New on DVD

CAROLINE: So many movies come out on DVD today that it’s kind of remarkable. You’d think they’d save some of them up for a slow week.

RYAN: Seriously. But there are some really good ones, starting with “Michael Clayton,” which got a surprising number of Oscar nominations this year.

CAROLINE: It doesn’t have too many DVD extras to speak of; just some additional scenes and audio commentary from the director, Tony Gilroy. But it’s a great movie, so it’s worth renting anyway.

RYAN: Also new on DVD today is “American Gangster,” starring Denzel and Russell Crowe.

CAROLINE: Ugh, this movie was so overrated.

RYAN: Totally. But if you must rent it, at least you’ll get a ton of extras. For starters, it’s a 3-disc special addition. Director Ridley Scott provides audio commentary, and there are tons of bonus features about the costumes, the music and the production in general. There’s also an extended unrated version of the movie.

CAROLINE: I find that hard to believe since it’s already almost 3 hours long. That’s just not necessary.

RYAN: Also out today is “In the Valley of Elah,” which garnered a surprise Best Actor nomination for Tommy Lee Jones. This movie is apparently pretty good, but we both missed it.
CAROLINE: I’m so embarrassed to admit that, but it’s true. This movie totally flew under the radar, even though it also stars Charlize Theron. I’ve been dying to see it, so I’m going to rent it immediately.

RYAN: This week, also look for “Margot at the Wedding” and “Rendition” on DVD. Don’t forget, “Rendition” is the flick that brought us the on-again/off-again couple Gyllenspoon.

CAROLINE: That’s Reese and Jake to you. Too bad the movie was pretty crappy.