The Executioner’s Song—Director’s Cut

DVD (retail $19.99)Amazon



Tommy Lee Jones is riveting in this newly released “director’s cut” of the acclaimed TV movie from 1982, which depicts the last days of convicted murderer Gary Gilmore, who insisted on the death penalty rather than face life in prison. Adapted from the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name by Norman Mailer, it’s a sobering look at a doomed man whose deathwatch became a national media event. No bonus features, but it’s well worth the price to watch Jones’ brilliant performance, a memorable, mid-career notch in one of Hollywood’s most solid acting belts.

—Neil Pond, American Profile





Heroes: Season 2

4-DVD set (retail $69.98)amazon



Just in time to usher in the third season of the hit NBC series about “ordinary” people with extraordinary, world-changing abilities, this bonus-packed collection includes every exciting season-two episode, commentary by the show’s stars and creative team, interviews, behind-the-scenes documentaries, deleted scenes and more. It’s 8 hours of twists, turns, surprises and extra goodies to whet your prime-time appetite for Heroes’ Sept. 22 return to the airwaves.

—Neil Pond, American Profile





Saving Grace—Season 1

DVD (retail $49.98)Amazon



Holly Hunter stars in this acclaimed network TV series as a hard-living Oklahoma City police detective who gets a bit of divine intervention when her messed-up life hits rock bottom. Unlike your typical cop show, Saving Grace tackles issues of theology as well as criminology in a world that doesn’t always have easy answers for tough questions. In addition to all 13 episodes from the 2007 season, this collection includes behind-the-scenes featurettes and commentary, plus a music video from Everlast, who performs the show’s theme song.

—Neil Pond, American Profile