‘American Wedding’ is an invite to a raunch reception

American Wedding

Jason Biggs, Seann William Scott

Universal, $27

The New Year rings in with this gross-out comedy -- the third in the “American Pie” trilogy -- that is the nadir of tastelessness even for an “American Pie” film. This installment finds Biggs’ ultimate nerd marrying his female counterpart (Alyson Hannigan) and the obnoxious Stifler (Scott) accidentally romancing Biggs’ wheelchair-bound grandmother. Universal is offering the film in the R-rated and unrated versions; the unrated one features 20 some extra minutes of unfunny footage mostly involving Biggs’ bachelor party.

The DVD also features deleted scenes, outtakes, a very adult making-of featurette on the bachelor party, an explanation of how to speak like Stifler and a mini-documentary called “Grooming the Groom” that can’t be discussed in a family newspaper. There are also two raunchy audio commentary tracks: one with director Jesse Dylan and Scott, the second with Biggs, Hannigan and other members of the cast.

“American Wedding” will be released Friday.

*

S.W.A.T.

Colin Farrell, Samuel L. Jackson

Columbia TriStar, $29

Clark Johnson, who appeared on the great NBC cop series “Homicide: Life on the Street” and has received acclaim for directing TV movies and episodes of several series, helmed this big-screen version of the kitschy ‘70s cop series that starred Steve Forrest and Robert Urich and featured one of the best theme songs ever written for a show.

Johnson brings some style and panache to this relatively entertaining action film, including a fast-paced opening sequence that re-creates the infamous North Hollywood bank robbery and shootout. And his cast -- including Farrell, Jackson, LL Cool J, Olivier Martinez and Michelle Rodriguez -- seems to be enjoying itself. Look for a member of the cast of the old series in a cameo.

The only version of the movie sent out for review is the full-screen, so it is not in the format the filmmaker designed the film to be seen in. Despite dealing with the pan-and-scan problems, the extras on the DVD, including production featurettes, deleted scenes and a gag reel, are as serviceable as the movie. Johnson is serious and earnest in his commentary, whereas his stars are a rowdy bunch in their discussion of the film.

*

The Order

Heath Ledger, Mark Addy

Fox, $28

The Australian Ledger is a handsome, talented actor who was touted as the next big thing in the summer of 2000 with “The Patriot.” That film was a hit, but he’s had a difficult time finding a vehicle suitable for his talents. And he certainly hasn’t helped his career any with this piece of hooey dealing with priests, devils, the Vatican and unrequited love. It’s hard to believe this muddle was written and directed by Brian Helgeland, who won an Oscar for co-writing “L.A. Confidential” and is nominated for a Golden Globe for his screenplay of “Mystic River.”

The extras include deleted scenes and sleep-inducing commentary from Helgeland.

*

Northfork

James Woods, Nick Nolte

Paramount, $30

Written and directed by Michael and Mark Polish, “Northfork” is the third in a trilogy of films set in American towns. “Twin Falls Idaho” and “Jackpot” were the first two.

By far their most ambitious film, it is also one of those offbeat, quirky vehicles you’ll either warmly embrace or turn off within the first 30 minutes. The film, set in a desolate town in the Midwest in the 1950s, follows a group of men in black suits and fedoras who are sent out to clear folks from the town before it is obliterated by the waters of a new dam. It’s also about a young dying boy attempting to make a deal with some odd gypsies looking for the “lost angel.”

Besides thoughtful commentary from the Polish brothers, the DVD includes a substantial “making of” documentary, photo gallery and an interesting segment on the film’s premiere in Montana that aired on the Sundance Channel.

-- Susan King