The weekend’s here. You’ve just been paid, and it’s burning a hole in your pocket. What’s a pop culture geek to do? In hopes of steering you in the right direction to blow some of that hard-earned cash, it’s time for the Quick Stop Weekend Shopping Guide – your spotlight on the things you didn’t even know you wanted…

(Please support Quick Stop by using the links below to make any impulse purchases – it helps to keep us going…)

When new editions of previously released titles come out, it’s always difficult to determine whether there is a significant difference in image/sound quality or bonus features to make a re-purchase worth it. And sometimes, it’s an easy decision – and that’s the case with Black Adder Remastered: The Ultimate Edition (BBC, Not Rated, DVD-$79.98 SRP) and Fawlty Towers: The Complete Collection Remastered (BBC, Not Rated, DVD-$49.98 SRP). On the new Black Adder set – in addition to all of the previously available material – the set adds the newly-produced, in-depth anniversary documentary Blackadder Rides Again, as well as an hour-plus clutch of unedited interviews recorded for the documentary. Not only are the episodes completely remastered and looking better than ever on the new Fawlty set, but John Cleese has recorded new commentaries in addition to brand new interviews with the cast, including the previously unavailable Connie Booth, outtakes, the previously available director’s commentaries, and the Torquay Tourist Guide documentary short.

Haven’t you always wanted a monkey? Even if you don’t have a million dollars, you can still snag yourself a nifty little beanie version of Thinkgeek’s loveable mascot, Timmy the Monkey ($6.99). Perfect for desks, shelves, gifts, or even – imagine this – kids.

As much as I love Larry Sanders, I will always hold a special place in my heart for It’s Garry Shandling’s Show (Shout Factory, Not Rated, DVD-$159.99 SRP) – and I am beyond delighted that not only is it now available on DVD, but it’s the whole series, to boot. If that weren’t enough, Shandling has cooperated with a nice batch of bonus features. This is a must-have set for a must-see show.

The butt of many a joke but not nearly as bad as it’s been made out to be (though it’s still an overlong, pretentious flick), Kevin Costner’s bloated, sweeping wetpic Waterworld (Universal, Rated PG-13, Blu-Ray-$26.98 SRP) is now available in high-definition. Sadly, there are no bonus features. None. Not a drop.

King of the gimmicky 50’s fright flicks, William Castle gets his own spotlight collection bringing together 8 of those cult films into one box set – The William Castle Film Collection (Sony, Not Rated, DVD-$80.95 SRP). The films in question are 13 Frightened Girls, 13 Ghosts, Homicidal, Strait-Jacket, The Old Dark House, Mr. Sardonicus, The Tingler, & Zotz!. Bonus features include a clutch of featurettes, trailers, rare intros, and more.

With its 4th season now on DVD, Bones (Fox, Not Rated, Blu-Ray-$69.99 SRP) has evolved into a delightful, quirky, accessible, askew take on the long-smoldering rom-com TV dynamic, like a cross between CSI & Moonlighting, thanks to the wonderful chemistry between David Boreanaz & Emily Deschanel. Oh, and Stephen Fry turns up. Bonus materials include featurettes, deleted scenes, and a gag reel.

Goofy, trippy, and odd – really think of any term that evokes the word bizarre and you’re apt to come as close to capturing what it’s like watching The Marvelous Misadventures Of Flapjack (Cartoon Network, Not Rated, DVD-$14.97 SRP), Cartoon Network’s little shoe that could and Paul Sabourin’s guilty pleasure. The first volume features 5 episodes, plus a quartet of featurettes.

While not holding a candle to the classics of the 1960’s, there’s still plenty of fun to be had with the specials contained in the Peanuts: 1970’s Collection – Volume 1 (Warner Bros., Not Rated, DVD-$29.98 SRP). The 2-disc collection features Play It Again, Charlie Brown, You’re Not Elected, Charlie Brown, There’s No Time For Love, Charlie Brown, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, It’s a Mystery, Charlie Brown, and It’s The Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown, plus a featurette on the creation of Snoopy’s avian sidekick, Woodstock.

Produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, The Eleventh Hour (Warner Bros., Not Rated, DVD-$34.95) was a show that only made it to 18 episodes, and wouldn’t have been able to make the journey to DVD if it weren’t for Warners’ on-demand service through WBShop.com. The 6-disc set contains all 18 episodes of Rufus Sewell starring in a nerdy version of The X-Files.

They both have their charms (though the original far outstrips the 90’s remake), but know you can get both versions of Miracle On 34th Street (Fox, Not Rated/Rated PG, Blu-Ray-$34.99 SRP each) in full high definition, just in time for the holiday season. The 90’s flick is featureless, but the original contains an audio commentary, the AMC Backstory, featurettes, a promo short, and a poster gallery.

Delve into the historical, cultural, and religious roots of the Santa Claus myth via In Search Of Santa Claus (Infinity, Not Rated, DVD-$9.98 SRP), an interesting look at the jolly fat man, as we quickly approach that time of year.

One of the earliest TV shows to get onto DVD was Ally McBeal. That was a long time ago, and no further seasons were ever released. Now, however fans can finally get Ally McBeal: The Complete First Season (Fox, Not Rated, DVD-$39.98 SRP) – and, shockingly, it’s got all of the original music.

So there you have it… my humble suggestions for what to watch, listen to, play with, or waste money on this coming weekend. See ya next week…

-Ken Plume

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