The week’s DVD releases: From ‘Monsters’ to Madonna

In looking up this week’s DVD releases, which come out Tuesday, I stumbled over one title that, at first glance, I thought had to be a joke – “Cagney & Lacey: The Menopause Years.”

But, no, it’s no joke. It’s a four-disc compilation of the shows that were made after the series’ six-year run (1982-88). Included are “Cagney & Lacey: The Return” (November 1994), “Cagney & Lacey: Together Again” (May 1995), “Cagney & Lacey: The View Through the Glass Ceiling” (October 1995) and “Cagney & Lacey: True Convictions” (January 1996).

I was never a big fan of the show, so I’ll be happy to pass. But my wife had a different reaction. When I mentioned the “menopause” part of the title, she laughed and said, “I may have to buy that.”

The week’s other main releases:

“Away We Go” : John Krasinski (“The Office”) and Maya Rudolph (“Saturday Night Live”) costar in this sweet little comedy about a couple coming to terms with maturity and impending parenthood. One of the best films that I have seen so far in 2009.

“Fermat’s Room” : This little thriller from Spain features four mathematicians, all of whom have been invited to the remote home of a man known only as Fermat. They then are trapped in a room with walls that slowly compress for as long as it takes them to solve intricate puzzles. Talk about my worst math-hating nightmare … .

“Filth and Wisdom” : This little IFC selection, which follows three London roommates struggling to achieve their dreams, was directed by Madonna. The curiosity factor is reason enough to give this, uh, five minutes.

“Guns on the Clackamas” : Animator Bill Plympton’s 1995 live-action film, only his second, tells the fictional tale of the making of a Western movie. The conceit is that the production is hampered by a series of on- and off-set mishaps.

“The Hills Run Red” : With what, you ask? Guess.

“If I Die Tonight” : This 2006 documentary takes a look at both sides of the issue regarding NYPD brutality, using the Amadou Diallo case as its basis.

“In a Dream” : Another documentary, this one keying on Isaiah Zagar , a Philadelphia-based artist whose tormented, eccentric style has been splashed in mural form all over the city.

“Monsters Vs. Aliens” : The animated feature, which benefits from the vocal talents of Reese Witherspoon, Hugh Laurie, Seth Rogen, Kiefer Sutherland and more, tells the tale of a special government squad of “monsters” who are brought out to save humanity from an alien invasion.

“Secrecy” : Labeled as a “searing exploration into the dark, unseen world of government secrecy,” this nonfiction film is a blend of talking-head interviews, animation and music that tries to shine a light on the obscure world of government intelligence.

“Shrink” : Kevin Spacey stars as a celebrity therapist who, following a personal loss, loses interest in helping his spoiled, silly clients.

“The Wizard of Oz 70th Anniversary Ultimate Collector’s Edition” : With an into like that, who can resist another glimpse of Toto and the red-ruby slippers?

Happy viewing.