Out on DVD 6-12-07
Sunday, March 30th, 2008This week’s Out on DVD offers a broad range of gay viewing experiences. There are some old-school films like “Making Love” and “Monty Python’s the Meaning of Life” hitting the shelves alongside such television favorites as season one of “Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List,” season two of “Noah’s Arc” and both seasons of “The Office.”
Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List: Season One
Comedian Kathy Griffin tries to climb the ladder of fame in this Emmy-nominated reality show. Join Kathy, as she navigates her way through the ruthless world of Hollywood surrounded by a supportive but motley posse: her husband Matt, wine-loving parents, trusty assistant and two “Main Gays.” This 2-disc set includes all six episodes of the first season, a sneak peak episode of Season Two and the entire stand-up special “Kathy Griffin…Is Not Nicole Kidman.”
Making Love
Arthur Hiller masterfully directs this fascinating drama about the disintegration of an ideal marriage after the husband discovers he is gay. Kate Jackson stars as Claire, a successful television producer, who is married to Zack (Michael Ontkean), an equally successful doctor. Eight years into their marriage, Zack meets Bart (Harry Hamilin), a gay writer, and the more he gets to know Bart, the more he is attracted to him. As one thing leads to another, Zack realizes he must be honest with Claire about his desire to explore a relationship with Bart. A groundbreaking film for its time, “Making Love” is highlighted by touching performances that probe the depths of passion — in all of us.
Monty Python’s the Meaning of Life
Everyone’s favorite cross-dressing Englishmen, the Monty Python collective, explains it all in this episodic classic comedy that dares to take on the most “sacred” aspects of life — sex, food, politics and religion — and bring them hilariously down to earth. Some of the many highlights are a musical production number about why sperm is sacred; a look at dining in the afterlife; the quest for a missing fish (there they are again); a visit from Mr. Death; the cautionary tale of Mr. Creosote and his rather gluttonous appetite; an unflinching examination of the harsh realities of organ donation. Sadly, this was the last original Python film, but it’s a laugh riot.
Noah’s Arc: The Complete Second Season
Noah and the boys are back for another season of Logo’s hit original series Noah’s Arc. Finding happiness in the drama-filled city of Los Angeles hasn’t gotten any easier! They may live a stylish lifestyle, but when you’re dreaming and dating in Hollywood, things aren’t always pretty. Check out all eight episodes from the second season, with commentary, interviews, behind-the-scenes featurettes and more, includes over an hour’s worth of special features.
The Office: Seasons One and Two
Based on the popular British comedy of the same name, “The Office” takes place in and around the Dunder Mifflin Paper Company in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Using the same mockumentary style as the original, the series succeeds in capturing the quiet desperation of the poor souls, straight and gay alike, working in this socially stifling environment under the direction of their delusional boss, regional manager Michael Scott. Comic actor Steve Carell beautifully inhabits the role, playing a man so eager to be liked that he completely alienates people with one stupid antic after another. Developed by Greg Daniels (“The Simpsons”), the DVD is fully staffed with both seasons and packed with hours of laugh-out- loud bonus features — “The Office: Seasons One and Two” is the must-own cure for the workday blues.
DVD titles are available at Amazon and TLA Video.