Successful comedy sleuth movie series worth a look

“The Complete ‘Thin Man’ Collection”

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Few comedy-movie series were as successful as the “Thin Man” films. For half a dozen movies spread over 13 years (1934-47), William Powell and Myrna Loy wisecracked their way through one murder mystery after another, drinking enough alcohol to keep a Ranger battalion in bliss. Based very loosely on characters created for Dashiell Hammett’s 1933 novel, the movies are less plot-driven than thin (excuse the pun) story lines based around two of screen history’s most engaging characters. This collection includes the series original, 1934’s “The Thin Man,” and the DVD debuts of the following five: “After The Thin Man,” “Another Thin Man,” “Shadow of the Thin Man,” “Song of the Thin Man” and “The Thin Man Goes Home.” Included in the collection is a bonus seventh disc, which boasts two documentaries – one on Powell, the other on Loy – and the episode “Darling, I Loathe You” from the 1957-59 TV series starring Peter Lawford and Phyllis Kirk. Other DVD extras include comedy shorts by Robert Benchley, vintage and musical shorts and theatrical trailers. (DVD only; seven discs; not rated)

“The Cosby Show: Season One”

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Combining the best of Bill Cosby’s comedy routine with the formula of sitcom television, “The Cosby Show” debuted in 1984, was an immediate hit and ended up running eight seasons. Based on an idea by NBC Entertainment President Brandon Tartikoff, and produced by the ultra-successful team of Marcie Carsey and Tom Werner, “The Cosby Show” featured Cosby as a doctor, Phylicia Rashad as his lawyer wife and their five children (played by actors with the tongue-twisting names of Sabrina Le Beauf, Lisa Bonet, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Tempestt Bledsoe and Keisha Knight Pulliam). Dealing with all the real-life problems of an admittedly affluent family, and based ostensibly on Cosby’s real-life family, “The Cosby Show” was a rare invention, something that offered authentic life lessons and comedy at once. The four-disc collection of Season One includes the pilot and 23 half-hour episodes. (DVD only; four discs; not rated)

“Alexander”

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Oliver Stone’s depiction of the life of the Macedonian conqueror, who died at the tender age of 33, may get the facts straight, but it still fails to capture the essence of the real man. Stone spends two-thirds of the film playing coy with Alexander’s sexuality, having his protagonist (Colin Farrell) exchanging longing looks with his childhood friend Hephaistion (Jared Leto), instead of simply explaining the mores of the time and getting on with it. In the end, Stone doesn’t give us any real sense of why the man remains a pop-culture icon. You can’t help but ask: Stone used to be a great director – what happened? DVD edition includes commentary by director Stone, which tries to answer that very question, and three making-of featurettes directed by Stone’s son, Sean Stone. Director’s Cut curiosity: It runs eight minutes shorter than the theatrical release. (DVD, VHS; 2:55; rated R for violence, sexuality)

“Downfall”

Based on the memoir of Traudl Junge, stenographer to Adolf Hitler, this German-made film is based on the view that Junge (Alexander Maria Lara) had of Hitler (Bruno Ganz) during his final days. DVD edition includes a commentary by director Oliver Hirschbiegel and a making-of featurette. (DVD, VHS; 2:35; rated R for strong violence, disturbing images, some nudity)

“Guess Who”

Simon Green (Ashton Kutcher) has trouble connecting with his future father-in-law (Bernie Mac), who for his part has trouble accepting that his daughter wants to marry a white guy. DVD edition includes commentary by director Kevin Rodney Sullivan, making-of featurette and deleted scenes. (DVD, VHS; 1:46; rated PG-13 for sex-related humor)

Now available: “Alexander” (plus Director’s Cut), “The Complete ‘Thin Man’ Collection,” “Guess Who,” “Downfall,” “The Cosby Show: Season One”

Available Tuesday: “Kung Fu Hustle,” “Off the Map,” “Because of Winn-Dixie,” “Look at Me,” “El fondo del mar,” “The Muppets Show: Season One,” “McMillan and Wife: Season One”