New On DVD: 'Eagle Eye,' 'Ghost Town'

'Eagle Eye' (PG-13): Shia LaBeouf reteams with his "Disturbia" director D.J. Caruso for another claustrophobic thriller -- but this time, instead of being confined to house arrest, LaBeouf's character is being victimized by a mysterious agency watching their every move no matter where he tries to run.

LaBeouf stars as Jerry Shaw, who unwittingly finds himself as part of a complex assassination plot when he receives a phone call from a mysterious stranger. But Jerry isn't alone -- there's also a single mother, Rachel Holloman (Michelle Monaghan), who faces the threat of losing her young son if she doesn't comply with the voice's commands. Accused of being domestic terrorists, Jerry and Rachel embark on a dizzying mission that is designed to have a devastating effect on the nation.

Part "Live Free or Die Hard" and part "2001: A Space Odyssey," the elaborate plot of "Eagle Eye" makes it one of the smartest thrillers of the year. It's packed with non-stop, explosive action, yet layered within is a cautionary tale about how the every conveniences of modern technology -- mainly cell phones and other surveillance devices – may ultimately lead to our undoing when under the power of a much greater power.

LaBeouf, whose star continues to rise thanks to the success of "Disturbia," "Transformers" and "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull," lives up to the intense demands of "Eagle Eye" like a seasoned professional. Monaghan is equally up to the task, and her performance measures up to her previous roles in such thrillers as "Mission Impossible III" and the under-appreciated "Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang."

Billy Bob Thornton and Rosario Dawson also appear in solid performances as an agent and Air Force official trying to unravel the chaos perpetuated by the voice, and Michael Chiklis effectively brings his rock-hard persona to the fold as a conflicted secretary of defense.

Don't blink when you're considering on watching "Eagle Eye" -- it's a top-notch, breathtaking action thriller that can't be missed.

DVD Features: The two disc edition includes deleted scenes, an alternate ending, gag reel, production featurettes and more. (DreamWorks Home Entertainment)

'Ghost Town' (PG-13): It's hard to understand how "Ghost Town" was a stiff during its theatrical release: it's an expertly constructed romantic comedy that didn't deserve to get buried at the box office.

Ricky Gervais stars as Bertram Pincus, a self-absorbed dentist who doesn't want anything to do with anybody. But after Bertram dies for seven minutes during a medical procedure, he develops an unwelcome ability to see dead people. And while Bertram continues to avoid the living he's surrounded by the dead, who each need his help to complete their unfinished business.

Chief among the ghosts is Frank Herlihy, a smooth-talking businessman who needs Pincus to stop the wedding of his widow, Gwen (Tea Leoni) to an ambitious lawyer (Billy Campbell). The problem is Bertram finds that this "talking to people" thing isn't so bad, particularly with Gwen, whom he's fallen for.

The key to "Ghost Town" is its chemistry, particularly between Gervais and his co-stars Kinnear and Leoni. The scenes between the British "Office" and "Extras" star and Leoni are especially charming, as Gervais expertly uses his gift of improvisation to add a spark to the dialogue.

"Ghost Town" may be predictable at points, but it doesn't take away from the fact that it is a funny, smart, poignant and well, high spirited, film.

DVD Features: Commentary by Gervais and writer-director David Koepp, production featurettes and more. (DreamWorks Home Entertainment)

Also New:

'The Duchess' (PG-13): Keira Knightley stars as Georgiana Spencer in this true romantic tale about how Spencer, the Duchess of Devonshire was embraced by England but betrayed by her husband. Ralph Fiennes, Dominic Cooper and Charlotte Rampling co-star. (Paramount Home Entertainment)

'Death Race' (R and Unrated): "Transporter" star Jason Statham stars in a remake of the classic "Death Race 2000" -- about a wrongfully imprisoned man (Statham) who's only chance at freedom is driving in a race to the death. Joan Allen, Tyrese Gibson and Ian McShane co-star. (Universal Home Entertainment)