Blu-Ray, DVD Round Up, July 3, 2009: ‘Madea Goes to Jail,’ ‘Spaceballs’

CHICAGO – The Round-Up is back to provide our loyal readers with synopsis and feature details on a few titles that may have slipped on to DVD or Blu-Ray under your radar but might make the right purchase choice this holiday weekend.

It’s not that these title are any “lesser” than some of the biggies out there (one nearly made $100 million domestically and another is a Mel Brooks classic), but we can’t get around to a full-length review of everything that comes into the HollywoodChicago.com office and we want to keep you as informed as possible.

“Tyler Perry’s Madea Goes to Jail” and “Spaceballs” were released on June 16th, 2009.

“The Education of Charlie Banks,” “Secret Diary of a Call Girl: Season Two,” and “White Sox Memories” were released on June 30th, 2009.

“The Education of Charlie Banks”

Photo credit: Anchor Bay

Synopsis: “Charlie Banks’ (Jesse Eisenberg) sheltered world at his Ivy League campus is shaken up when Mick (Jason Ritter), an old acquaintance with a violent past, unexpectedly shows up. Intrigued by Charlie’s privileged lifestyle, the charismatic Mick quickly wins over Charlie’s friends and his crush, Mary (Eva Amurri) as he seamlessly integrates himself into Charlie’s life. Unnerved, yet also in awe of Mick’s easy charm, Charlie’s unresolved feelings of jealousy, admiration and fear - as well as an unspoken secret between the two - threatens to come to a head with ruinous consequences. Marking Fred Durst’s directorial debut, this “evocative coming-of-age story” (Simi Horowitz, Back Stage), also stars Christopher Marquette and Sebastian Stan.”

“The Education of Charlie Banks” stars Jesse Eisenberg, Jason Ritter, Christopher Marquette, Eva Amurri, Sebastian Stan, and Gloria Votsis. It was written by Peter Elkoff and directed by Fred Durst. It is rated R. The film is presented in anamorphic widescreen with a 1.78:1 aspect ratio and accompanied by a Dolby Surround 5.1 track.

Special features include an audio commentary with Director Fred Durst and Actor Jason Ritter, and “Conversations Behind The Education of Charlie Banks”.

“Secret Diary of a Call Girl: Season Two”

Photo credit: Lionsgate

Synopsis: “It’s her business doing pleasure with you. The second season of “Secret Diary of a Call Girl,” Showtime’s hit original series based on the real-life adventures of a high-class escort, debuts on DVD from Lionsgate. This witty and provocative show follows the dangerously sexy exploits of “Belle” (real name Hannah Baxter), a 27-year-old graduate living in London, who has worked for the last few years as one of the city’s premiere escorts. She’s an independent, young woman who loves her job. And in season 2 its business as usual for Belle, until her personal life gets in the way. See what happens when a girl who loves for a living, starts living for love.”

“Secret Diary of a Call Girl” stars Billie Piper, Iddo Goldberg, Ashley Madekwe, and Callum Blue. It was created by Lucy Prebble. It is not rated. The show is presented in 16x9 anamorphic widescreen with a 1.78:1 aspect ratio and accompanied by an English 5.1 track.

Special features include “Billie on Billie” Interview With Billie Piper and Webisodes.

“Spaceballs” (Blu-Ray)

Photo credit: MGM

Synopsis: “The farce is with you in this “uproarious salute to science fiction” (The Hollywood Reporter) that teams comedy legend Mel Brooks with an all-star cast of cutups including John Candy (Splash), Rick Moranis (Ghostbusters) and Bill Pullman (Ruthless People)! When the evil Dark Helmet (Moranis) attempts to steal all the air from planet Druidia, a determined Druish Princess (Daphne Zuniga), a clueless rogue (Pullman) and a half-man/half-dog creature who’s his own best friend (Candy) set out to stop him! But with the forces of darkness closing in on them at ludicrous speed, they’ll need the help of a wise imp named Yogurt (Brooks) and the mystical power of “The Schwartz” to bring peaceand merchandising rightsto the entire galaxy!”

“Spaceballs” stars Bill Pullman, Daphne Zuniga, Dick Van Patten, George Wyner, and Joan Rivers. The film was written by Mel Brooks & Thomas Meehan & Ronny Graham and directed by Brooks. It is rated PG. The film is presented in 1080p and accompanied by an English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio track.

Special features on “Spaceballs” include Commentary by Mel Brooks, Additional Commentary Tracks: Mawgese & Dinkese, Spaceballs: The Documentary featurette, In Conversation: Mel Brooks & Thomas Meehan featurette, John Candy: Comic Spirit featurette, Watch the Movie in Ludicrous Speed featurette, Still Galleries, Trailers, Film Flubs, Storyboards-to-Film Comparison, and a DVD version of the film.

“Tyler Perry’s Madea Goes to Jail”

Photo credit: Lionsgate

Synopsis: “After a high-speed freeway chase puts Madea in front of the judge, her reprieve is short-lived as anger management issues get the best of her and land her in jail. A gleeful Joe couldn’t be happier at Madea’s misfortune. But Madea’s eccentric family members, the Browns, rally behind her, lending their special “country” brand of support. Meanwhile, Assistant District Attorney Joshua Hardaway is on the fast track to career success. He lands a case too personal to handle, defending young prostitute and former drug addict Candace Washington, and asks his fiancée and fellow Assistant District Attorney Linda Holmes to fill in on his behalf. When Candace ends up in jail, Madea befriends the young woman, protecting her in a “motherly” way as only Madea can.”

“Tyler Perry’s Madea Goes to Jail” stars Tyler Perry, Derek Luke, Keshia Knight Pulliam, Ion Overman, RonReaco Lee, Sofia Vergara, Vanessa Ferlito, and Viola Davis. The film was written and directed by Tyler Perry. It is rated PG-13. The film is presented in 16x9 anamorphic widescreen with a 1.78:1 aspect ratio and is accompanied by a Dolby Digital Audio 5.1 track.

Special features include “Madea is Back,” “Leroy Law Brown,” “Looking for the Big House,” “You Have the Right to Remain Silent!,” “Bringing in the Heavy Hitters,” and “Madea’s Crazy”.

“White Sox Memories: The Greatest Moments in Chicago White Sox History”

Photo credit: Shout Factory

Synopsis: “The south side of Chicago has hosted countless baseball stories and performances for more than a century. It has also been the home for many iconic Windy City ballplayers who ultimately landed in Cooperstown in the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Along the way, the team known as the White Sox has entertained its fans with a litany of memorable moments and ballplayers. In White Sox Memories: The Greatest Moments in Chicago White Sox History, the unforgettable and iconic mesh seamlessly to create the definitive story of what has made the White Sox franchise so magnetic.

From the very beginnings of the American League, pennant winners, Hall of Famers and indelible characters have made baseball on the South Side unforgettable. From the Hitless Wonders to the Go-Go Sox to the masterful collection of men who played Ozzie-ball and brought a World Series title back to Chicago in 2005, there have been numerous and incredible tales of triumph. In White Sox Memories: The Greatest Moments in Chicago White Sox History, these stories and the tales of the men who wrote them come alive once again.”

“White Sox Memories” is presented in 16:9 widescreen. Bonus footage includes “Postseason Clinchers,” “9th Inning of No-Hitters,” “Jim Thome Milestone,” “Frank Thomas Hometown Hero,” “Tom Paciorek Official MLB Handbook,” “Nancy Faust on TWIB,” and “2009 Sox Spring Training Wireless”.

[16]	By BRIAN TALLERICO [17] Content Director HollywoodChicago.com brian@hollywoodchicago.com [16]