Thrillers ‘1408’ and ‘Misery’ get King-sized releases

Ever since Brian De Palma’s version of Stephen King’s novel “Carrie” captured the imagination of moviegoers and critics 31 years ago, numerous other King books and short stories have been translated to the big and small screens. Today, the latest adaptation of one of his short stories and the hit 1990 version of one of his most personal novels arrive on DVD.

Atmospheric, creepy and featuring a tour de force performance from John Cusack, “1408” (Dimension, $33) is vintage King. Cusack plays Mike Enslin, an author whose inner demons are unleashed when, despite warnings not to, he visits Room 1408 at a New York hotel.

The two-disc set includes the original theatrical release along with director Mikael Hafstrom’s cut, which is about seven minutes longer than the theatrical version and features a much darker alternate ending. There’s also a decent behind-the-scenes documentary and informative commentary from Hafstrom and writers Larry Karaszewski and Scott Alexander.

Kathy Bates received a best actress Oscar for her chilling performance in 1990’s “Misery” (MGM, $20) as psychotic Annie Wilkes, who rescues her favorite author (James Caan) after his car crashes during a blizzard.

Rob Reiner directed the adaptation penned by William Goldman. This collector’s edition includes commentary from Reiner and Goldman, a retrospective documentary and a sweet interview with composer Marc Shaiman (“Hairspray”).

Also new:

“The War” (Paramount, $130): Just nine days after its premiere on PBS, Ken Burns and Lynn Novick’s 15-hour exploration of World War II arrives on DVD.

“The Jungle Book -- Two Disc 40th Anniversary Platinum Edition” (Disney, $30): Superlative two-disc set of the last animated film supervised by Walt Disney -- it was released in 1967, a year after his death.

And “The Sarah Silverman Program -- Season One” (Paramount, $20); “Shark -- Season One” (Fox, $60); “Fantastic Four -- Rise of the Silver Surfer” (Fox, $35).

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susan.king@latimes.com