Although there are some random other independant new releases, the only two wide releases on DVD this week are Sweeney Todd and Alvin & the Chipmunks.

First up, Sweeney.

Officially, Sweeney Todd is a musical. The original show debuted awhile back on the stage and has made its way onto video a few times, but always as a taped version of the stage show. This is the first time someone has taken the source material and made an actual movie out of it. The subtitles of Sweeney Todd reads 'The Demon Barber of Fleet Street' and that gives you a good indication of the whole story. It is set in London, on Fleet Street where a barber who was unjustly sent to prison comes back for his revenge on the man who sent him away and took away his wife and child. This adaptation of the award winning musical thriller by Stephen Sondheim stars Johnny Depp in the title role and Helena Bonham Carter as his supporting actress. Tim Burton directs the duo marvelously. The entire film is a great take on the source material. It is rated R for the many killings and explosive blood shooting. Sweeney lures people into his barbershop and then slits through throat and the blood gushes. It is extremely graphic. However, even more disturbing is the fact that once he kills them, he sends them to Mrs. Lovett (Carter) who then bakes them into meat pies which she sells in her shop. Surprisingly well sung and acted by both Depp and Carter, the movie glides along at a great pace that keeps you intrigued to the last note. Sweeney is not your typical happy musical and is a welcome change for me. I was captivated with the music, acting, and direction. Great flick to check out!

Alvin and the Chipmunks

What can I say? I used to LOVE the chipmunks. When I was a young one, I watched The Chipmunk Adventure movie OVER AND OVER. I really enjoyed it and loved the music. I also had many cassette tapes with the chipmunks singing popular songs. So, when a new movie was announced I was excited. Then, I learned that they were going to do it Live-Action with animated chipmunks. I became less excited. Then, the flick was released and did extremely well at the box office. It made WAY more money that predicted and was a surprise hit. I was somewhat more optimistic about seeing it and finally had a chance to watch it this past week. It was okay. By okay I mean, I didn't hate it, but I didn't like it. Needless to say, my daughter LOVED it. She also loves the original cartoon Chipmunk Adventure too, but didn't seem to mind the translation to more realistic looking chipmunks, so the film's goal was accomplished. Get as many new kids as possible interested in the brand so they can sell more shirts, toys, and other random crap with Alvin and the Chipmunks stuck on it. Anyways, the film has a few interestingly comedic bits, but is geared towards the young audience and many adults may find themselves quite bored with the flick. Give it a shot, especially if you have little ones, as this is a decent family flick.

That's it for this week. Check them out at the local watering hole, Movie Gallery.