THIS WEEK’S TWIN PEEKS
SGT. BILKO: 50TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION
1955; DVD $39.95, UR
While its original title was “The Phil Silvers Show: You’ll Never Get Rich,” it will be forever remembered as simply “Sgt. Bilko,” one of the drop-dead funniest sitcoms ever put on the tube. This is a fabulous and well-chosen set of 18 episodes from 1955-59, PLUS the never-before-seen pilot! Lots of great commentary by surviving cast members and guests such as Dick Van Dyke, George Kennedy, Larry Storch and a visit by Phil to the “Ed Sullivan Show” make this a must-own for anyone who enjoys watching comic masters at work.
THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW: 6-SEASON PACK
1960; DVD $230.95, UR
Originating as a spin-off of “Make Room For Daddy,” and inspired by Andy’s incredible portrayal in “No Time For Sergeants,” this set contains all of seasons 1 through 6, the first five featuring Don Knotts’ Detective Barney Fife as a regular. ... What are we doing?! Anyone who needs more information about the life and times of Mayberry is probably beyond hope. Just go and buy it!
ANIMATION RUNNER KUROMI 2
2004; DVD $19.95, UR
The latest anime from director Akitaroh Daichi, known by many as the creator of the TV series “Fruits Basket” and “Now and Then, Here and There.” Kuromi is a lowly go-fer, determined to make a name for herself in a big corporate animation studio. Gangs of fun.
BIG MOMMA’S HOUSE 2
2006; VHS Rental/DVD $29.95, PG-13
Just plain awful sequel to the occasionally funny 2000 original, with Martin Lawrence once again dressing as a fat old woman to fool some crooks.
DINGLE, BARRY
2005; DVD $21.95, R
Veronica Cartwright makes a welcome return to film in this strange comedy about her charming and loveable date-rapist son (writer/director Barry Shurchin) and the senator’s daughter she’s trying to get him married off to.
DR. KATZ, PROFESSIONAL THERAPIST: SEASON ONE
1995; DVD $19.95, UR
First full-season release of an overlooked animated gem from Comedy Central. Dr. Katz is a quiet, put-upon psychotherapist with a couch and home full of wacky dependents. The best bits are the patients: stand-up comics doing their shtick in cartoon form. Our favorite was Ray Romano, who would complain about how his wife forces him to go downstairs to check out noises in the night ... and bring back yogurt.
GRANDMA’S BOY
2006; VHS Rental/DVD $27.95, R
For-Teens-Only tasteless drug and sex comedy from Adam Sandler’s production company about a 35-year-old man-child who finds himself living with his grandma and her two roomies.
MASTERS OF HORROR: COSCARELLI/GARRIS
2005; DVD $29.95, UR
The two latest from this excellent Showtime horror series. First Don “Phantasm” Coscarelli visits the “crazy mountain folk” genre in “Incident On and Off a Mountain Road.” Then Mick Garris (Stephen King’s “The Stand”) channels “The Eyes of Laura Mars” in “Chocolate,” the tale of a young man researching artificial flavorings who begins seeing through the eyes of a mysterious woman. Also available for $16.95 each.
MICHAEL JACKSON: THE NUMBER ONES
2006; DVD $19.99, UR
Despite the fact that he’s become persona non grata, you can’t ignore the incredible volume of work that MJ has done. Single-handedly redefining pop music through his collaboration with Quincy Jones in the late ’70s, this DVD/CD combination contains most of his No. 1 hits, including the long-form “Thriller.” Watch for Marlon Brando, Macaulay Culkin, Billy Drago, Janet Jackson, La Toya Jackson, John Landis, Peggy Lipton, Michael Madsen, Lisa Marie Presley, the voice of Vincent Price, Cree Summer, Chris Tucker, George Wendt and more!
PLATINUM COMEDY SERIES: TRACY MORGAN — LIFE, LOVE AND LUST
2005; DVD $19.95, UR
If you don’t recognize the name, you will by the end of 2006. With several movie releases scheduled and a pilot in play for NBC, she embodies the “get outta mah face” determination and grit that makes female stand-ups such a hoot.
PUFF, PUFF, PASS, PASS
2006; DVD $24.95, R
Not to be confused with the Bigg Snoop Dogg tour, this has Danny Masterson (“That ’70s Show”) and Mekhi Phifer (“8-Mile,” who also directs) as a pair of stoners who devise a means to scam a mobster and thus fuel their weed-needs.
RUMOR HAS IT ...
2005; VHS Rental/DVD $28.95, PG-13
Jennifer Aniston and Mark Ruffalo star in what could have been a fabulous romantic comedy, but the result is just “OK.” Preparing for a wedding, Jenny comes to believe that her family was the inspiration for “The Graduate” — and she might have been the offspring! Director Rob Reiner has made a fun little movie with a big cast (Mena Suvari, Shirley MacLaine, Kevin Costner) that won’t change your life, but might entertain you.
THE BEST OF BORIS AND NATASHA, VOL. 1/THE BEST OF ROCKY AND BULLWINKLE: VOL. 1
2006; DVD $12.95 each, UR
What more could you possibly want to know?
THE NEW WORLD
2006; VHS Rental/DVD $27.95, PG-13
Big budget historical bio-drama that tanked at the box office about the founding of the Jamestown Settlement in 1607. Colin Farrell plays John Smith opposite a delicious 15-year-old Pocahontas (Q’Orianka Kilcher) amid historically accurate tales of duty and passion. A great story, well made; what more do you people want?!
THE TOWERING INFERNO
1974; DVD $19.95, PG
The 85th re-re-release of the original turkey that hatched a generation of “disaster films.” Steve McQueen, Paul Newman, William Holden, Faye Dunaway, Fred Astaire, Richard Chamberlain, Jennifer Jones, O.J. Simpson, Robert Vaughn, Robert Wagner and scores of others are trapped inside of the world’s tallest building with no escape and no sprinklers as fire sweeps upward and stunt people leap through plate-glass windows to land on eight Academy Awards. Still a fun movie after 30 years.
OTHER DVDS OF INTEREST
GREY GARDENS
1975; DVD $39.95, UR
LIFE GOES ON: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON
1989; DVD $39.95, UR
TAMARA
2005; DVD $26.95, R
THE FACTS OF LIFE: THE COMPLETE FIRST & SECOND SEASONS
1979; DVD $39.95, UR
THE GOLDEN GIRLS: THE COMPLETE FIFTH SEASON
1989; DVD $39.95, UR
A more complete listing and free vids at www.videotapeworm.com!
