Holiday DVD Review Round-Up Part 4

Still haven't crossed everyone off your list? We're here to give you a few more DVDs you'll want to check out for gift-giving ideas. Including The Devil Wears Prada, My Su-per Ex-Girlfriend, Material Girls, John Tucker Must Die and Miami Vice. We've got the low-down on the quality and special features that will help you decide on what to buy.

From 20th Century Fox Home Entertainment

The Devil Wears Prada

Synopsis: Based on the best-selling book "The Devil Wears Prada", the movie version stars Anne Hathaway as Andy Sachs, an aspiring journalist who lands the job a million girls would die for. Unfortunately for her, it also turns out to be the job from hell. Being an assistant's assistant, or more accurately slave, to the notorious editor of "Runway" fashion magazine. This equals being on-call 24/7, fetching coffee, putting up with impossible demands and daily fashion no-no's. But, if Andy can survive one year with her devilish boss Miranda (Meryl Streep) she'll be able to launch her career as a serious journalist with any magazine in New York, unless Miranda proves to be the death of her first.

Special Features:

Commentary by David Frankel, producer Wendy Finerman, costume designer Patricia Field, screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna, editor Mark Livolsi and director of photogra-phy Florian Ballhaus. There are enough people on this commentary to keep it from get-ting too dull. Not the best feature on the disc but worth a listen.

Featurettes: "The Trip to the Big Screen" talks about the process of turning the best-selling book "The Devil wears Prada" into a movie for the big screen. It talks about the challenges of adapting a screenplay and staying true to the characters in the novel. A very informative look at the intentions the director, producer and writer had in making this movie. A must-see for aspiring movie makers.

"NYC and Fashion"- The actors talk how the fashion IS the film and the importance of making New York the location of choice. Anne Hathaway goes over her transformation from girl-next-door to fashion vixen. Very fun to watch.

"Fashion Visionary: Patricia Field" - The quirky designer talks about her passion for fashion, how she became involved in the movie, and the demands of the wardrobe. This look inside a famous designer's life will appeal to anyone interested in the fashion or movie world.

"Getting Valentino" - How the producer persuaded famed designer Valentino Garavani to make a cameo appearance in the movie. This only proves that, in the movie business, it's who you know that matters.

"Boss from Hell" - The most "devilish" clips from the movie interlaced with street interviews with real people about their worst boss experience. Fun and relatable.

Deleted Scenes - 15 extra clips that can be watched with or without commentary by Director David Frankel and Editor Mark Livolsi. Watch without commentary first and then with to hear Editor Mark Livolsi defend his choices of dropping these on the cutting room floor. The Director mentions that he wanted the tightest, most complete movie, which is why these were cut out. Fun to watch if you didn't get enough of The Devil Wears Prada. Undoubtedly, fans would appreciate an extended version including all of these clips. Note: The audio falters here a few times.

Gag Reel - 5 minutes of flubs and falters. It's especially funny to watch Anne struggling in her ultra high heels and ultra sophisticated actress Meryl Streep trying to keep a straight face through her mean scenes.

Overall, this movie looks and sounds great with the exception of the audio blip during the special features. It may only be a problem on the screener DVD so don't let this discourage you from checking out this fun movie. If you or anyone in your family has ever wanted to work in the fashion or magazine industry, this movie will either satisfy your cravings or quickly change your mind! Either way, it's relatable enough to be a great gift for anyone on your list.

My Super Ex- Girlfriend

Breaking up is hard to do...especially with a super hero! Matt (Luke Wilson) meets a nice girl on the subway, they go on a few dates and he thinks he's found the perfect girlfriend who also happens to be a superhero! Score! When Jenny (Uma Thurman) becomes overly possessive, Matt quickly learns it's not easy to break up with a superhero. "G-Girl" wants Matt to pay for breaking her heart and she's going to get her re-venge...the super hero way.

The DVD comes on a flipper disc including a regular and widescreen version of the film and additional special features. Unfortunately, our screener version only had one side and two special features we could review.

Deleted Scenes - Five extra scenes that show more of G-Girl's youth, relationship with Matt and connection to her arch nemesis Professor Bedlam. These don't offer anything new to the storyline and without a commentary, might leave you feeling a little confused.

Music Video: Molly McQueen "No Sleep 2 Nite" - A full length version of the song cut with scenes from the movie. If you liked the soundtrack, you'll enjoy watching this video.

Overall, the special features we did get to see weren't great. The movie starts off with a clever concept but it soon moves into predictable plots and seems to drag on and on. Uma and Luke are great and maybe someday there will be a remake that makes use of its potential. For now, this movie is only worth a rent.

John Tucker Must Die

Synopsis: A group of betrayed girlfriends band together to get their revenge on high school playboy John Tucker. When they find out that he's been dating all three of them at the same time, they scheme to turn him from jock to joke. Will John change his ways and become a one woman man? Or, will the tables be turned on their devious plan?

Also available on a flipper disc including theatrical and unrated versions of the film.

Side A - Widescreen Version: Commentary by Director Betty Thomas, Editor Matt Friedman And Writer Jeff Lowell - not a whole lot more information other than an explanation of what you're seeing on screen.

"Grrrl Power" - the girls talk about the good-looking cast, their chemistry and their fears of cattiness. The cast gives an ode to Director Betty and her "awesomeness". Short but sweet.

"Cutting Class with Jesse Metcalfe" - Jesse takes you on a tour of the set and shows off everything involved in creating "John Tucker". Quite short and not much interesting info but hunky Jesse makes it worth to watch.

"Kodiak Yearbook"- Each cast member reminisces about their high school days. Kind of short for a feature but comforting to hear that even Jenny McCarthy had a rough time in high school.

Side B - Regular Version

Commentary - Director Betty Thomas and editor Matthew Friedman talk you through each scene in the film. A few bloopers are exposed but overall a bit dull.

Deleted Scenes with optional commentary - Two very short scenes and Betty explains why these were cut. Neither scene adds anything new.

"On the Rebound" - Jesse Metcalf goes through the hoops to prove himself a worthy basketball player. You'll see how one of the dunking scenes was filmed. Kinda cool.

"Live Performance by People in Planes: Instantly Gratified" - Essentially a home made music video for the band. Fans will enjoy this.

Overall, the features are pretty short and aren't great but if you're a fan of the movie, you'll enjoy the extra tidbits and more of Jesse Metcalfe. If you have a high school girl on your list, this is the movie for her. The DVD looks and sounds great and don't forget to check out both sides.

Material Girls

Synopsis: A story of two sisters played by real-life sisters Hilary and Haylie Duff. Ava and Tanzie Marchetta have inherited their fathers cosmetic business and the fame and fortune that comes with it. The girls are living the high life until a scandal sends their bank accounts and social lives plummeting. This girls set out to save their company and their father's legacy all the while learning that there's more to life than parties and money.

Side A - Widescreen

Commentary by Martha Coolidge - The Director explains every aspect of filming. Martha goes over every scene and no detail is left unexplained.

"Getting to know Hilary and Haylie Duff as the Marchetta sisters" - An interview with the Duff sisters talking about the movie and what it was like working together. Really fun to watch. Anyone with a sibling will appreciate the fun banter between the sisters.

Music Video - "Playing with Fire"- A sexy dance-rock video single. A brunette Hilary shows off a more mature sound. Definitely a must-have for fans.

Side B - Regular

"Cast of Characters: Making of Material Girls" - The Director, Screenwriters, Producer and cast talk about the script and filming process. This feature is an informative look at this movie from concept to completion. You'll even get to hear Hilary and Haylie's own sister lingo. Very odd! The best featurette on the DVD.

"Material Girls Music Montage" - Clips from the movie and behind-the-scenes scenes played to Hilary and Haylie Duff's cover of Madonna's "Material Girl". Plays like a trailer and seems like more of a filler than an additional feature.

Overall, this movie is fun to watch and carries a great message. It looks and sounds good and you'll have a great time watching it with your family.

From Universal Pictures Home Entertainment

Miami Vice - Unrated Director's Cut

Synopsis: If any of you remember the '80s action/drama that ruled Friday nights, this movie is nothing like it -except that it still takes place in Miami. The plot goes something like this... Sonny Crockett (Colin Farrell)and Ricardo Tubbs (Jamie Foxx) infiltrate a sophisticated network of globalized traffickers. They are transporting drug loads into Miami while trying to uncover the group responsible for their friends' murder. Toss in some hot cars, beautiful women and the lure of a life of crime and you've got this movie figured out.

"Miami Vice Undercover" - Michael Mann (Director/Producer/Writer) gives props to the faceless men and women working as undercover agents to keep us safe from sleazy drug lords. You'll also see how actors worked hand-in-hand with the Police Dept. to train for their roles and re-create the most believable characters. Very interesting to see real life undercover agents relive their crime busts. Colin Farrell gets himself into a precarious situation...you'll have to watch this to find out what happens.

"Miami & Beyond: Shooting on Location" – Michael Mann's commitment to find the perfect locations for this movie. The crew takes you through the dangers and difficulties of shooting in such remote locations. You may not even know these cities and towns exist so this feature is like your all-access pass.

"Visualizing Miami Vice" - This explains the details of Michael Mann's vision for the "look" of this movie. From cars, houses, and furniture to graffiti art, no detail is left overlooked. You'll get pointers on how to create a movie with rich colors, getting that perfect shot, and bringing the audience into the scene. A must-see for aspiring moviemakers.

Behind the Scenes Featurettes - in "Gun Training" the cast is taught gun handling and shooting, "Haitian Hotel Camera Blocking" shows the process from rehearsal to shoot-ing a scene. "Mojo Race" crew shows you how they fit the race boat with cameras for filming on the rough seas. All pretty short but still interesting clips, would have been nice if they included optional commentary, at least on the "hotel" clip.

"Commentary with Michael Mann" - Since Mr. Mann was the writer, director, producer and was so involved with the creation of this movie, he has a lot to say on this commentary. You'll get lots of details during each scene from this jack of all trades. Michael Mann also feels the DVD is wrongly dubbed "Director's Cut" so he renames it the "Director's Revision DVD" edition.

Overall, this DVD looks and sounds great. Within the features, you'll find out that it was shot digitally which allowed the night scenes to be so saturated. Nice transfer to DVD. If you've seen the theatrical version, this version will offer a few extra/different scenes. Warning: Movie and Special Features are rated R for language and violence so check with a guardian if you decide to rent or buy.

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