title: Aliens of the Deep (IMAX) function popUp(URL,NAME) { amznwin=window.open(URL,NAME,'location=yes,scrollbars=yes,status=yes,toolbar=yes,resizable=yes,width=380,height=450,screenX=10,screenY=10,top=10,left=10'); amznwin.focus();} document.open(); document.write(""); document.close(); studio: Walt Disney Home Entertainment MPAA rating: G starring: James Cameron film release year: 2005 DVD release year: 2005 film rating: Two Stars sound/picture rating: Three-and-a-Half Stars reviewed by: Paul Lingas The second of James Cameron’s IMAX films that have to do with underwater exploration, “Aliens of the Deep” was not only shot and exhibited in the IMAX format, but was the first to be done in 3-D. Though the DVD does not capture nor reflect the 3-D format in any way and really diminishes the overall effect of IMAX (unless you have an eight-story television), the clarity of the transfer is absolutely breathtaking. It almost creates the illusion that the television screen is actually a window onto the world captured in the film. While it is that, in a sense, the crispness and clarity is such that it feels as though we are live observers of the action. In “Aliens of the Deep,” filmmaker Cameron and others ...

title: Sacred Planet function popUp(URL,NAME) { amznwin=window.open(URL,NAME,'location=yes,scrollbars=yes,status=yes,toolbar=yes,resizable=yes,width=380,height=450,screenX=10,screenY=10,top=10,left=10'); amznwin.focus();} document.open(); document.write(""); document.close();� studio: Walt Disney Home Entertainment MPAA rating: G starring: Robert Redford film release year: 2004 DVD release year: 2005 film rating: Three Stars sound/picture rating: Three Stars reviewed by: Mel Odom In marketing, placement is everything. So it's no surprise that "Sacred Planet" was released on DVD during the week that held Earth Day. RobertRedford, an internationally recognized celebrity, wields dual roles as Hollywood box office star and heavy hitter for the pro-environment sector. The film is only 47 minutes in length, just about right for an hour-long television special.

Director Nick Broomfield once again reveals his keen eye for hot cultural topics with this documentary about the controversial deaths of Biggie Smalls and Tupac Shakur. This filmmaker, you may recall, also directed films about Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love (“Kurt & Courtney”), and Heidi Fleiss (“Heidi Fleiss: Hollywood Madam”). Sadly, the deaths of famous rappers – such as Biggie and Tupac – are not at all an uncommon thing, especially given the lifestyles these primarily street-wise individuals lead. But the sad stories of these two particular artists go much deeper than just the simplistic result of too much sex, drugs and rock & roll. Their circumstances of their demises incorporate everything from gang warfare revenge to Los Angeles Police Department scandal (depending, of course, on whose opinion you choose to believe).

For many Americans, Ansel Adams was the first photographer they regarded as an artist, even if they weren't sure why they felt that way. His magnificent scenic photography was obviously more than pretty pictures of pleasant scenery, like the snapshots the public themselves took. Adams went beyond that approach, and virtually behind it as well. An Adams photograph of the incredible Yosemite Valley -- his primary subject was the Park -- tells you more about what it is like to be there than to actually be there. People are drawn to scenery, not just because it looks nice, but to understand why it looks nice, to try to grasp the effect it has. In photographing these rock formations, mountains, trees, valleys and lakes, Adams actually provided an answer. But the answer is the photographs; it cannot be explained in words ...

title: Slasher function popUp(URL,NAME) { amznwin=window.open(URL,NAME,'location=yes,scrollbars=yes,status=yes,toolbar=yes,resizable=yes,width=380,height=450,screenX=10,screenY=10,top=10,left=10'); amznwin.focus();} document.open(); document.write(""); document.close();� studio: IFC Home Entertainment MPAA rating: NR starring: Michael Bennett release year: 2004 film rating: Four Stars sound/picture rating: Three-and-a-Half Stars reviewed by: Abbie Bernstein The title of “Slasher” automatically brings to mind unkillable fiends armed with knives. In fact, a chainsaw does put in an appearance, but this funny, crafty documentary is not about serial murderers but rather, of all things, used car salesmen. Specifically, “Slasher” is about Michael Bennett, a gun-for-hire rainmaker of the universe, called a “slasher” because he is brought in by dealerships all over North America to stage three-day price slasher events.