'Mist,' 'Kite Runner' among latest releases
By Bruce Dancis
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
One and two discs, Genius Products/The Weinstein Co., rated R
The third collaboration between writer Stephen King and director Frank Darabont (after "The Shawshank Redemption" and "The Green Mile") stars Thomas Jane, Marcia Gay Harden and Andre Braugher in a tale about a deadly mist that reduces visibility to next to nothing while unleashing flesh-eating creatures.
The single-disc edition comes with a commentary by Darabont, a conversation between Darabont and King, and eight deleted scenes; the two-disc Collector's Edition adds a black-and-white version of the movie and five documentaries on the making of the film.
Paramount Home Entertainment, PG-13
Based on Khaled Hosseini's best-selling novel, Marc Foster's film is about two boys from Kabul who form a powerful but harrowing friendship during the days of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan and the subsequent takeover of the country by the Taliban.
The DVD includes a commentary by Hosseini, Foster and screenwriter David Benioff, plus two documentaries — "Words From 'The Kite Runner' " and "Images From 'The Kite Runner.' "
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, PG
Jimmy Carter has been one of the most publicly active former presidents, and filmmaker Jona-than Demme's documentary captures Carter on a press tour to promote his controversial book "Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid," working with Habitat for Humanity and spending time with his family.
Bonus features include a commentary by Demme, extra scenes and soundtrack recording sessions from the movie.
Two discs, Fox Home Entertainment, PG-13
Director James Mangold has added 17 minutes of additional footage to his acclaimed 2005 film about country music legends Johnny Cash (Joaquin Phoenix) and June Carter Cash (Oscar winner Reese Witherspoon).
The DVD also includes "Johnny Cash Jukebox" (eight extended musical sequences), a commentary by Mangold, two deleted scenes, new documentaries on the early careers of Cash and Carter, and Cash's recordings at Sun Records.
Two discs, Warner Home Video, R
Controversial both for its graphic violence and for favorably depicting its 1930s bank-robbing protagonists — Clyde Barrow (Warren Beatty) and Bonnie Parker (Faye Dunaway) — Arthur Penn's path-breaking 1967 movie is out with remastered picture and sound, and many bonus features.
The Special Edition includes a new documentary about the impact of the film, a History Channel documentary on the real Barrow and Parker, newly discovered scenes and Beatty's wardrobe tests; the limited edition Ultimate Collector's Edition also includes a commemorative book with behind-the-scenes photos and the original 1967 press book.
MGM Home Entertainment, various ratings
Celebrating the 90th anniversary of United Artists, MGM is releasing from its vaults these big-budget historical/biblical sagas starring Yul Brynner: "Solomon and Sheba" (1959) features Brynner as the Israelite King Solomon and Gina Lollobrigida as the seductive Queen of Sheba; "Taras Bulba" (1962) has Brynner portraying a Cossack chieftain in 16th-century Ukraine as he leads his people against Polish invaders; and "Kings of the Sun" (1963) finds Brynner portraying a leader in ancient Mesoamerica battling Mayan invaders.