—Bigger, Stronger, Faster ( already out; $26.98 ) : This might sound like a porn film, but it's actually a documentary about the controversy concerning steroids. Presented from a first-person perspective by a seemingly conflicted narrator ( Chris Bell ) , the movie ably examines the pros and cons of steroid use and involves Arnold Schwarzenegger, an HIV-affected person, Bell's own family—and a muscular cow that has to be seen to be believed. The DVD ( from Magnolia Home Entertainment ) includes 40 minutes of deleted scenes not seen in theaters.
—The Books of John ( already out; $29.95 ) : In this movie, Jeff Batton stars as Frank McLean, who is mourning the loss of his lover of 12 years, John ( played by Rick Pauley ) . Then, Frank discovers John's secret diaries...
—The Boys in the Band ( Nov. 11; $26.99 ) : Believe it or not, it's been almost 40 years since the theatrical release of this groundbreaking film directed by Oscar winner William Friedkin ( The Exorcist ) .
The Boys in the Band follows a group of gay male friends as they come together in a New York City apartment for a birthday party. When an unexpected guest arrives and the truth begins to flow, it leads to a sometimes vulgar but ultimately open and honest dissection of their lives and relationships. Bonus features include behind-the-scenes featurettes as well as interviews with Friedkin and writers Dominic Dunne and Tony Kushner, among others.
—Dirty Dancing: Official Dance Workout ( Dec. 16; $16.98 ) : I'm going to refrain from using 'the time of your life' in reference to this DVD, but the people behind it swear that 'everyone can learn to move like Baby and Johnny with original dance steps and soundtrack favorites.' While the people in the apartment below you may grimace with each graceful step you take, you can dream about dancing with Patrick Swayze ( or Josef Brown, who is in the theatrical version currently taking place in Chicago ) .
—Futurama: Bender's Game ( already out; $29.98 ) : The former animated TV series is out with its third film-length feature—with out actor George Takei and impressionist Rich Little along for the ride. The DVD is loaded with special features, such as a cast commentary and a 'Dungeons & Dragons & Futurama' featurette.
—Gonzo: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson ( Nov. 18; $26.98 ) : Narrated by actor Johnny Depp, Gonzo is a documentary that examines the pivotal moments of Thompson's life—including his relationship with the Hell's Angels and his involvement in then-Sen. George McGovern's 1972 presidential campaign. Among the extras are a commentary from the director ( Alex Gibney, who also helmed Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room ) , deleted scenes and photo galleries.
—Half a Person ( already out; $26.99 ) : Two best friends—one straight, one gay—travel from their small town in Canada to Toronto. As one can imagine, the journey is emotional as well as geographical. Outtakes are also featured in this Ariztical Entertainment release.
—Murnau, Borzage and Fox ( Dec. 9; $239.98 ) : This set showcases 12 releases from legendary directors F.W. Murnau and Frank Borzage ( in collaboration with studio head William Fox ) that are new to DVD. These films from the 1920s and '30s include Murnau's Sunrise and City Girl as well as Borzage's 7th Heaven and Lucky Star. Each film comes with its own extras, such as still galleries, theatrical trailers and, in some cases, commentaries.
—Nixon: The Election Year Edition ( already out; $29.99 ) : With Obama and McCain butting heads this fall, it is the perfect time to ( re- ) release this Oliver Stone-directed film. To many, Oscar winner Sir Anthony Hopkins was hypnotizing as Richard Nixon. The loaded cast also includes Joan Allen, Ed Harris, Bob Hoskins, James Woods, Paul Sorvino, David Hyde Pierce and Michael Chiklis—and who knew Wilson Cruz was in it as well? Special features include two commentaries, Charlie Rose's interview with Stone and a documentary, 'Beyond Nixon.'
—Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom ( already out; $39.95 ) : Pier Paolo Pasolini's controversial final film, Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom, has been called depraved, but it's also been hailed as a masterpiece. The polemic poet, novelist and filmmaker's transposition of the Marquis de Sade's 18th-century opus of torture to 1944 Fascist Italy is all but guaranteed to provoke debate with viewers. Special features of the film, originally released in 1975, include 'The End of Salò,' a 40-minute documentary about the film's final scene.
—Torchwood: The Complete Second Season ( already out; $79.98 ) : The second series of the captivating omnisexual British sci-fi series ( headed by dreamy out actor John Barrowman, who plays Captain Jack Harkness ) is now out on DVD. The five-disc set includes all 13 episodes as well as 'Torchwood Declassified,' a special feature that delves behind the scenes of each episode—and believe me when I say that the season ends on a shocking note ( or two ) . ( 'The Life and Deaths of Captain Jack Harkness' is another extra. )
—Wrangler: Anatomy of an Icon ( already out; $19.99 ) : This documentary focuses on the life of '70s gay-porn king Jack Wrangler—and if being a porn star wasn't enough, the out entertainer married 55-year-old songstress Margaret Whiting when he was 33. The movie is packed with rare footage, celebrity interviews ( Bruce Vilanch, Chi Chi LaRue, Michael Musto and more ) and commentary by Wrangler himself.
—Andrew Davis
