Page 24 THE VILLADOM TIMES II & IV • November 6, 2013 ‘Twelve years’ (continued from Entertainment page) Pitt’s character is the only one in the film that seems contrived as he relates his ideas of racial equality, albeit with sidelong glances to make sure plantation owners are out of earshot. Seeing such a big star so late in the film has a jarring effect, since it takes the viewers out of the story for a time and makes one wonder how the producers man- DVD releases (continued from Restaurant page) After struggling to break free from Traynor, whose end- less abuse nearly killed her, Linda made it her life’s mis- sion to fight violence against women. The only extra on the Blu-ray release is a biographical portrait of the real Linda Lovelace. “The Best Years of Our Lives” (Warner Home Video) is the definitive film about soldiers returning from World War II and attempting to re-acclimate to civilian life. The film opens as Al Stephenson (Fredric March), Homer Par- rish (real-life double-amputee Harold Russell), and Fred Derry (Dana Andrews) are returning to their Midwest- ern hometown. The three stories are intertwined. Robert Sherwood’s screenplay never overdramatizes, and director William Wyler elicits uniformly excellent performances from the cast, particularly from Russell, a non-actor. After many years spent glorifying war, battle, and patriotism, Hollywood turned a sober eye toward the problems of the real people coming home. The film won seven Academy Awards in 1946, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Supporting Actor (Russell), and remains relevant aged to snare such a big star for such a small part. Clearly one of the best pictures of the year, “Twelve Years a Slave” is not out to impose guilt on white viewers. In almost matter-of-fact objectivity, the movie documents events that never seem over the top, exaggerated, or simply Hollywood inventions. Rated R, it contains many rough scenes involving torture and beatings. Although tough to take, it is nonetheless a “must see” for those who appreciate an important story told well, with uniformly first-rate per- formances. This film is certain to garner several Academy Award nominations come February. today as veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan confront their problems when returning home. The Blu-ray edition con- tains an interview with co-stars Virginia Mayo and Teresa Wright and an introduction by Mayo. Now that Halloween is behind us and Christmas is just around the corner, Disney has released two new animated seasonal combo packs. “Winnie the Pooh: A Very Pooh Year” is a tale from the Hundred Acre Wood, with favorites Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore, and Roo. It’s holiday time, the most wonderful time of the year, but Rabbit will discover the true spirit of the season only after his pals make misguided New Year’s resolutions to change, with some pretty funny results. Bonuses include games, activities, a sing-along fea- ture, and song selection. “Mickey’s Christmas Carol” is out on Blu-ray for the first time to celebrate its 30th anniversary. Mickey, Goofy, Donald, and their pals star in this animated retelling of Dickens’ famous holiday tale. Ebeneezer Scrooge (Scrooge McDuck) is far too greedy to understand that Christmas is a time for kindness and generosity. With the guidance of some wise ghosts (Goofy and Jiminy Cricket) and a bunch of newfound friends, Scrooge learns to embrace the spirit of the season. There are five bonus animated shorts, includ- ing the new “Yodelberg” (starring Mickey, Minnie and an avalanche), and a holiday tune sing-along.