This week's DVD and Blu-ray releases

The following are capsule reviews of new and recent DVD and Blu-ray releases from the Office for Film & Broadcasting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Theatrical movies have a USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification and Motion Picture Association of America rating. These classifications refer only to the theatrical version of the films below, and do not take into account the discs' extra content.

Fast and Furious

Overheated, morally swerving action sequel in which an ex-con (Vin Diesel) pursuing a vendetta and an undercover FBI agent (Paul Walker) renew their rivalry as they both use their driving skills to infiltrate a cross-border drug smuggling ring and identify its secretive leader. As directed by Justin Lin, the thin story is no more than an excuse for long sequences of reckless racing, while the characters move from one side of the law to the other as it suits them. Vigilantism, brief nongraphic sexual activity, partial nudity, cohabitation, occasional rough language and profanity. L -- limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling. (PG-13)
(Universal Studios Home Video; also available on Blu-ray) 2009

The Godfather

Blockbuster screen version of the Mario Puzo novel about a Mafia family's rise, decline and resurgence in the murderous world of New York racketeering. Marlon Brando plays the aging but indomitable Don with James Caan and Al Pacino as leading family members. Francis Ford Coppola's direction is a study in control and pacing with all the right touches in establishing the proper 1940's ambience. The murders are plentiful and gruesome, with little spared in detailing the intricacies of mob life. A-III --adults. (R) (Paramount Home Entertainment) 1972

The Hunt for Red October

Cold War thriller based on Tom Clancy's novel tracks the near clash of U.S. and U.S.S.R. submarines in the Atlantic when a maverick Soviet sub captain (Sean Connery) plots to defect. Director John McTiernan captivates viewers with the suspenseful story, fine ensemble cast and masterful production design without resorting to gratuitous violence for thrills and chills. Some intense menace and climactic violence. A-II -- adults and adolescents. (PG) 1990 (Paramount Home Entertainment)

The July Garland Show: Volume One

The first in a series of 13 DVDs, each containing two hour-long episodes of Judy Garland’s critically lauded but short-lived variety TV show, which aired on the CBS network for one season, beginning in the fall of 1963. Performing less than six years before her untimely death at age 47, Garland already shows signs of weariness, and flubs the occasional lyric. But her inimitable voice and passionate delivery shine through, both in her solo pieces and in collaboration with top-flight musical guests like Count Basie and Mel Torme. While the comic material, delivered principally by Jerry Van Dyke, has not aged especially well, slick production numbers -- including an unconsciously ironic dance to Quincy Jones’ “Soul Bossa Nova,” which 35 years later would become the theme song of the “Austin Powers” films -- evoke nostalgia for a genre of programming that has long since disappeared. As the series struggled, a few later episodes left the variety format behind to become essentially taped concerts of Garland performing alone. (Infinity Entertainment Group) 1963

Pahappahooey Island: What About Me?

Two half-hour episodes of a charming religiously-themed children’s series in which a group of muppet-style friends learn lessons about the dangers of selfishness, the value of cooperation and the importance of absorbing, and sharing, God’s word. Television evangelist and author Joyce Meyer provides the voice of their spiritual guide, and the “Keeper of the Book,” Miss Ruby. But the underlying Judeo-Christian allegory, which also features a wicked snake who tries to sabotage the pals’ partnership, is broadly nondenominational, and conveys messages Catholic parents will appreciate. (Anchor Bay Entertainment) (Before Aug. 25, available for pre-order via: www.anchorbayentertainment.com) 2009

Patriot Games

Suspenseful thriller from Tom Clancy's novel about an ex-CIA agent (Harrison Ford) who returns to the fold to protect his wife and child (Anne Archer and Thora Birch) from a revenge-crazed IRA terrorist (Sean Bean). Director Phillip Noyce rivets attention on the family's vulnerability but doesn't shield viewers from brutal terrorist executions and violent shootouts. Much violence, a brief bedroom scene and minimal rough language. L -- limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling. (R) (Paramount Home Entertainment ; also available on Blu-ray) 1992

Transformers

Movies have been evaluated by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishop's Office for Film and Broadcasting according to artistic merit and moral suitability. The reviews include the USCCB rating, the Motion Picture Association of America rating, and a brief synopsis of the movie.

The classifications are as follows:

• A-I -- general patronage;
• A-II -- adults and adolescents;
• A-III -- adults;
• A-IV**
• L -- limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling. L replaces the previous classification, A-IV.
• O -- morally offensive.
  

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