Long before Rat Race, director Stanley Kramer put together a cast of notable comic talents and sent them on a madcap chase around the country looking for lost loot. Now, MGM has seen fit to release It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World in a solid DVD package that's sure to satisfy fans of the film. The picture is presented in a 16 x 9 widescreen transfer. As this is an older film, the print has a bit of wear and tear, though nothing to get upset over. It's certainly better than most VHS editions. Sound is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 and is a worthy treatment, though nothing earth-shaking. Extras include a lengthy documentary on the making of the film, a truckload of extended scenes, and a pair of trailers. With such a fine cast, many of whom are still living, a commentary track would have been welcome. However, even without it, It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World is offered in a fine DVD edition and is certainly worth owning.

The Hustler - Blu-ray - Paul Newman heads a superb cast featuring Jackie Gleason, George C. Scott and Piper Laurie in the riveting film that received an Academy Award nomination as Best Picture of 1961 and brought all four of it's Oscar nomination. Newman (Best Actor nominee) is electrifying as Fast Eddie Felson, an arrogant, amoral hustler who haunts backstreet pool rooms fleecing anyone who'll pick up a cue. Determined to be acclaimed as the best, Eddie seeks out the legendary Minnesota Fats (Gleason, Supporting Actor nominee), who's backed by Bert Gordon (Scott, Supporting Actor nominee), a predatory gambler. Eddie can beat the champ, but virtually defeats himself with his low self-image. The love of a lonely woman (Laurie, Best Actress nominee) could turn Eddie's life around, but he won't rest until he beats Minnesota Fats, no matter what price he must pay.