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We here at Zoom In Online realize that you probably spend so much time perusing our site that you may occasionally look up from your web browsing and notice that multiple days have passed. We appreciate that. While we can't make up for your lost days of work or missing your spouse's/friend's/relative's/child's birthday, we can update you on what you're missing in the outside world - what DVDs are being released, for instance. Check Zoom In Online every Tuesday to keep tabs on all the DVD and Blu-ray releases for the week.

October 27, 2009

Significant Titles Include:

Orphan: Kate (Vera Farmiga) and John (Peter Sarsgaard) adopt a 9-year-old named Esther in an attempt to save their marriage after the death of their third baby. While their daughter, Max, accepts Esther immediately, their son, Daniel, does not seem as taken with the new addition to the family. And for good reason because soon, Esther starts causing trouble everywhere she goes, pushing classmates, seducing John and constantly threatening her new family members' lives. But before John and Kate are able to retaliate, Esther takes control of her new home, once and for all. Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra (House of Wax), this movie arrives on DVD at a most opportune time. With Halloween right around the corner, a slew of scary movies out in theaters and a dusty, barren wallet, opt to adopt this thriller into your movie collection instead of spending at the cinemas. Along with the impressive performances across the board from Farmigs, Sarsgaard and young newbie, Isabelle Fuhrman, the DVD comes with additional scenes and a chilling alternate ending. On Blu-ray you'll also get a digital copy of the film and the featurette "Mama's Little Devils: Bad Seeds, Evil Kids and Orphan."
Format: DVD And Blu-ray

Whatever Works: Larry David being his sardonic, neurotic, borderline personality disorder self. Woody Allen being his sardonic, neurotic, borderline personality disorder self. What's not to love? It's about time these two Jews team up for a film, or more specifically an off-beat romantic comedy that makes Annie and Alvy's relationship look functional. Sweet and ignorant Melodie, ironically played by Evan Rachel Wood, and smart existentialist Boris played by who else but Larry, get together in one of the most incompatible relationships to grace the big screen in awhile. Count on a big dose of Woody Allen humor and hilarious performances from Patricia Clarkson and Ed Begley Jr. Special features include a widescreen version of the film.
Format: DVD and Blu-ray

The Maiden Heist: Director Peter Hewitt gets his hands on a star-studded cast including Morgan Freeman, Cristopher Walken and William H. Macy in this film about three good security guards gone bad. After being transferred to another museum, the men decide it's only fair for each of them to take a piece of the old museum with them: their favorite paintings, otherwise referred to as a few of the museum's most popular attractions. They attempt a plan to steal the art and get out unscathed. The only problem is they're all old, inexperienced and completely clueless. DVD special features include commentary from Hewitt and writer Michael LeSieur, deleted scenes, bloopers and a making-of featurette.
Format: DVD only

Christmas Vacation (Ultimate Collector's Edition): Get into the holiday spirit with Clark Griswold, who's so obsessed over creating the perfect Christmas, he ends up making his entire family miserable in the process. Enjoy as Clark loses it over his lack of a Christmas bonus, his classless relatives from Kansas and his less than amicable neighbor. The main special feature to look out for is a film-length commentary from cast members Randy Quaid, Beverly D'Angelo, Johnny Galecki, Miriam Flynn, Director Jeremiah Chechik and Producer Matty Simmons. Regardless of Chevy Chase being conspicuously absent from the bunch, reliving this holiday classic is sure to make you feel warm, fuzzy, and like all the Lampoon films, forever grateful you're not a Griswold. Also enjoy cool collectibles such as drink coasters containing favorite movies quotes and an "I Survived a Griswold Family Christmas" button. 
Format: DVD and Blu-ray

For more information on upcoming DVD releases visit Joblo's DVD Clinic.

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This blog has been contributed by Film & TV Channel assistant Kristen Berke.