Animation and visual effects fans have a lot to choose from with today’s crop of home video releases. Among the offerings are HBO’s Steven Spielberg/Tom Hanks produced WWII epic 10-part miniseries Band of Brothers and The Powerpuff Girls Movie from Cartoon Network and Warner Bros.
Featuring extensive CG visual effects work by Cinesite and other effects houses including Mill Films and Pixel Envy, Band of Brothers is based on Stephen Ambrose’s acclaimed novel chronicling the real story of Easy Company, 506th Regiment of the 101st Airborn Division, U.S. Army.
All 10 episodes are contained on six discs and packaged in an embossed metallic case. Special features include the 80-minute documentary We Stand Alone Together, The Making of “Band of Brothers” featurette, star Ron Livingston’s video diaries (55 min.) and an interactive "field guide" featuring timelines, maps, profiles and other information. This HBO Video release lists for $119.98.
Now on VHS and DVD, The Powerpuff Girls Movie marked the big screen debut of the genetically enhanced superhero trio also known as Blossom, Bubbles and Buttercup. Despite some positive reviews, the film saw lackluster box office amid a sea of summer blockbusters. The title should fair better on video, especially with a full slate of DVD extra features including commentary by director/creator Craig McCracken, character commentaries, theatrical trailers, cast interviews with new animation, deleted scenes, behind the scenes material and the Dexter’s Laboratory bonus cartoon, Chicken Scratch. The Warner Home Video release lists for $22.95 VHS and $26.98 DVD.
Also debuting on home video today are Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas Deluxe Edition DVD (Universal), SpongeBob SquarePants: Sea Stories 10 episodes. (Paramount), Star Trek: The Next Generation — The Complete Fifth Season DVD gift set (Paramount) and Blue’s Clues: Get to Know Joe! — four episodes (Paramount).
