Merv Griffin’s 40 most interesting
Classic talk shows “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” and “The Dick Cavett Show” have found a new life on DVD. Now veteran talkmeister -- and creator of “Jeopardy!” and “Wheel of Fortune” -- Merv Griffin is getting into the digital act with his three-disc DVD collection, “The Merv Griffin Show -- 40 of the Most Interesting People of Our Time” (Alpha Home Entertainment, $30).
The pleasurable trip down memory lane was culled from the 5,500 shows Griffin did from the 1960s through the 1980s.
Although one has to quibble with some of Griffin’s choices -- such as the inclusion of Tony Danza over Griffin’s regulars Jack Douglas and Reiko or Jack E. Brown -- and his overly effusive introductions, there’s a lot to recommend.
The more unusual segments include Griffin’s candid interview with Orson Welles in 1985, filmed just two hours before Welles’ death; his chat in 1974 with an arrogant, angry Richard Burton; his 1973 visit with a hysterically funny Jack Benny; and a 1984 conversation with George Burns.
The collection also features several performers at the beginning of their careers, including Tom Cruise -- he refers to Griffin as Sir -- as well as stand-up legends George Carlin and Richard Pryor.
Griffin also talked with his share of politicians and several turn up on the third disc, including Sen. Robert F. Kennedy and presidents Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, Jimmy Carter and Gerald Ford.
Also new this week
“Fun With Dick & Jane” (Sony, $29): Extras for this remake starring Jim Carrey and Tea Leoni as a married couple who turn to crime after they lose their jobs are more entertaining than the movie. They include a funny gag reel, offbeat highlights from publicity junket interviews and ribald commentary from writers Judd Apatow and Nicholas Stoller and director Dean Parisot.
“Wolf Creek” (Genius Productions, $28): Australia’s “Backpack Killer,” who murdered seven people in the 1990s, inspired the film, which stars John Jarratt, Cassandra Magrath and Kestie Morassi. A self-important behind-the-scenes documentary, a deleted scene and dull commentary from writer-director Greg McLean and others add little to this hit from Down Under that did not repeat its success in the U.S.
“Ellie Parker” (Strand, $25): Offbeat comedy starring Naomi Watts as a struggling Australian actress in Hollywood who fears she is losing her identity as she scurries from one audition to the next. The low-budget movie shot on digital video also stars Mark Pellegrino, and Chevy Chase plays her agent. Included are the requisite deleted and extended scenes and decent commentary with writer-director Scott Coffey, who also appears in the film.
Plus: “The Greatest Game Ever Played” (Disney, $30); “An Unfinished Life” (Miramax, $30); “Greenaway: The Early Films” (Zeitgeist Video).
What’s coming
April 18: “Hostel,” “Mrs. Henderson Presents,” “Breakfast on Pluto”
April 25: “Match Point,” “Casanova,” “Tristan and Isolde,” “Aeon Flux,” “The Ringer”
May 2: “The Family Stone,” “Hoodwinked,” “Last Holiday,” “Shopgirl”
