Hollywood @ Home

DVD reviews: 'Moulin Rouge,' 'Twin Peaks'

By Paul Chambers
Special to CNN

(CNN) -- This week's DVD reviews are on the bohemian side, focusing on the star-crossed lovers of 19th-century Paris in "Moulin Rouge" and the oddball denizens of "Twin Peaks." We also look at "Uprising," an inspirational film set in the Jewish ghettos of Warsaw.

All ratings are on a 10-point scale.

"Moulin Rouge" (2001) (Fox Home Entertainment)

Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor star in this fast-moving musical that incorporates 20th-century pop songs into bawdy 1890s nightclub life. Director Baz Luhrmann dazzles with nonstop action and eye-popping costumes. Kidman has never been better and may be actually headed for another Oscar nomination -- if not for this film, then perhaps for her role in "The Others." She is stunningly beautiful and sings like a pro. McGregor's voice is also quite pleasing. The musical numbers are well-staged, but the manic pace of the story may prove too much for many.

DVD extras: Cleverly animated interactive menus are available on this two-disc set. You can even choose to take brief side trips to behind-the-scenes snip-its while watching the film. There are many, many featurettes and two music videos.

Rating: 8

Also:
'Moulin' director sings a song of spectacular
Review: 'Moulin Rouge' dazzling, electrifying

"Uprising" (2001 TV miniseries) (Warner Home Video)

Director Jon Avnet tells the story of Jewish resistance fighters in the Warsaw ghettos in this compelling and worthwhile film. Leelee Sobieski stars alongside Hank Azaria, David Schwimmer and Donald Sutherland, as well as Jon Voight and Cary Elwes. When the Jews of Warsaw were taken to nearby death camps, the Jews of the Warsaw Ghetto took up arms and bravely fought the Nazis with their limited resources. Many chose to die with honor, rather than give in to evil. This movie gives a unique perspective of the Holocaust and should not be missed.

DVD extras: A historical documentary featuring interviews with two surviving resistance fighters. Another documentary shows how the producers re-created the Warsaw ghettos literally from the ground up while filming in Slovakia. This 180-minute film is offered in English, French and Spanish subtitles.

Rating: 9

"Twin Peaks: The First Season" (Artisan Home Entertainment)

David Lynch fans will flock to this four-disc set that includes the show's first seven episodes. In the picturesque town of Twin Peaks, a homecoming queen is murdered. FBI special agent Dale Cooper (Kyle MacLachlan) joins the local authorities in the search for the killer, but this is no ordinary murder investigation. Agent Cooper is a great believer in using dreams and other unconventional investigative tools. He is also very impressed with a local eatery that serves excellent coffee and a "damn fine" cherry pie. Warning: This show is highly addictive, stocked with unusual characters like BOB, the one-armed man and the Log Lady.

DVD extras: Get ready for some sticker shock: These first seven episodes will set you back $59.98 if you pay full retail. Ouch! Each episode has an optional introduction by the Log Lady. You can also hear commentary by the various directors. Each episode was newly remastered in a high-definition format.

Also new on VHS and DVD:

"The Princess Diaries" (Walt Disney Home Video)
"Scary Movie 2" (Dimension Home Video)
"Princess of Thieves" (Walt Disney Home Video)
"Child Star: The Shirley Temple Story" (Walt Disney Home Video)
"Jacob the Liar" (original German version) (First Run Features)
"Petits Freres" (First Run Features)
"Center of the World" (Artisan Home Entertainment)

Available on DVD only:

"War of the Roses: Special Edition" (Fox Home Entertainment)
"Deep Water" (Fox Home Entertainment)
"Silent Trigger" (Fox Home Entertainment)