My monthly column in Chapel Hill News and Views.

This month, I am writing my column a bit differently, because the holiday shopping season is near. There are so many titles coming out in October and November that I decided to list some of them here instead of only picking three to review. Unfortunately, I haven’t seen a lot of them yet, but I will offer a ratings based on my desire to see or own them. The ratings will be on a 1 to 5 stockings scale, with 1 being no interests at all and 5 being one on my own Christmas list.

I am also going to break them down into three categories: Special Editions, Regular Titles, and Must See TV.

The Special Edition is based on the DVD being called a special edition. Some of these titles have already been released once, but now they have extra features including deleted/extended scenes, extra footage, and featurettes.

The Regular Titles are DVDs that are being released for the first time. A few of the regular titles may appear in the Special Edition category, but that is only because the DVD is being called a special edition.

The Must See TV is for TV shows now on DVD. This is becoming a more and more popular format for DVDs, so I wanted to give these DVDs their own category.

Special Edition

Aladdin 2-Disc Special Edition (10/05)
RATING: 4 – I am a sucker for Disney’s animated classics.

Deep Impact: Special Collectors Edition (10/05)
RATING: 3 – This looks like a fun popcorn film to watch with my wife.

The Untouchables: Special Edition (10/05)
RATING: 4.5 – As a fan of mafia movies and old gangland stories, this movie is already on my Top 20 DVD list.

Gothika: 2-Disc Special Edition (10/12)
RATING: 3.5 – This looks like a good old-fashioned scary movie to enjoy with my wife.

Mulan: Special Edition (10/26)
RATING: 4 – Like I said, I am a sucker for Disney animation.

Philadelphia: Anniversary Edition (11/02)
RATING: 4.5 – A POWERFUL performance from Tom Hanks put this DVD on my Top 20 list.

Regular Titles

Breakin’ All the Rules (10/12)
RATING: 3 – Jamie Foxx has begun to impress me with his work, so I would like to see this comedy.

Day After Tomorrow (10/12)
RATING: 3 – This also looks like a good film to watch with my wife.

Raising Helen (10/12)
RATING: 3 – This looks like it has the potential to be a cute film.

Brain Donors (10/26)
RATING: 4.5 – This is a hilarious comedy from 1992 that fans of The Marx Brothers would certainly enjoy.

Garfield: The Movie (10/19)
RATING: 4 – I love the comic strip, I liked the movie, and I am willing to forgive that there is not much in terms of DVD extras.

Van Helsing (10/19)
RATING: 3 – I love monster movies, and I have already been warned not to expect too much.

White Chicks (10/26)
RATING: 2.5 – I am interested in seeing it, but it isn’t on top of my list.

Shrek 2 (11/02)
RATING: 4 – I loved the first one, and I can’t wait to see this one.

Around the World in 80 Days (11/02)
RATING: 3.5 – Shanghai Knights was a pleasant surprise so I’m hoping Jackie Chan delivers again in this one.

Elf (11/16)
RATING: 4 – I am a huge fan of Will Ferrell.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (11/23)
RATING: 3.5 – I like this one the best so far.

Spider-Man 2 (11/30)
RATING: 4 – Loved the first one, and I am eager to get this one.

Must See TV

Cedric the Entertainer: Season 1 (10/12)
RATING: 3.5 – This was a great variety show that I’m looking forward to.

CSI: Season 4 (10/12)
RATING: 4 – My wife and I are both huge fans of this crime-solving show.

Jamie Kennedy Experiment: Season 2 (10/12)
RATING: 4 – Jamie Kennedy’s skits are funny, and I look forward to watching more of them.

Kingdom Hospital (10/12)
RATING: 3.5 – I missed most of the series on TV, but my wife has convinced me to check this out.

Greg the Bunny: The Complete Season (10/19)
RATING: 4.5 – This series offers a more grown-up sense of humor and I loved it.

That 70’s Show (10/26)
RATING: 4.5 – I love this TV show, and I can’t wait to own it.

The West Wing – The Complete Third Season (11/02)
RATING: 3 – I have never seen the show, but with the Presidential elections happening, I am thinking about asking for this DVD and the first two seasons.

Seinfield: Seasons 1-3
RATING: 4 – I did not get into this show early on, but now I one of the millions who love this show.

Tru Calling: The Complete First Season (11/30)
RATING: 3.5 – I have only seen a few episodes, but I liked what I saw