“Speed Racer,” this week’s biggest DVD release, represents the epitome of what’s bad about the current state of Hollywood — “re-imaginations” of old movies, video games or classic TV rarely work well.
“Speed Racer,” a live-action feature based on the “Japanimation” series, has little connection to the original. It’s visually stimulating, but that’s all. The DVD has two featurettes on standard definition; the Blu-ray version has more, including a digital copy. Price: $28.98 to $35.99. Rent or buy: Rent, if that.
PUSHING DAISIES — THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON
“Pushing Daisies” is one of last year’s new TV shows that made it beyond one season. It’s about a crime-solving pie maker who can bring the dead back to life, for only a minute. Fun and quirky, it appeals to the masses and crazy fanatics, too. One featurette and interviews with the cast round out the DVD. Price: $29.98 to $39.99. Rent or buy: Buy.
Other DVDs debuting this week: “Made of Honor,” “88 Minutes,” “1408,” “Chuck — The Complete First Season” and “Private Practice — The Complete First Season.”
