Susan Granger’s dvd update for week of Sept. 12:
For decades, hecklers railing at politicians, entertainers and athletes have been relegated to the sidelines. Yet even back in Shakespeare’s day, audiences hurled insults, if not rotting fruit, at actors onstage. In Colonial America, Crispus Attucks and others at the Boston Massacre helped spark the American Revolution. But Michael Addis’ fascinating documentary “Heckler” shows how these people now feel more entitled.
With high school football underway, ESPN’s “Hellfighters” is an inspirational true story about former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Doug Ferguson and the Harlem Hellfighters, a gritty, relentless team that found itself a long way from Friday night lights.
“Cool Hand Luke Deluxe Edition” shows Paul Newman in one of his most powerful performances as Lucas “Luke” Jackson, a gutsy prisoner in a Southern chain gang, who refuses to buckle under to authority; this uncompromising film is considered one of the most important in the ’60s, a decade marked by protest against the establishment.
“The Big Bang Theory: The Complete First Season” contains 17 original episodes about two geeky physicists (Johnny Galecki, Jim Parsons) and their hot female neighbor (Kaley Cuoco), along with bonus featurettes.
Could 2008 be the year when the Great Pumpkin arrives? Join Linus’s vigil on All Hallows Eve with the re-mastered “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.” Bonuses focus on the myth and tradition of this Halloween TV staple. Plus, there’s “Halloween Spooktacular” containing fright-free adventures with Barney, Bob the Builder, Angelina Ballerina, Fireman Sam and Thomas & Friends.
PICK OF THE WEEK: “Saturday Night Live” comediennes Tina Fey and Amy Poehler star in the wry satire “Baby Mama” about the outrageous consequences of putting your eggs in someone else’s basket. DVD bonuses include deleted scenes, an alternate ending and a making-of feature: “From Conception to Delivery.”