A wizard, dragon, and country singer are featured in this week's DVD releases.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1, Grade B: This is one of the best films in the series as Harry, Ron, and Hermione leave the confines of Hogwarts to find the pieces of the Horcruxes they need to defeat the Dark Lord. The change of scenery makes the characters and the story more accessible.
This is a must for Harry Potter fans who plan to see the final film when it opens in July.
Country Strong, Grade C: Two plotlines - one involving Gwyneth Paltrow as a country singing sensation and another the budding careers of two new country music talents (Garrett Hedlund and Leighton Meester) - can't find the right rhythm in this music drama.
Paltrow has the acting and singing skills to carry the movie. Toss in Tim McGraw, and this couple is compelling enough for multiple movies.
H.R. Pufnstuf, The Complete Series, Grade B: All 17 episodes of the imaginative series from Sid and Marty Krofft are being released to mark the 40th anniversary of the show.
The series features the bizarre adventures of Jimmy (Jack Wild), who is shipwrecked on Living Island. His best friends are a talking flute and the friendly dragon H.R. Pufnstuf.
Also newly released:
The Incredibles: The animated film about a super family is now available on Blu-ray.
Car 54, Where Are You? The Complete First Season: Fred Gwynne stars in the cops comedy.
Dallas, Movie Collection: The DVD includes four TV movies about the Ewing family.
A Summer in Genoa: A professor (Colin Firth) takes his children to Italy after the accidental death of their mother.
Max & Ruby, Rainy Day Play!: Bunny siblings Max and Ruby entertain and educate.
Ricky: An angelic baby creates a media frenzy. Sergi Lopez stars.
Dragnet, Season Four: The police drama starring Jack Webb aired on NBC in 1970.
Go, Diego, Go! Diego Saves the World: Diego travels the world in the six-episode set.
PBS Explorer Collection - Oceans, Vol. 1: A look at a variety of marine ecosystems and undersea life.
The LXD, Seasons 1 & 2: Ordinary people discover they have extraordinary powers.
Chawz: Giant boar terrorizing an idyllic countryside.
Suze Orman's Money Class: Orman offers tips on actions to take to have a sustainable financial future.
Royal Romance, William & Kate: A behind-the-scenes look at the love affair between Prince William and Kate Middleton.
Behind the Burly Q: A look behind the scenes at the real world of burlesque.
The Garfield Show, Private-Eye Ventures: Jon, Odie, and Garfield investigate undercover kitties.
Highwater: A look at the surfing elite.
The Backyardigans, We Arrrr Pirates: Includes four pirate adventures.
Sponge Bob SquarePants, The Great Patty Caper: Includes seven episodes.
The Last Continent: Donald Sutherland narrates this documentary about the exploration of Antarctica.
Goodnight for Justice: A man (Luke Perry) must choose between justice and revenge.
The Third Reich: This History Channel offering looks at the rise and fall of the Third Reich.
