Puppet, ‘Playlist’s’ Tuneups

By Brian Truitt

“Pinocchio”
(Walt Disney Home Video, $29.99; Blu-ray $34.99)

The latest Disney classic getting the souped-up, hi-def treatment is that of the lovable puppet who yearns to be a real little boy. This new version of the 1940 cartoon is up to date for the latest generation of youngsters wishing upon a star for the first time, with a slew of bonus features: an all-new audio commentary, deleted scenes, an alternate ending, making-of featurettes, deleted songs, games and trivia challenges, a fact track and much more. Jiminy Cricket never looked so good.

“Happy-Go-Lucky”
(Miramax Home Video, $29.99)

If only there were more schoolteachers like the one at the heart of this critically acclaimed British comedy. Poppy (Sally Hawkins) is a Londoner who’s continually cheery and positive in her quest to find love and infect everyone around her with her consistent good spirits, no matter what life throws at her—including a cranky driving instructor and her own two left feet. A behind-the-scenes featurette is part of the extras, as well as a trailer and a look at director Mike Leigh’s cast of characters.

“Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist”
(Sony Home Video, $28.96; Blu-ray $39.95)

Like “Juno” but for the indie-rockin’ set, this comedy takes two teens (Michael Cera and Kat Dennings) and tosses them into the New York club scene to find love, the truth about themselves and the cult underground band they both love, Where’s Fluffy. Bonus features are exhaustive: In addition to the ubiquitous deleted and alternate scenes, outtakes and director commentary from Peter Sollett, there’s a video diary courtesy of scene-stealer Ari Gaynor, storyboard animations—even a puppet show.

(March 2009)

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