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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

’WALL-E’ provides heartfelt adventure

By Dan Webster danw@spokane7.com (509) 459-5483

“The Complete Monty Python’s Flying Circus Collector’s Edition”

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Monty Python fans should love this package of the defining works created by Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, Michael Palin (with the occasional appearance of animator Terry Gilliam). In addition to four seasons of the long-running show, which ran on the BBC from 1969 to 1974, included are a pair of straight-to-DVD documentaries, two Python live performances, and much more. (21 discs; not rated)

“Doctor Who: The Complete Fourth Series”

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There have been 10 Doctor Whos, dating back to William Hartnell’s creation of the role in 1963. The hit BBC series has had its ups and downs, but the last four seasons (or series, if you prefer) with the 10th doctor, played by David Tennant, arguably have been among its best. That’s largely due to the talents of Tennant and producer Russell T. Davies. DVD includes all 13 episodes, plus two specials, commentary tracks, making-of featurettes, deleted scenes. (six discs; not rated)

“Tropic Thunder”

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Five Hollywood actors, each with his own career objectives in mind, sign on to make a Vietnam-era epic war film. But when their director (Steve Coogan) dumps them in a real war situation, each cast member finds himself making more than a movie. Occasionally hilarious, and boasting spot-on commentaries on the Hollywood process (look for Tom Cruise), “Tropic Thunder,” nevertheless, isn’t the sharp-edged satire that writer-director Ben Stiller envisions it to be. DVD, which is available on Blu-ray, includes commentary by Stiller and fellow cast members Robert Downey Jr. and Jack Black, making-of featurettes, deleted and extended scenes, alternate endings. (1:47; rated R for drug material, pervasive language, sexual references, violent content)

“The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2”

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In the 2005 original, our four teenage friends – played by Alexis Bledel, Amber Tamblyn, America Ferrera and Blake Lively – separated for summer vacation but stayed in touch through the conceit of a single pair of jeans. Forget that the pants in question could never fit four such different builds, their very essence becomes virtually irrelevant this time around. As the girls take off to college, they discover that time, distance and life lessons take a toll on their friendship. It all ends more or less happily, if melodramatically so, but no thanks to the denim of the film’s title. DVD, which is available on Blu-ray, includes making-of featurettes, additional scenes, gag reel. (1:51; rated PG-13 for mature material, sensuality)

Also opening: “The Clique,” “Encounters at the End of the World,” “Garden Party,” “Hannah Montana – The Complete First Season,” “Mister Lonely,” “Zombie Diaries”