New On DVD: Oliver Stone's 'W.'

'W.' (PG-13) Since viewers mostly ignored Oliver Stone's controversial political drama "W." in theaters, it's hard to say whether it will find an audience on DVD -- especially since the subject of the movie is out of office.

If they're willing to give it a try though, movie fans will likely find it interesting that Stone, who has made it clear in the past that he's no fan of President George. W. (pronounced "dubya") Bush, treats the former commander-in-chief as a sympathetic character at times. For most of the film, Stone's Bush is an under-achieving man yearning to please his father, President George H.W. Bush; and once he gets his act together from his purported college party days, as a politician who stumbles into political circumstances that spiral out of his control.

Josh Brolin gives the first of two great performances this year (he also earned an Oscar nomination for playing Harvey Milk assassin Dan White in "Milk"), as W. (mastering the president's speech patterns and mannerisms), whom Stone tracks throughout his college years and becoming an ardent Christian, and through his strained relationship with his father and the public's harsh criticism of his handling of the Iraq war.

And while he handles the president with kid gloves at times, there's question that Stone has an agenda with "W." -- and it's not to come out in support of his policies.

The film boasts an impressive all-star supporting cast, who mostly hit the mark with portrayals of Bush's administration. Richard Dreyfuss brings a wicked edge to Vice President Dick Cheney, and James Cromwell (as Bush Sr.) and Ellen Burstyn (as former first lady Barbara Bush) bring a ferocious spark to their roles.

British actress Thandie Newton, meanwhile, seems more intent on mimicking National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice than portraying her (before her rise to Secretary of State), while Jeffrey Wright ("Syriana") comes off as the only voice of reason in the proceedings as Secretary of State Gen. Colin Powell.

Elizabeth Banks brings likability to first lady Laura Bush, while Scott Glenn and Toby Jones are solid in less-flashy roles as Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and W.'s Chief of Staff, Karl Rove.

Depending on your personal political viewpoints, "W." will no doubt be amusing to some and maddening to others to see the way Stone presents his viewpoint of presidency of Bush to the movie masses.

It's a no-brainer that conservative movie fans will avoid this disc at all costs and it's hard to imagine liberal fans renting it to relive the personal and political troubles of a man they didn't want to see in office in the first place. If anything, "W." is a worthwhile look only to see how so many Hollywood heavy-hitters tackle their characters. It's not every day where you see so many actors play the people they've so openly criticized.

DVD Features: Feature commentary Stone, production featurettes, deleted scenes and more. (Lionsgate Home Entertainment)

Also New:
'Space Buddies' (G): The popular "Bud" golden retriever franchise blasts off into space for its latest chapter, as it tracks five puppies who accidentally find their way across an experimental space ship to the moon, and of course, hijinks ensue.

Adult moviegoers looking for high comedy won't likely find it with "Space Buddies," a made-for-DVD romp intended strictly for kids. The dialogue is cringe-inducing and the sight of Bill Fagerbakke (the voice of Patrick on "Spongebob Squarepants") playing it half-out-of-touch is almost painful at times to watch.

But for kids, the movie works. The dogs, not surprisingly, are adorable, and provide enough light dialogue (through voice actors like Josh Flitter and Jason Earles) and physical humor to keep younger viewers enamored for its quick, 84-minute duration.

Substance-wise, there's not nearly as much to be learned from "Space Buddies" as the original films, including "Air Bud," but the filmmakers efforts to concentrate on quality special effects and solid production values still makes the film worthwhile. (Walt Disney Home Entertainment)

'Nights in Rodanthe' (PG-13): Unfaithful to Richard Gere in the steamy thriller "Unfaithful" Diane Lane is in love with the actor's character this time in this drama based on Nicholas Sparks' ("The Notebook") best-selling novel. Lane as Adrienne Willis, a woman reeling from her husband's infidelity who finds another chance at romance with troubled surgeon Dr. Paul Flannery (Gere) while watching over her friend's East Coast inn during a harrowing storm. (Warner Home Video)