OnDVD: 'Transformers' explodes onto small screen

After the worldwide success of the first Transformers film in 2007, it was a foregone conclusion that Michael Bay and company would crank out several more. But not even the most optimistic types anticipated just how well Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen would do.

Opening during the middle of the week in June, the film grossed more than $112 million in its first five days and almost caught The Dark Knight while earning more than enough to give the studio sizeable profits despite a reputed $200 million dollar budget.

Tuesday, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (Two-Disc Special Edition) (Paramount) will be released with one disc reserved just for the host of extras and bonus features that document the array of visual theatrics and fireworks accompanying a rather thin storyline. But then narrative has never been the strong point of a Michael Bay movie, and this one proved no exception.

Other than having Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox threatened by all make and model of Transformer figures (up to 40 from the first film’s 13) and adding one more hot female character (Isabel Lucas) to the mix.

Those who don’t want the deluxe package can just get a single-disc edition, and there’s also a Blu-ray set available But for the techno/geek crew, the second DVD includes commentaries, deleted/alternate scenes, the Linkin Park “New Divide” video, a look back at 25 years of Transformers projects, even a “Day with Bay Tokyo” feature.

While it’s doubtful that Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen will bowl over the video market the way it did in theatrical release, it’s certain to be the week’s most popular title and one of the year’s biggest DVD sellers.

Other new releases

On the complete other end of the spectrum is the DVD release of the 2008 documentary I Am Because We Are (Virgil Films). The film was produced by Madonna, and was a video chronicle of the numerous problems and dire situations she encountered and witnessed in Malawi, the native land of her two adopted children.

This film generated considerable controversy in many quarters when it was released. No one disputed the sobering and serious problems it depicted, from the widespread impact of AIDS to the lack of educational and economic opportunities for much of the population.

But what rankled some observers both on the African continent and in other areas was Madonna’s presence in the film, despite the fact her appearances were minimal and her comments stuck totally to the issues involved.

She also managed to get both former President Bill Clinton and Nobel prize winner Bishop Desmond Tutu to appear, and all proceeds from the film went to her nonprofit charity, Raising Malawi. I’m assuming that’s also the case with either all or part of the profits from sales of the DVD.

It’s a very gripping, well-produced and powerful documentary, and people shouldn’t let their feelings about Madonna (pro or con) affect their decision to buy or see the DVD.

TV on DVD

The last hit western on network television was a show that violated most of the genre’s cardinal rules. Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman not only had a strong female lead, most episodes had zero gunplay and the show frequently explored topics seldom covered in traditional westerns (racism, sexism, homophobia, religious diversity).

But it was popular enough to run for six seasons and 150 episodes, plus another two made-for-television movies.

Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman (A&E) is not for the casual fan. A 42-disc set whose asking price will be in the low three figures, it does contain every show in chronological order, plus the two films and a few other items of interest.

Periodically, there’s been talk of reviving the show either as a mini-series or back on a network, but for now Dr Quinn, Medicine Woman: The Complete Series is the only way for those who loved this ‘90s staple to see it once more, as it’s been out of regular syndication for several years now.