DVD Releases for June 3rd.

“Directed with clinical precision by Academy Award-winner Robert Wise, this compelling account of the earth’s first biological crisis is perhaps the most chillingly realistic science-fiction thriller ever made. After an errant Satellite crashes to Earth near a remote New Mexico village, the recovery team discovers that almost everyone in the town are victims of a horrible death, with the mysterious exception of an infant and an old homeless man. The survivors are brought to a state-of-the-art laboratory descending five stories beneath the ground where the puzzled scientists race against time to determine the nature of the deadly microbe before it wreaks worldwide havoc. A trailblazer in the areas of special effects and inventive sets, The Andromeda Strain is based on Michael Crichton’s best- selling novel, that created national paranoia for its topical relevance to the first moon landing. ”

CHiPs: the complete second season Eric Estrada, Larry Wilcox. 22 episodes Extras: The Real CHiPs with Erik Estrada, Feature-Length Special Episode – The Greatest Adventures of CHiPs:Recounting the Coolest Cases of Seasons One and Two(Warner)

“Can’t drive 55? There’s a ticket with your name on it – sign here, please. Just jumped three freeway lanes and endangered everyone in your path? Pull it over, pal, and dig out that license and registration. California Highway Patrol motorcycle officers Jon Baker and Francis “Ponch” Poncherello are on patrol. Erik Estrada and Larry Wilcox return as Ponch and Jon, and the action and fun are ready to roll in 22 road- ripping episodes. Also returning: Robert Pine as amiable Sgt. Getraer. Strap on helmets and goggles for a deadly chain-reaction crash, the appearance of a nettlesome TV-news crew, Ponch’s disco dancing, Halloween patrol and a caped biker daredevil. Remember: safety first. And always signal before turning.”
Da Vinci’s Inquest – Season 3 Nicholas Campbell, Ian Tracey, Donnelly Rhodes. SRP $59.95 (Acorn Media)

As the crusading and charismatic coroner for the city of Vancouver, Dominic Da Vinci (Nicholas Campbell) has a mandate to determine “the manner and cause of death” in any suspicious accident or crime. To carry it out, he relies on experience and gut instinct—as well as the cops, forensic specialists, and medical experts with whom he works. Together, these investigators probe back alleys and suburban bedrooms to cast light on the shadowy means and motives for murder.
The Dirty Harry resissues:
The Dead Pool: Deluxe Edition (1988) Clint Eastwood, Liam Neeson, Patricia Clarkson. SRP $14.97 Extras: New Commentary by producer David Valdes and Cinematographer Jack N. Green, who discuss the challenging and rewarding experience making this the final chapter in the Dirty Harry series, New Featurette The Craft of Dirty Harry — A look at the cinematographers, editors, musicians, production designers and other talent of the Dirty Harry series, Trailer Gallery. (Warner)
“The Dead Pool finds Inspector Callahan (Eastwood) investigating an unusual betting game played by a film director and his crew, which has the players create a list of 10 celebrities they think will die. The winner is the one with the highest number of dead celebrities. Soon, however, people on the list begin to die under mysterious circumstances. Callahan is assigned to the case and discovers his name has made the list.”

Dirty Harry Ultimate Collector’s Edition All five “Dirty Harry” films, new commentaries and featurettes, 40-page hard cover “Dirty Harry” retrospective book, replica Harry Callahan wallet with Inspector’s badge and ID card, “Scorpio: Portrait of a Killer” poster, six “Dirty Harry” cards, production letters, more. $74.92 DVD, $129.95 Blu-ray Disc. (Warner).
Dirty Harry Special Edition (1971) Dir.: Don Siegel; Clint Eastwood, Harry Guardino, John Mitchum, Reni Santoni, John Vernon. Two-disc set. Extras: Commentary by film historian Richard Schickel; The Long Shadow of Dirty Harry, an examination of the influence and legacy of Dirty Harry; Dirty Harry: The Original; Dirty Harry’s Way promotional short on the movie; interview gallery; 1993 TV special “Clint Eastwood: The Man from Malpaso”; trailer gallery. Also available on Blu-ray Disc. (Warner).
The Enforcer: Deluxe Edition (1976) Clint Eastwood, Tyne Daly. SRP $14.97 Extras: New Commentary by director James Fargo, New Featurette The Business End: Violence in Cinema An unflinching look at the ongoing debate on violence in cinema, Featurette Harry Callahan/Clint Eastwood: Something Special in Films, Trailer Gallery(Warner)
“Released in 1976, The Enforcer marks the third installment in the Dirty Harry franchise. The film’s plot has Inspector Callahan (Eastwood) paired with a new partner, policewoman, Inspector Kate Moore (Tyne Daly), as they hunt for a group of terrorists that are blackmailing the city of San Francisco for two million dollars. Callahan, none-too- pleased by being teamed up with a woman, must put his job first and the two attempt to shut down the terrorists. Moore, however, proves herself after she and Callahan pursue the terrorists to their hideout in the prison of Alcatraz.”

Magnum Force: Deluxe Edition (1973) Clint Eastwood, Felton Perry, David Soul, Tim Matheson. SRP $14.97 Extras: New Commentary by writer John Milius-In this gritty, entertaining commentary, legendary Hollywood screenwriter Milius discusses Eastwood, the world of Dirty Harry and the rugged resilience of crime drama in American cinema, New Featurette “A Moral Right: The Politics of Dirty Harry” — Filmmakers, social scientists and authors take a provocative look at the moral, political and ethical themes of the Dirty Harry films, The Hero Cop: Yesterday and Today, Trailer Gallery (Warner)
“Eastwood reprises his famous role as Inspector Callahan, which has him face crooked cops and a traitorous boss as well as suffering re- assignment from homicide to stakeout duty after his handling of the Scorpio case. Callahan and his new partner, Earlington “Early” Smith (Felton Perry), are called off a case in which a man acquitted of murder is found dead along with his chauffer, lawyer and bodyguard. Soon after, a mafia figure, and several of his family and friends are also gunned down. Then, a well-known pimp is murdered too. Callahan and ‘Early’ are soon re-assigned to investigate the homicides.”

Sudden Impact: Deluxe Edition (1983) Clint Eastwood, Sandra Locke. SRP $14.97 Extras: New Commentary by renowned film critic Richard Schickel — Author and longtime Eastwood associate Schickel uncovers layers of meaning in this, the only Dirty Harry film directed by Eastwood himself, New Featurette The Evolution of Clint Eastwood — An examination of the film in the context of Eastwood’s broader career as a director, Trailer Gallery. (Warner)
“Sudden Impact is Eastwood’s fourth Dirty Harry film. Released in 1983, follows Inspector Callahan (Eastwood) as he’s shipped to San Paulo, a small town down the coast to investigate a murder. The killer is Jennifer Spencer (Sondra Locke) who out for revenge is murdering all the rapists that gang-raped her and her little sister 10 years ago. During his investigations, Callahan becomes entangled in Jennifer’s own troubles – all the while never suspecting that she’s the killer.”
Flawless (2008) Demi Moore, Michael Caine. SRP $26.98 Extras: “Exploring the Facets: A Behind the Scenes Look.” (Magnolia Home Entertainment).
“A crime/drama set in 1960s London, where a soon-to-retire janitor (Michael Caine) convinces a glass-ceiling constrained American executive (Demi Moore) to help him steal a handful of diamonds from their employer, the London Diamond Corporation, who he feels has done them wrong.”

Mannix: The First Season (1967-68)) Six-disc set with 24 episodes, $49.99. Extras: Interview with Mike Connors and Joseph Campanella, “Mannix” TV Land promo and CBS sales presentation with audio introductions from Mike Connors. (Paramount/CBS)
“From the dynamic opening credits to the closing shootout, Mannix crackles with excitement, and is finally available on DVD for the first time ever! Cool, no-nonsense private detective Joe Mannix (Mike Connors) is a tough-talking loner within the large detective agency Intertect. He has street smarts and class, but he constantly fights with his boss, Lou Wickersham (Joseph Campanella), over how to conduct their investigations. Lou relies on the company’s computers, but Mannix has to go with his gut. And that’s just what he does every time! One of the most popular crime shows ever, this long-running series was developed by executive producer Bruce Geller (Mission: Impossible), and features all 24 Season One episodes on 6 discs, including the rarely-seen series pilot. Brace yourself for unbeatable action — Mannix is back!”


Rescue Me: The Complete Fourth Season Four-disc set with 13 episodes, $49.95. Extras: Featurettes: “Walking Through Fire: The Stories of Rescue Me Season 4,” “Real Stories From America’s Bravest,” “Welcome to the Set,” “This Is Not a Drill: Breaking Down Episode 407,” “Captains,” “Tools of the Trade,” “Burning Embers: Gavin’s Girls”; deleted scenes; blooper reel. (Sony).
“An arson investigation following the beach house fire targets Tommy, Janet worries that her new baby doesn’t like her, Colleen runs away from home, a not guilty verdict is delivered in Uncle Teddy’s manslaughter trial, Jerry commits suicide, the crew from 62 Truck is savaged in the press for not being able to save seven children from dying in a tragic fire – it’s another season of challenge and turbulence for Tommy and the guys.”

Time for Murder Two DVD-set with six episodes. SRP $39.99(Acorn Media)
In original screenplays specially commissioned for this series, Antonia Fraser, Gordon Honeycombe, Fay Weldon (Upstairs, Downstairs), novelist Frances Galleymore (Widow Maker), Michael Robson (The House of Eliott), and Charles Wood (Iris, Help!) deliver six smart, sophisticated suspense tales. Each author gives the genre his or her own peculiar twist, with results ranging from the darkly humorous to the truly macabre. Viewers will visit not only conventional English drawing rooms, but also a boy’s prep school, a luxury health spa, and a snowbound hotel—all settings for murder and other surprises.
These six complete dramas also feature superlative performances by a host of legendary British actors, including Claire Bloom (Brideshead Revisited), Sylvia Sims (The Queen), Charles Dance (Gosford Park), Trevor Howard (Sons and Lovers), Patrick Allen (Dial M for Murder), Amanda Root, Judy Campbell, and Jane Asher. Combined with the screenwriters’ originality, the artistry of these performers makes Time for Murder a collection to treasure.