NEW ON DVD AND BLU-RAY

“ALPHA AND OMEGA,” animated with the voices of Justin Long and Hayden Panettiere. Underperforming but likably old-fashioned tale is essentially an animated romantic comedy, throwing two wolves (energetically voiced by Long and Panettiere) from opposite ends of the pack’s social order into a situation that requires them to work together (and, of course, fall in love) to find their way back home. “Alpha” can hardly be accused of trailblazing, but it’s a fine example of the type of good-natured, relatively snark-free family entertainment so notably absent these days. Rated PG. Running time: 1:28.

Suggested retail price: DVD $29.95; Blu-ray $39.99.

“PIRANHA,” starring Elizabeth Shue and Jerry O’Connell. Loose retooling of Joe Dante’s 1978 drive-in favorite is unabashedly gory and leering, in keeping with the grindhouse style it means to celebrate. As such, it’s a whole lot of fun, with a terrific cast of fish bait that also includes Adam Scott (“Party Down”), Eli Roth (“Inglourious Basterds”) and even Richard Dreyfuss in a particularly apt cameo. Director Alexandre Aja has a lot more fun with this remake than with his dispiriting “The Hills Have Eyes,” and everyone involved is clearly relishing the opportunity to ham it up. Dumb, unpretentious fun of a rare quality. Rated R. Running time: 1:28.

Suggested retail price: DVD $28.95; Blu-ray: $39.95.

“THE SOCIAL NETWORK,” starring Jesse Eisenberg and Andrew Garfield. Even the many who scoffed at the idea of a Facebook movie were compelled to “like” this fascinating biopic-of-sorts detailing the tumultuous rise to Internet glory of one Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook founder and all-around difficult human being (Eisenberg is brilliant in the role, which should finally put the “poor man’s Michael Cera” rumblings to rest). As told by veteran writer Aaron Sorkin (“The West Wing”) and director David Fincher (“Fight Club”), what could have been stuffy and inconsequential becomes electrifying, and Zuckerberg’s quest, whether you like him or not, makes for riveting and distinctly American entertainment. A surefire contender come Oscar time. Rated PG-13. Running time: 2:00.

Suggested retail price: DVD $28.96; Blu-ray $34.95.

NEW ON DVD

“COMEDY CENTRAL ROAST OF DAVID HASSELHOFF,” starring Seth McFarlane and Gilbert Gottfried. No subject is too sensitive or taboo for the reliably vulgar comedians (which include Lisa Lampanelli and the late Greg Giraldo) lined up to put the ever-controversial Hasselhoff through the wringer, so expect lots of potshots about drinking to excess and eating burgers on the floor. As always, it’s not for the easily offended, but often laugh-out-loud funny, with a ridiculous musical performance from The Hoff besides. Not rated, contains nonstop profanity and crude humor. Running time: 1:11.

Suggested retail price: $16.99.

“HOT IN CLEVELAND: SEASON ONE,” starring Valerie Bertinelli and Betty White. The lowly sitcom is such an endangered species that any attempt to revive it is now considered a “throwback.” But “Cleveland” could single-handedly bring the once-beloved TV mainstay back to the fore thanks to some clever writing, a prime cast of veterans (including Bertinelli and the ever-popular White as a salty landlady), and above all, a clear reverence for the genre. Special features include bloopers and behind-the-scenes footage. Not rated, contains language, drug content and sexual references. Running time: 3:35.

Suggested retail price: $26.98.

“SKINS: VOLUME 4,” starring Kaya Scodelario and Ollie Barbieri. Sure to convince you never to let your teenager out of the house again, this down-and-dirty series follows a cast of randy, eager-to-party British teens as they attempt to navigate the unsteady waters of high school with the help of sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll. A far cry from “Leave it to Beaver” and even “My So-Called Life” but addictive viewing all the same, particularly for those who accurately remember high school as a cruel hotbed of raging hormones. Not rated, contains language, sexual content and drug use. Running time: 6:16.

Suggested retail price: $39.98.

NEW ON BLU-RAY

“DANCES WITH WOLVES,” starring Kevin Costner and Graham Greene. Best Picture winner from 1990, in which an exiled lieutenant befriends Native Americans and wolves in spite of fierce military disapproval, is considered a modern classic by some and a ponderous bore by others. However, Costner’s patented earnestness plays far more to his advantage in this well-realized Civil War-era drama than in later efforts, and Greene’s acclaimed, career-making supporting role as Kicking Bird more than makes up for any perceived lack of spark on Costner’s part. Rated PG-13. Running time: 3:56.

Suggested retail price: $29.99.

VIDEOPORT PICKS

“LOUIS C.K.: HILARIOUS,” starring Louis C.K. There are few funnier experiences in the world right now than a good Louis C.K. rant. A veteran stand-up performer whose fan base has broadened hugely over the past few years thanks to a hit FX series (“Louie”) and a string of excellent comedy shows (“Shameless” and “Chewed Up,” both equally uproarious), “Hilarious” returns from the Sundance festival as the first feature-length stand-up performance ever to grace that particular event. C.K.’s refusal to repeat material ensures that even fans who have ravenously blown through his earlier output will not be disappointed. Widely regarded as the successor to George Carlin for his accessibly angry and honest approach to everyday life, C.K. is that rare performer who appeals to comedy fans across the board, and “Hilarious” continues his seemingly unstoppable winning streak. Not rated, contains nonstop bad language and crude humor. Running time: 1:24.

Suggested retail price: $16.99.

“ROBINSON CRUSOE ON MARS,” starring Paul Mantee and Victor Lundin. The initially ridiculous-seeming title brings to mind such “classics” as “Billy the Kid vs. Dracula” or “A Nymphoid Barbarian in Dinosaur Hell,” but this 1964 sci-fi marvel is actually an earnest attempt to relocate the classic novel by Daniel Defoe to the further reaches of space, and a mostly successful one at that. In this version, astronaut Kit Draper (“The Great Santini”) is forced to eject from a surveyor orbiting Mars, and then finds himself forced to hunt for sustenance and avoid possible aliens with only a monkey named Mona for companionship. “Crusoe” looks fantastic thanks to Criterion’s typically beautiful transfer, and baby boomers and nostalgia junkies alike will appreciate the familiar early-’60s interpretation of outer space. Far more thoughtful than your average spaceman flick, but no less fun. Not rated, mild violence and peril. Running time: 1:50.

Suggested retail price: DVD $39.95; Blu-ray $39.95.

 

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