Julie Christie

CHICAGO – The golden age of the great Robert Redford occurred in the 1970s, when he participated in making passionate political statements with “All the President’s Men,” “The Candidate” and “Three Days of the Condor.” Redford stars in and directs a throwback to those times, the equally passionate yet softer-in-narrative “The Company You Keep.”

CHICAGO – With Julie Christie as Grandma in this this new version of a familiar red cloaked fairy tale, it certainly gives a whole new meaning to the familiar “better to eat you with” routine. Amanda Seyfried gives an old fable a new spin as the title character in the Blu-ray and DVD release of “Red Riding Hood.”

CHICAGO – Catherine Hardwicke, who only directed the first “Twilight” and none of the following franchise films because she felt rushed and financially constrained, has cleverly figured out how to make another “Twilight” under the guise of the name “Red Riding Hood”.

CHICAGO – Kenneth Branagh’s “Hamlet” got a raw deal. In the shadow of not just the legend of William Shakespeare’s play but the incredible film versions that had come before, “Hamlet” couldn’t even break $5 million at the box office. And yet this gorgeous, incredibly-made retelling of one of the most influential pieces of theater ever written looks simply amazing on Blu-ray. It’s a fantastic release.

CHICAGO – David Lean’s “Doctor Zhivago” is one of the most beloved films of all time and it has been masterfully transferred to Blu-ray courtesy of the best studio in existence when it comes to ushering timeless classics on to the next generation format. Warner Brothers has done it again with a must-own for classic movie fans.

CHICAGO – HollywoodChicago.com film critic Adam Fendelman has analyzed the 10 nominated contenders (five men for best actor and five women for best actress) and reveals his selections for the top prize. Hosted by Jon Stewart, the 80th Academy Awards ceremony will be presented in one form or another on Feb. 24, 2008.