New DVDs: 4/22/08
by Katrina Hayday Wester
Fatherless chipmunks, an earthbound odyssey, and a fiery romantic comedy round out our weekly picks.
Alvin and the Chipmunks , 20th Century Fox, $29.99, Rated PG
If you suspected this movie would drive you nuts — no pun intended — don’t worry, it won’t! This movie is cute, entertaining, and fun. The best part is hearing your grandchildren giggle at the silly parts. The story is simple: Dave Seville (Jason Lee) is a struggling songwriter and failing advertising executive who discovers three chipmunks that can sing. He has an epiphany in the middle of the night and realizes the talented critters just might solve his career problems. He strikes a bargain with them: They can stay as long as they sing his songs. The chipmunks view Dave as their Dad, and although Dave initially scoffs at this, he later realizes that family is important and treats the chipmunks like his “kids.” It’s an adorable story that everyone will enjoy and watch more than once!
The BBC Natural History Collection , BBC Video, $179.99
Just in time for Earth Day on April 22, the BBC has released this special gift collection. The 17-disc DVD set includes the Planet Earth, The Blue Planet: Seas of Life, The Life of Birds, and The Life of Mammals. Narrated by Sir David Attenborough and shot with ultra-high-speed cameras, each DVD offers mesmerizing scenes of places near-impossible to see in in person. We recommended the Planet Earth series as our holiday gift suggestion for teens; We certainly recommend this expanded set for family viewing on Earth Day.
No Reservations , Warner Home Video, $19.99, Rated PG
In No Reservations, Catherine Zeta-Jones plays master chef Kate, who runs the kitchen of an upscale Manhattan restaurant. Kate's world is suddenly thrown off course by the accidental death of her sister, whose 9-year-old daughter, Zoe (Abigail Breslin), unexpectedly comes to live with her. While taking time off to tend to her niece, the restaurant's owner hires a new sous chef, the incredibly charming and talented Nick (Aaron Eckhart). What follows is a classic boy-meets-girl, boy-loses-girl love story filled with fierce competition and humor. It's difficult to imagine viewers younger than the tween set truly enjoying this movie, but for fans of sappy romantic comedies, it's a surefire winner.
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