DVD releases

SUPER 8 (2011)

Was it hubris or humility that had writer-director J.J. Abrams (“Star Trek’’) saying that he hoped his kids-and-aliens adventure would live up to what Steven Spielberg had done with “E.T.’’ and “Close Encounters’’? Whatever, Abrams pulls it off, drawing strong dramatic performances from Joel Courtney and Elle Fanning as part of a gang of junior moviemakers who stumble into a paranormal cover-up. Extras: Abrams and crew members supply amusing Blu-ray commentary, sounding like their characters as they cook up a plan to have commentary-averse Spielberg (who produced) take part. The disc also goes heavy on featurettes and deleted scenes. (Paramount, $29.99; Blu-ray, $39.99; available now)

COMEDY

FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS (2011)

It wasn’t long ago that Justin Timberlake was a punch line (see, for one, the benefit-concert clip where he’s pelted during a duet with the Stones). But now? Thanks to his game “SNL’’ makeover, you look forward to seeing him do comedy. Confoundingly, though, the light moments tend to be annoying in this rom-com about an LA charmer (Timberlake) and a New York firecracker (Mila Kunis) professing to want only casual sex. Hang in for the drama, which plays better, and to see Timberlake channeling Kris Kross. Extras: Commentary by Timberlake and Kunis; Blu-ray segment on those funny flash mob scenes. (Sony, $30.99; Blu-ray, $35.99; available Friday)

DRAMA

ANOTHER EARTH (2011)

Filmmaker Mike Cahill’s speculative tale features co-writer Brit Marling as an MIT-bound girl quietly aching to take away the pain she caused with a drunk-driving crash that cost William Mapother (“Lost’’) his family. One dicey path to redemption, maybe, is for her to get involved in his shattered life; another is to somehow travel to a mirror-image Earth that’s mysteriously appeared in the sky, pregnant with alternate-reality possibilities. It’s high-concept material given low-fi treatment that’s remarkably, provocatively resonant. Extras: Blu-ray featurettes include a science segment sure to rankle IMDB posters who’ve amusingly groused about ignored gravitational catastrophes. (Fox, Blu-ray, $39.99)