It’s March 18 (or close enough) and time for another virgin tuesday roundup!
Perhaps the most anticipated film making its home video debut is I Am Legend. Leading man Will Smith, who is steadily fashioning a career of portraying classic science fiction characters, spottily displays a bit of geniune acting prowess in Legend but otherwise his performance is par for the course.
The two-disc dvd release is advertised as having two endings, one of which is “controversial”, but truthfully both are disappointing and grossly negligent with respect to the original Richard Matheson novel.
In the book an ironic barb is uncovered at the climax, in which it’s revealed the protagonist (Robert Neville) has become to the vampire race what they were once to humanity. With the essential extinction of mankind already certain, Neville becomes the feared legend – a man who stalks and slays the vampires while they sleep.
Granted, it was important for the filmmakers to change entire sections of the novel both for translation to the screen and to modernize ideas that were slightly outdated. Still, by tearing out the heart of the novel, the film is dumbed down until it dissolves into an illogically pastoral – even cheerful – ending.
Aside from Legend, a couple of films directed at children are now available: Enchanted and The Seeker: The Dark is Rising.
Enchanted is a by-the-numbers kid flick, while The Seeker is more action oriented and features diverting performances from Deadwood-alumnus Ian McShane and former Dr. Who Christopher Eccleston.
Best Picture nominee Atonement is certain to send drama fans flocking to their dvd outlet. Though a bit self indulgent, it is unquestionably a fine film and a worthy addition to any home library. As an added bonus, the dvd comes with more green dress goodness!
Lastly, to the great gratification of us here at Hurry Home Dark Cloud, the third season of Battlestar Galactica hits the streets today.
As for music, a few new albums from major indie acts are in stores today, including the excessively prolific Joseph Arthur. The new EP, Could We Survive, is among at least three others coming out this year in addition to a possible LP release.
Quasi-veteran Dan Bejar (who records under the stage name of Destroyer) and newcomers She & Him also have albums coming out today. She & Him consists of folk superstar M. Ward and actress Zooey Deschanel, and with their solid debut Volume One, they’re certain to have many already clamoring for the second one.
Two rogue acts who have both, curiously, benefitted greatly from hit indie films also have albums due today. Devotchka featured prominently in Little Miss Sunshine, and Adam Green (formerly of The Moldy Peaches) had tracks than ran throughout the course of Juno.
That’s it for now, it’s time to catch up on Battlestar before the new season premieres April 4!
Celluloid
I Am Legend Two-Disc Special Edition (2007)
Battlestar Galactica: Season Three (2006-07)
Enchanted (2007)
The Seeker: The Dark is Rising (2007)
Atonement (2007)
Music
Destroyer “Dark Leaves” from Trouble in Dreams (2008)
Joseph Arthur “Rages of Babylon” from Could We Survive EP (2008)
She & Him “This Is Not a Test” from Volume One (2008)
Devotchka “Transliterator” from A Mad and Faithful Telling (2008)
Adam Green “Leaky Flask” from Sixes & Sevens (2008)
Sera Cahoone “Only as the Day Is Long” from Only as the Day Is Long (2008)
Hurry Home Dark Cloud 
