A kids’ classic, and Miss Potter herself
A high-spirited adaptation of a classic in children’s literature and a biography of one of the genre’s most popular authors are set for release today on DVD.
“Bridge to Terabithia” (Disney, $30), based on Katherine Paterson’s award-winning novel, revolves around an artistic boy (Josh Hutcherson) who is bullied at school but becomes friends with his bright, imaginative new neighbor and classmate (Annasophia Robb). The film marked the live-action directorial debut of “Rugrats” animator Gabor Csupo.
Extras include a compelling examination of the themes of the book, a behind-the-scenes production documentary, low-key commentary with Csupo, writer Jeff Stockwell and producer Hal Lieberman and funny commentary with Hutcherson -- whose voice has dramatically changed since he made the movie -- Robb and producer Lauren Levine.
British author and illustrator Beatrix Potter came to international fame in the early 1900s for her enchanting “Tale of Peter Rabbit” children’s book.
Though the biopic “Miss Potter” (Weinstein, $29) features lovely performances from Renee Zellweger as Beatrix and Ewan McGregor as her charming intended, it’s a snooze dramatically. Included on the disc is a fascinating look at Potter, a small documentary on the production and lovely commentary from director Chris Noonan.
Also new
“Al Pacino Collection” (Fox, $35): Four-disc set includes two films starring and directed by the Oscar-winning actor -- the documentary “Looking for Richard,” for which he won the Directors Guild of America Award, and the well-acted 2000 drama “Chinese Coffee,” with Jerry Orbach.
Also included is the disturbing 1980 short film, “Local Stigmatic,” in which Pacino plays an English Cockney hood. The fourth disc contains a fascinating conversation with Pacino about his craft with New York University film professor Richard Brown. Extras include commentary with Pacino on “Chinese Coffee” and “Stigmatic.”
“The Panic in Needle Park” (Fox, $15) After making his film debut in a small part in 1969’s “Me, Natalie,” Al Pacino landed a starring role in this 1971 drama about a couple’s (Pacino and Kitty Winn) downward spiral into heroin addiction. Beautifully directed by Jerry Schatzberg from Joan Didion and John Gregory Dunne’s script.
“Reno 911!: Miami” (Fox, $30): Unrated edition of the big-screen version of Comedy Central’s long-running mockumentary series about a group of dysfunctional Reno cops.
This raunchy, uneven feature finds the gang going to Miami to attend a convention. Extras include mock public service announcements, footage from the Hollywood world premiere, alternate scenes and commentaries.
“Longford” (HBO, $27): Oscar-winner Jim Broadbent (“Iris”) turns in another exceptional performance in this 2007 HBO drama based on the real-life story of Frank Pakenham, the Earl of Longford, who befriended society’s outcasts and prisoners. His world -- and reputation -- is turned upside down when he comes to the aid of Myra Hindley (Samantha Morton), who, with her equally brutal boyfriend Ian Brady (Andy Sirkis), murdered children on the moors in 1965. Extras include firsthand accounts of “The Moor Murders” and astute commentary from writer Peter Morgan and director Tom Hooper.
“Picket Fences -- The Complete First Season” (Fox, $60): David E. Kelley’s quirky small-town family drama that premiered on CBS in 1992 was never a ratings hit but scored numerous Emmys during its run, including best dramatic series. The six-disc set includes a warmhearted retrospective.
“WR: Mysteries of the Organism” (Criterion, $40): Words can’t really describe Yugoslavian filmmaker Dusan Makavejev’s 1971 documentary-fiction piece that starts off as a look into the life and work of psychologist Wilhelm Reich and then turns into a freewheeling tale of a Slavic woman’s sexual liberation. “WR” was banned in Yugoslavia.
Extras include interviews with the director, “Hole in the Soul,” his 1994 autobiographical short film and commentary assembled from Raymond Durgnat’s book on the film.
