Published: September 15, 2009 05:44 pm      

Entertainment Picks (September 18, 2009)

3 Things to check out this weekend

The Genuine Elvis

By Ronnie McDowell, Edie Hand and Joe Meador

Hardcover, 112 pages ($14.95)

Amazon 1589806956



Slim and trim (like young Elvis!), this catchy little tribute to the King is a fascinating roundup of first-hand recollections from people who knew him, rare fly-on-the-wall photos from Presley’s early days of stardom and a selection of Elvis portraits by country singer Ronnie McDowell, whose musical career was built on a 1977 hit about the recently deceased superstar, “The King is Gone.”

—Neil Pond, American Profile



Sling Blade—Blu-ray edition

DVD ($34.99)

Amazon B001UREJYA



Billy Bob Thornton wrote, directed and starred in this award-winning 1996 drama about a mentally challenged man’s struggle to re-enter mainstream society after a lengthy prison stay. More than a decade later, it still packs a powerful punch. Country singer Dwight Yoakam is pitch-perfect as a redneck bully in a strong supporting cast that also includes Robert Duvall, John Ritter and a young Lucas Black. Extras include cast interviews, commentary by Thornton and several documentaries.

—Neil Pond, American Profile



Thirtysomething: The Complete First Season

DVD ($59.99)

Amazon B001U9BS2O



Between 1987 and 1991, “Thirtysomething” was must-see TV for millions of viewers who loved its well-defined baby-boomer characters and their juggling act of jobs, spouses, kids and all the other trappings of entry-level adulthood. The series’ much-anticipated arrival on DVD comes with numerous bonus features sure to please its many fans, including a making-of documentary and catching-up featurettes with the cast, which included Timothy Busfield, Peter Horton, Patricia Wettig and Ken Olin.

—Neil Pond, American Profile