1900 (DVD)

1900 (1977) starring Robert De Niro, Gerard Depardieu, Sterling Hayden, Donald Sutherland, Burt Lancaster. Bernardo Bertolucci directs this epic tale that follows the lives of two Italian men -- a peasant and a landowner -- both born on Jan. 1, 1900. Friends as children, the two become estranged as their differing social status pulls them apart. Their personal conflicts mirror political events in Italy, as both fascism and socialism gain footholds in the country. Sutherland, De Niro and Depardieu look remarkably young. De Niro and Depardieu both appear totally nude in one scene where they attempt to employ a young prostitute. Ultimately, though, this movie is just a five-hour-long mess. Grade: C-

The Butcher Boy (DVD)

The Butcher Boy (1997) starring Eamonn Owens, Stephen Rea. Disturbing and surreal story of Francis Brady (Owens), young bully in Irish village whose horrific home life is eventually acted out in murderous fashion. The film is imaginative in its use of unreal imagery, including space aliens, an atomic bomb attack on the village, and Sinead O'Connor appearing to Francis as the virgin Mary. But on the emotional level it somehow fails to connect, and ends up as just a string of events that, while interesting, doesn't really move us. Directed by Neil Jordan. The English subtitles really helped me, because everyone spoke in an Irish accent and I would not have been able to follow it without the subtitles. Grade: B-

Extras: Season 2 (DVD)

Extras: Season 2 (2006) starring Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant, Ashley Jensen. The second season of this HBO comedy series from "Office" genius Gervais is hilarious, at least judging from the first disc. Gervais, as struggling actor Andy Millman, has managed to score the starring role in a sitcom he created for the BBC. But he finds his original vision destroyed by meddling network executives. Guest stars Orlando Bloom, David Bowie and Daniel Radcliffe all add extra pizazz to the mix. The DVD also features backstage commentary by Gervais and writing partner Merchant, plus a short reel of outtakes. Grade: A

After the Wedding (DVD)

After the Wedding (2006) starring a cast of Danish actors who will not be familiar to most Americans. A man who is running an orphanage in India comes home to Denmark on a money-raising trip. The wife of the billionaire from whom he is soliciting funds turns out to be an old flame, and that is only the beginning of the surprises, secrets and lies that soon come to light. The movie takes a marginally soap-opera turn, then the ending seems rushed. But there are extras on the DVD -- a conversation with director Susanne Bier, and a slew of deleted scenes -- that may help the viewer appreciate the experience more. Grade: B

The Last Mimzy (DVD)

The Last Mimzy (2007) starring Rhiannon Leigh Wryn, Chris O'Neil, Joely Richardson, Rainn Wilson. Two children discover a magical box of toys that's been sent from the future, and soon start to develop some inexplicable, unearthly abilities. As their mother and teacher delve into the mystery, the adults as well as the children are drawn into a strange and unpredictable world, and Homeland Security even gets involved. There's a lot that's nonsensical here, but also an entertaining story and some good visuals. Grade: B+

Fast Food Nation (DVD)

Fast Food Nation (2006) starring Greg Kinnear, Ethan Hawke, Patricia Arquette, Bruce Willis. A corporate executive with a national fast-food chain (Kinnear) follows beef's journey from the corrals to the slaughterhouse and ultimately to our stomachs. Early on, we learn that "there's shit in the meat," and the film slowly narrows in on the part of the butchering process where this takes place. The scenes in the slaughterhouse are progressively more harrowing. This may be a necessary film, if not one to savor. Grade: B

The Perfect Crime (DVD)

The Perfect Crime (Crimen Perfecto) (2004) starring Guillermo Toledo. Spanish-language film with English subtitles has hilarious take on Hitchcockian murder plot. Salesman accidentally kills rival, gets unexpected help covering up his crime from a homely sales girl. But she wants his love in exchange, and it's more than he's willing or able to give. Nevertheless, she blackmails him into sex, then a relationship, then to marriage. Grade: B+