Three weeks before Christmas, the release of new DVDs is no simple matter: gifts must be gotten. For your finicky cinephile, there might be nothing better than the deluxe edition of Fellini's "La Dolce Vita." Also, adorable penguins and determined quadriplegics.
1. La Dolce Vita: Deluxe Collector's Edition
You can't beat the director, the film, or the timing. Koch Lorber's deluxe release of Fellini's classic masterpiece "La Dolce Vita" offers a bonanza of special features for your fellow cinephine: a collection of never-before-seen Fellini shorts, the interview featurettes "Remembering the Sweet Life," a vintage interview with Fellini, an introduction by Alexander Payne, a new interview with Anita Ekberg, and a whole lot more.
2. Murderball
It's a fact: Murderball is the best documentary you will ever find about quadriplegic rugby. Henry Alex Rubin and Dana Adam Shapiro's film follows a group of determined men in their armored wheelchairs and enough macho energy to overcome any challenge as the players engage in a violently physical game. The result is surprisingly inspiring.
3. March of the Penguins
The penguins are here--and just in time for the holiday season! The visually stunning and family-friendly documentary grossed 77 million cool dollars after more than twenty weeks in theaters. Chances are DVD sales will be equally impressive. In additionn to the film, the DVD offers he full-length documentary on the making of the film, the National Geographic feature "Crittercam: Emperor Penguins," and a Bugs Bunny cartoon.4. Havoc
There are some straight to DVD releases worth looking for. Havoc, for instance, stars the formerly squeaky clean "Princess Diaries" actress Anne Hathaway in her first adult role. Written by Stephen Gaghan ("Traffic," "Syrianna") and directed by documentary veteran Barbara Kopple, this film has some real talent behind it. The story of a good girl gone bad always has appeals.5. Lila Says
Zaid Doueiri's ("West Beirut") second film, set in a largely Arab ghetto on the outskirts of Paris, is an erotically charged coming of age tale. Vahina Giocante gives a remarkable performance as a 16-year-old Catholic seductress in this compelling adaptation of a controversial novel purported to be an Arab teen's actual diary.