This week's DVD releases range from a Broadway performance to a classic Disney offering.
"Fast Five," Grade C: In this "The Fast and the Furious" sequel, Dominic and his crew find themselves on the wrong side of the law once again.
Somewhere between "The Fast and the Furious" and the latest sequel in the tire-squealing series "Fast Five," the franchise shifted gears. It went from being a film driven by fast cars to a blue collar version of "Ocean's Eleven." There's nothing terribly wrong – or right – with "Fast Five."
There are a couple of strong action scenes, but the pacing is painfully slow – this movie runs more than two hours. That's a mistake when you are dealing with a film franchise that has a need for speed.
"The Pee-Wee Herman Show on Broadway," Grade B+: Paul Reubens returns to the role of Pee-Wee Herman and is joined on stage by all of his friends at Pee-Wee's Playhouse.
This is a nostalgic bit of good fun for everyone who remembers the idiotic antics of Herman, Cowboy Curtis and Miss Yvonne. Although the humor is elementary, there is a slight adult edge to many of the jokes. That means it's just enough of a mix to make this production visually entertaining for children and fun enough for adults.
"Melissa & Joey: Season One, Part Two," Grade B: Melissa Joan Hart and Joey Lawrence star in this updated version of "Who's the Boss?" The show works because the stars – who have known each other since they were kids – have great chemistry. There is an easiness about their performances that make the comedy hit even when it gets silly.
"Melissa & Joey" airs on ABC Family, which means many of you haven't seen it. This is a good time to catch up with the program that harkens back to the days when ABC dominated Friday nights with a family-fun comedy lineup.
"The Lion King," Grade A: The mesmerizing story of Simba, Mufasa, Timon and Pumbaa is being released on Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3-D after a two-week run in local theaters. The blend of humor and drama painted against a brilliant background makes this 1994 release one of the best animated Disney films.
Also coming to DVD Tuesday:
"Lie to Me: The Complete Final Season": Tim Roth stars.
"The League: The Complete Season Two": Cable comedy about friends in a fantasy football league.
"Beavis & Butt-Head: Mike Judge's Most Wanted": Mike Judge's animated series.
"In Treatment: Season Three": Gabriel Byrne stars.
"The Bionic Woman: Season 3": Lindsay Wagner) stars.
"Scream 4": Neve Campbell stars.
"Weird Al Yankovic Live! – The Alpocalypse Tour": A look at Weird Al's latest concert tour.
"Bored to Death: The Complete Second Season": Jason Schwartzman stars in the cable series.
"Friday The 13th Collection": Includes all of the horror films plus hockey mask.
"Boy Meets World: The Complete Seventh Season": Ben Savage keeps facing world problems.
"Friday Night Lights: The Complete Series": A look into Texas football.
"Moby Dick": Ethan Hawke stars in this latest whale tale.
"The Caller": A woman (Rachelle Lefevre) is tormented by phone calls.
"Nickelodeon Favorites: Merry Christmas!": Includes "Dora the Explorer," "The Wonder Pets," "Blue's Clues," "Team Umizoomi" and "Ni Hao, Kai-lan."
"Midsomer Murders: Barnaby's Top 10": John Nettles introduces 10 of his favorite mysteries.
The Wiggles, "It's Always Christmas With You!": First holiday DVD from the Aussie band.
"Grandview, U.S.A.": Patrick Swayze and Jamie Lee Curtis star.
"Ken Burns: Prohibition": The documentary maker's latest work is on DVD and Blu-ray.
"Soapdish": 20th anniversary.
"Perry Mason: The Sixth Season, Volume One": Perry Mason keeps winning in court.
"LEGO Hero Factory Savage Planet": The new animated feature includes champions from the Hero Factory on their quest to stop an evil witch doctor.
"The Smurfs Holiday Celebration": The little blue friends spread Christmas cheer.
"Drinking Made Easy": Zane Lamprey, Steve McKenna and Marc Ryan host.
"Aaahh!!! Real Monsters": Monsters rule.
"Buck": A look at a real-life horse whisperer.
"Elvira's Haunted Hills": Remastered to mark the 10th anniversary.
"African Cats": Samuel L. Jackson narrates.
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