DVD Releases

Popcorn movie season has hit like a photon torpedo, so the time seems ripe for just laying it right out there: If there's one DVD release this year that has this correspondent's number, it's the "Star Wars" valentine "Fanboys" (2009, Genius Products, $19.97; available now). I can't say I ever had the gumption of the four geek buddies (Sam Huntington, Chris Marquette, Dan Fogler, and most recognizably, Jay Baruchel of TV's "Undeclared") who drive cross-country to break into George Lucas's Skywalker Ranch and sneak an early peek at "The Phantom Menace." (I just wangled an assignment that took me there, and meekly suffered the hairy eyeballs leveled by security to keep visitors in line.) But director Kyle Newman and pals sure do an accurate job of laying out a get-a-lifer's arguments for why "Star Wars" matters; what makes Harrison Ford the greatest actor ever; and even how all hard-rock roads lead to Rush. ("I Love You, Man" says likewise, but here it's with attitude.) The comic-con vibe continues in commentary featuring Fogler, Huntington, and castmate Kristen Bell. Meanwhile, the recent documentary reissue "A Galaxy Far Far Away" offers affirmation that, yep, the phenomenon is as nutty as all that. And never mind the great running joke in "Fanboys" about this crowd's contempt for Trekkies - the "Star Trek" reboot's stellar showing is part of what's making this such an expensively eventful month for DVD completists. Not only has the first season of "Trek" arrived on Blu-ray, but so has a collection of all six Shatner-Nimoy films. Pictured, from left: Marquette, Fogler, and Huntington.

HISTORICAL DRAMA

REVOLUTION (1985)

Al Pacino (right) and director Hugh Hudson stick to their guns (muskets?) in insisting that their failed epic about an apolitical fur trader pulled into the American Revolution was a film that deserved better. This "Revisited" cut expands Pacino's voice-over narration to more fully explore his character, but the problems remain - as much with casting moves like Nastassja Kinski's too exotic war groupie and Richard O'Brien's Riff-Raffish redcoat as with Pacino. Still, a bonus conversation between the star and Hudson is compelling. "I realized as I got older, no, you don't [do different roles]," Pacino says. "It's a prison." (Warner, $19.97)

DOCUMENTARY

STEALING LINCOLN'S BODY (2009)

Even those who typically surf right past the History Channel can take an interest in the cable outlet's flashback to this bizarre plot, cooked up by a group of 1870s Chicago counterfeiters eyeing a $200,000 ransom and the release of their jailed engraver. The 90-minute program goes heavy on newscast teaser treatment, stretching out the background on Lincoln's assassination, embalming, etc., before finally getting to the oversold main event. (The scheme actually failed, hence its status as historical footnote.) But digital photo re-creations such as a close-up of Lincoln lying in state are as morbidly fascinating as intended. (A&E, $19.95)

TELEVISION

JEEVES & WOOSTER: THE COMPLETE SERIES (1990-1993)

"House's" late-season shocker and splashy finale make no difference - as ever, we can't even love to hate Hugh Laurie's character (right). And yet, we find Laurie to be an engagingly easy sell in other roles, particularly when he's paired with comedy partner Stephen Fry ("Gosford Park.") Here they venture into archly tweedy P.G. Wodehouse period territory, with Laurie playing a smartly dressed, empty-headed man of means, and Fry serving as both his valet and his common sense. Mildly amusing, eh wot, if not nearly as much fun as their sketch comedy showcase. (A&E, $59.95)

TRUE BLOOD: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON (2008)

Alan Ball's "Six Feet Under" follow-up hits disc in time for the second season premiere, with commentaries and Tru Blood beverage ads. Pictured: Anna Paquin, Stephen Moyer. (HBO, $59.99; Blu-ray, $79.98; available now)

A BUG'S LIFE (1998)

This early Pixar effort isn't among the company's most memorable, but the creative standards are high enough to warrant a Blu-ray debut. Dave Foley supplies the voice of a can-do ant struggling against grasshoppers a whole lot more intimidating than rubber tree plants. Extras: Unseen sequences from the original story treatment; coupon for Pixar's "Up." (Disney, $39.99; available now)

NEW IN TOWN (2009)

Reneé Zellweger plays dyslexic snowbird as a high-powered Miami exec who bundles off to rural Minnesota to do the romantic comedy thing with Harry Connick Jr. Extras: Cast and crew commentary; production featurettes. (Lionsgate, $29.95; Blu-ray, $39.99)

ZABRISKIE POINT (1970)

Michelangelo Antonioni's impressions of Flower Power-era America - and his eye for Death Valley's stark grandeur - get no-frills DVD treatment. (Warner, $19.97)

FALLING DOWN (1993)

As a defense worker pushed too far by the big-city rat race, Michael Douglas looks like, well, Michael Douglas with a brush cut and shop-teacher glasses. Still, director Joel Schumacher's film, debuting here on Blu-ray, is an effective pop gloss on "Taxi Driver" psycho-dissection. Extras: New commentary by Douglas and Schumacher. (Warner, $34.99)

SATURDAY MORNING CARTOONS: 1960s, VOLUME 1 (2009) This 12-'toon grab bag features everyone from Fred Flintstone to Ricochet Rabbit. A companion '70s volume is also available. (Warner, $26.99) Titles are in stores Tuesday unless otherwise specified.