Smart Picks

2008-11-01 / Home

Anne Hathaway, Steve Carrell star in "Get Smart" Anne Hathaway, Steve Carrell star in "Get Smart" PICK OF THE WEEK

"Get Smart" — Steve Carell and Anne Hathaway star in one of the funniest and most entertaining films of 2008. Agent Maxwell Smart (Carell) and Agent 99 (Hathaway) must discover the identity of a traitor in their midst while thwarting a plot to assassinate the president. This modern-day upgrade of the 1960s classic comedy retains the campy feel, while at the same time delivering outstanding stunts. It's like a cross between the old TV show and "The Bourne Identity."

Identity." BOXED SETS

"Get Smart: The Complete Series Gift Set" — It's no coincidence that on the same day of the movie's DVD release, we get a beautiful, remastered box set of the original Mel Brooks/Buck Henrycreated series. All 138 episodes on 25 discs. Tons of extras. A must-have for fans of the show.

"Star Wars Trilogy" and "Star Wars Prequel Trilogy" — Apparently, George Lucas is down to his last $50 billion and is rereleasing the two trilogies in their respective boxed sets. The original trilogy boxed set contains the Special Editions and the older, original versions of the films. There's nothing new here; no new special features. So, if you've already got the movies in your collection, you can give these two boxed sets a pass.

"Planet of the Apes 40th Anniversary Collection" — Holy moly! This is an amazing collection. All five movies are digitally remastered, including a director's cut of "Conquest of the Planet of the Apes" featuring more footage than the original release. There are tons of special features, commentary tracks, a lovely booklet, archive footage and "making of " documentaries.

KIDS

"Barbie in A Christmas Carol" — Barbie "stars" as Eden Starling, a Victorian-era diva who treats her fellow actors horribly by demanding that they all stay and rehearse on Christmas Eve. However, three Spirits intervene to teach Barbie the True Meaning of Christmas.

(c) 2008 King Features Synd., Inc.

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