost Trap."
Television series:
"Smash: Season One," "Doctor Who: Shada" (BBC), "The Hour 2" (BBC), "An Idiot Abroad 2: The Bucket List" (BBC), "Best of Widget!" (Nickelodeon), "Dallas: The Complete First Season," "Enlightened: The Complete First Season" (HBO), "Anger Management: Season One," "Monsuno: Destiny" (Nicktoons); "The Goode Family: The Complete Series" (2009).
© Copyright The Sacramento Bee. All rights reserved.
Order Reprint
About Comments
Reader comments on Sacbee.com are the opinions of the writer, not The Sacramento Bee. If you see an objectionable comment, click the "Report Abuse" link below it. We will delete comments containing inappropriate links, obscenities, hate speech, and personal attacks. Flagrant or repeat violators will be banned. See more about comments here.