New DVD & Blu-ray Releases, Week of Nov. 22: 'Super 8,' 'Sarah's Key,' 'Conan the Barbarian'

Things are beginning to pick up on the home entertainment front this week: There's two best bets for your viewing enjoyment -- 'Super 8' and 'Sarah's Key' -- as well as a handful of interesting titles that should keep you busy every night this week -- until next Tuesday's onslaught of new releases. Read on. 'Super 8' What It's About: This homage of sorts to the kids-coming-of-age movies of the 1980s (think 'Stand by Me,' 'Goonies') concerns a group of small-town kids in 1979 who witness a catastrophic train crash while making a Super 8 zombie movie. They then discover that the train was carrying a cargo more terrifying than any of them could have imagined -- and it's been let loose on the countryside. It turns out that an extraterrestrial had been captured by the U.S. government and was being transported to a new location -- and the train crash wasn't accidental. With people and animals disappearing at an alarming rate, the kids pool their resources to aid the local deputy in preventing a major disaster. It's Kinda Like: 'E.T.' meets 'Predator' What We Say: 'Super 8' is the latest in a long line of films in which a bunch of kids get together to solve a problem adults can't understand or handle properly (they're either too mean or too stupid) -- it honors a tradition extending from 'The Blob' and 'Invasion of the Saucer Men' to 'E.T.' and 'The Monster Squad.' Director J.J. Abrams, of course, sides with the kids, clearly taking a page from producer Steven Spielberg's never-want-to-grow-up notebook. He understands the dynamics of kids growing pains, blossoming young love and alienation, and here mixes those ingredients with the sci-fi motifs of a rampaging alien (he's one nasty E.T.) for an enjoyable action-thriller. The train crash alone is worth the price of home admission. • Extras: Commentary by J.J. Abrams, deleted scenes and a host of interesting featurettes. Rotten Tomatoes Reviews | Buy DVD | Save DVD to your Netflix queue Watch a trailer: 'Sarah's Key' What It's About: In this drama centered on the tragedy of the Holocaust, Kristin Scott Thomas plays an American journalist who, 67 years after the war ended, uncovers one more missing piece of the story. As she and her family plan to move into an apartment in Paris, she learns the history of the building -- not only its connection to a tragic event that occurred during the Nazi occupation of Paris, but also her husband's family's possible connection to the event as well. The film bounces back and forth in time -- from the incarceration of Jews during WWII, including 10-year-old Sarah and her family, to the present, as Scott Thomas investigates what happened to the former occupants of the apartment. It's Kinda Like: 'Schindler's List' meets 'Tell No One' What We Say: There's always room for more stories about the Holocaust, particularly if they're well-written, directed and acted. 'Sarah's Key' scores only on one of these three points, however: the acting is top notch, but the storyline and direction at times lacks the dramatic punch that befits a film that's basically a tragic mystery. When Scott Thomas slowly works her way toward solving the story's central conceit, the film's pace almost slows to a halt. Though almost low-key to a fault, we'll forgive its sins to get to the involving, poignant Holocaust tale. • Extras: A behind-the-scenes featurette. Rotten Tomatoes Reviews | Buy DVD | Save DVD to your Netflix queue Watch a trailer: Other New November 22 Releases: 'The Adventures of Tintin: Season One': (2011) To prepare for Steven Spielberg's 'The Adventures of Tintin,' due Dec. 23, you might want to take a look at the precursor, 'The Adventures of Tintin,' adapted from the long-running French comic strip and graphic novels (begun in the 1920s) by the late cartoon artist Herge (a.k.a. Georges Remi) that chronicles the young and intrepid investigative reporter Tintin and his faithful dog Snowy, as they embark on incredible globe-trotting adventures full of excitement, mystery and fun. The first season of the 1991 animated TV series has just been released as a two-disc set with 13 episodes. 'Becoming Santa': (2011) A humorous documentary that follows one man's journey to regain his Christmas spirit. After Jack Sanderson's parents died, he realized he wasn't looking forward to the holidays and, in a dominant commercial culture, avoiding Christmas seemed impossible. So with that, Jack decided that the best way to get through the Christmas Season was to become Santa Claus. Director Jeff Myers followed Jack on his journey, which entailed getting a custom Santa suit from Adele Saidy of Adele's of Hollywood, attending the American Events Santa School taught by Susen Mesco in Denver, Col., and ultimately booking Santa jobs. 'Carjacked': (2011) During a routine stop at a gas station, Lorraine (Maria Bello), a vulnerable single mom, and her 5-year-old son (Connor Hill), are carjacked by Roy (Stephen Dorff), a vicious bank robber on the run who forces her to drive him to meet up with his accomplice. 'Conan the Barbarian': (2011) Hey Conan fans: The legendary Barbarian is back -- big time. Spiffy special effects (and lots of blood and guts) makes the Cimmerian warrior come alive on the big screen as he grows from a killer-of-a-boy to a grown-up killer-of-a-warrior who has to save the world from a power hungry warlord who slaughters all in his path -- including Conan's family and village. Not for the queasy. Watch an exclusive clip: 'The Devil's Double': (2011) Dominic Cooper gives a tour-de-force performance as both Uday Hussein, Saddam Hussein's reckless, sadistic party-boy son who has a rabid hunger for sex and brutality; and Latif Yahia, an Iraqi army lieutenant ordered to become the 'fiday' -- or body double -- to the notorious "Black Prince" in 1987. It's kinda like 'Scarface' set in Iraq with Cooper as a Middle-Eastern Tony Montana. It's based on a true story -- and is brutally violent. 'The Family Tree': (2011) When a bizarre accident leaves desperate housewife Bunnie with a case of amnesia, her dysfunctional family -- consisting of husband, Jack and twin 17-year-olds Eric and Kelly -- gets an unexpected second chance at happiness in this offbeat comedy. Stars Hope Davis, Dermot Mulroney, Max Thieriot, Brittany Robertson. 'Helldriver': (2010) After a meteorite crashes into Japan, releasing a toxic ash that turns inhabitants in the northern half of the country into bloodthirsty zombies, a stunning high school girl armed with an artificial heart-powered chainsaw sword leads a motley crew of desperadoes into the zombie-infected wilds to exterminate the zombie queen. This low-budget flick has more ambition than smarts; after the first foray into zombieland, the killings become an endless loop of bloodshed with no rhyme nor reason nor story line. 'Spy Kids: All the Time in the World': (2011) What do you do when a franchise has run its course? Reboot it by bringing in new blood. That's what Robert Rodriguez did with this entry in the once-popular Spy Kid series. But where the previous sequels were giddy with self-referential musings and outlandish villains, this one is downright stupid. Even the presence of Jessica Alba as the spy mom can't enliven the proceedings, which is about an evil villain who is speeding up and destroying all the time in the world. Check out more November 22 DVD releases at OnVideo.

Kidpic trio will have trouble toppling 'Dawn'

"The Muppets" "Arthur Christmas" A wealth of choices for family auds over Thanksgiving weekend could result in kidpic cannibalization.Disney's "The Muppets" is expected to top Aardman Animation's 3D CGI "Arthur Christmas" and Martin Scorsese's 3D f/x-laden "Hugo." But B.O. observers aren't expecting Kermit and the gang to beat Summit's "Twilight" crew, as holdover "Breaking Dawn -- Part 1" is projected to gross in the $60 millions in five days."The Muppets," which bows today at 3,440 locations, should earn somewhere north of $40 million through Sunday, according to pre-weekend tracking services.B.O. pundits expect Sony's "Arthur Christmas," which cost a reported $98 million, to earn between $15 million and $17 million in five days at 3,376 locations, while Paramount's "Hugo," made by GK Films for a pricey $170 million, is tracking on the soft side in the low double digits, though it opens at just 1,277 locations. All three wide openers are seeing more positive reviews than the average family pic, which could add to wider appeal.Overseas B.O. won't see a similar holiday boost, and "Breaking Dawn" should win again after last weekend's $152.9 million international bow."Arthur Christmas" bows day-and-date in Australia, France and Japan, while "The Muppets" launches only in Mexico.Disney has a steady track record at the Thanksgiving box office.Last year, Disney's "Tangled" started out strong with a five-day take of $53.7 million. But that wasn't enough to beat "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2," which collected $75 million in its second outing.Given the multi-generational appeal for "The Muppets," budgeted at a relatively inexpensive $45 million, some bizzers say the film could outdo expectations and appeal to both kids and their parents who grew up with the property. Disney has flexed considerable marketing muscle in promoting the live action/puppet film, which stars Amy Adams and Jason Segel, to older teens and college-age students. For instance, the Muppets, who became popular through their "Sesame Street" appearances before getting their own show in 1976 -- recently appeared on such late-night shows as "Saturday Night Live" and "Chelsea Lately."The Mouse is being more modest with its predictions in the high $30 millions.Thanksgiving B.O. usually starts strong on Wednesday, tapers off slightly on the holiday itself, and then picks up again over the weekend."Breaking Dawn" should see a similar three-day week-to-week drop as "New Moon," which fell 72% this weekend in 2009. "New Moon" debuted with $143 million; "Breaking Dawn" collected $138 million opening weekend and has tallied so far almost $148 million.The penultimate "Twilight" pic has little competition among teen girls. That's not the case with family films -- in addition to the trio of new entries, holdovers like "Happy Feet Two" and "Puss in Boots" will also look to lure tots. The former pic bowed last weekend to a soft $21 million in three days, but should hold steady, with a projected five-day take in the mid-$20 millions."Happy Feet Two" has cumed nearly $23 million through Tuesday; "Puss in Boots" approaches $125 million domestically.Both "Arthur Christmas" and "Hugo" are tracking best with families, though "Hugo" could also pick up adult Scorsese fans.3D likely will have a marginal effect on both films. Last weekend, "Happy Feet" earned just 50% of its opening from 3D -- similar to "Puss in Boots" at 51%. That's better than some of the summer's 3D toons (i.e. "Cars 2"), but down significantly from this time last year with films like "Megamind" and "Tangled.""Arthur Christmas" bows at 2,378 3D locations; "Hugo" has approximately 1,000 3D locations. Contact Andrew Stewart at andrew.stewart@variety.com

Woodsy Woodpecker Movie Developing at Universal

Guess who? Based on the Hollywood Reporter, Universal and Illumination Entertainment -- the animation hub behind 'Despicable Me' and 'Hop' amongst others -- will synergy again to make a large-screen version of Woodsy Woodpecker. Debuting in 1940 (using the voice of Mel Blanc), the Woodsy Woodpecker cartoons rose to prominence through the next two decades. Plenty of which had related to the cartoon's legendary theme, the only real song ever from the video clip to obtain nominated to have an Academy Award. Arrived at for comment, the film-less Porky Pig stated, "That's all, folks," before storming away. [via THR/Warmth Vision] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Pamela Anderson to Play Virgin Mary in Christmas TV Show

TORONTO - Yes, that Virgin Mary.our editor recommendsPamela Anderson returns to TVPamela Anderson's marriage annulled Former Baywatch star Pamela Anderson, famed for nude photo shoots and a homemade porn video with Tommy Lee, is to play mother Mary holding baby Jesus in her arms on Canadian TV this Christmas. PHOTOS: Models Turned Movie Stars Anderson, a native of Canada, will headline A Russell Peters Christmas Special for CTV and The Comedy Network, where she will appear in a sketch comedy scene set in a Christmas manger with Canadian funnyman Russell Peters, who is hosting the one-hour special to bow here on December 1. STORY: Pamela Anderson Gets Indian Makeover for TV Turn A Russell Peters Christmas Special will also star Michael Bublé, Ted Lange (The Love Boat), Saturday Night Live alumnus Jon Lovitz and Scott Thompson (The Kids in the Hall). STORY: Pamela Anderson And Russell Peters In Xmas Sketch Comedy Routine The Canadian show will feature a mix of stand-up and sketch comedy, stop-motion animation and musical performances. A Russell Peters Christmas Special is produced by Round 2 It Entertainment, Peters' production shingle, CPI Pictures and Insight Productions. Related Topics Pamela Anderson International Michael Buble CTV

Fake 'Jack and Jill' Twitter Account: Funnier Than the Movie? [UPDATE]

Because the day wouldn't be complete without another 'Jack and Jill' post: some merry pranksters have set up a fake account for the critically-destroyed film on Twitter. "NO SPOILERS, but there's a HUGE athlete cameo in 'Jack & Jill,'" reads the feed. "His name rhymes with Paquille So Real, but that's all we're saying!!!! Pls RT." Funny, or as @JackNJillMovie would say, "LOL. Just thinking about something from #JackAndJill LOL!!!" No word who is controlling the fake Twitter account (unfortunately, it probably isn't Armond White), but, well played all involved. You can follow the fake account for all your snarky 'Jack and Jill' needs by clicking here. 'Jack and Jill' is in theaters now. UPDATE: The account has been shut down, so don't bother following that link unless you find error screens hilarious. EARLIER: The only positive reviews for 'Jack and Jill' [Photo: Sony] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

R.I.P. Hal Kanter

Veteran film writer, producer and directort Hal Kanter died Sunday of complications of pneumonia in Encino, his daughter Donna Kanter told the La Occasions. He was 92. “He was one among the wits of the profession,” stated Carl Reiner, upon learning of Kanter’s dying.”He would be a funny elder statesman, there’s nothing better.”In work that spanned several decades, Kanter labored in radio, TV and films. He authored for Bob Hope and Bing Crosby as well as for Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin. Kanter directed Elvis in Loving You which ones he co-authored and that he authored the screenplaly for Blue Hawaii. He even worked with with Tennessee Williams around the 1955 movie version from the Rose Tatoo. Among other movie credits wereGeorge Cukor’s Let’s Have Sex, with Marilyn Monroe and Yves Montand and Frank Capra’s Pocketful of Miracles. His numerous TV credits incorporated development of the landmark sitcom Julia, that DiahannCarroll grew to become the very first black actress to star in their sitcom whose character would be a professional lady as opposed to a maid. Younger crowd labored briefly on All in the household and would be a author and produceer on Chico and also the Guy.His connection to the Academy awards like a author around the ceremony started in 1952 if this still on radio and ongoing in excess of 3 decades. In 1991 and 󈨠 he shared Emmys for writing responsibilities around the Oscar show telecast. His other Emmy was for that George Gobel Show. Kanter seemed to be very mixed up in Authors Guild of America which honored him multiple occasions for his plan to the guild, the and also the community. The WGA West recognized Kanter for lifetime achievement wtih the Paddy ChayevskyLaurel Award for Television (an eternity achievement jerk) in 1989. Reiner noted thatKanter also offered as master of events for that Company directors Guild of America’s honours dinner for several years. “Any age of known as upon, he always might make the crowd laugh.”He located numerous Authors Guild events too. He's made it by his longtime wife Doris, kids Donna Kanter, Lisa Kanter Shafer and Abigail Kanter Jaye, a sister along with a daughter.

Adele Has Vocal Cord Surgery In Boston

First Published: November 7, 2011 3:34 PM EST Credit: FilmMagic BOSTON, Mass. -- Caption Adele arrives at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards at the Nokia Theatre, L.A. Live, Los Angeles, Aug. 28, 2011Adele has undergone throat surgery to stop a recurrent condition that caused her to cancel tour dates and promotional appearances for the rest of the year. A spokesman for Massachusetts General Hospital says the British singer underwent vocal cord microsurgery to stop recurrent bleeding from a benign polyp. The condition is usually the result of unstable blood vessels in the vocal cord that can rupture. The hospital says the 23-year-old Grammy winner came to Boston to undergo the surgery with Dr. Steven Zeitels, director of the Massachusetts General Hospital Voice Center. Thehospital says Zeitels expects Adele to make a full recovery from the laser microsurgery. Columbia Records announced last month that the Rolling in the Deep singer would have throat surgery. Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.