New On DVD, Blu-Ray: 'Alice In Wonderland,' 'Wolfman'

'Alice in Wonderland' (PG): It's a whole new wonderland thanks to the magic of director Tim Burton -- and what a memorable one it is.

Starring Burton's frequent leading man Johnny Depp as The Mad Hatter, "Alice in Wonderland" differs from the previous Disney animated film and Lewis Carroll's classic stories "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" and "Through the Looking Glass" in that it uses those stories to provide the framework for what could essentially be considered a sequel. All the familiar characters are in the film, it's just that as a grown-up, Alice (Mia Wasikowska) doesn't remember them.

After a brief intro to the character as a young girl, we meet Alice again, but this time as a 19-year-old. Facing a lifetime of commitment to a man she's not sure of, Alice breaks from a surprise outdoor engagement party outdoors at an English estate.

Following what appears to be her old friend the White Rabbit (voice of Michael Sheen), she falls back down the rabbit hole to Underland, where she reunites with all her old pals including Tweedledee and Tweedledum (Mat Lucas), the Blue Caterpillar (voice of Alan Rickman), the Cheshire Cat (voice of Stephen Fry) and the Mad Hatter (Johnny Depp). It seems her friends are in desperate need of Alice's courage, as a very big-headed Red Queen (Helena Bonham Carter) and her right-hand man, the Knave of Hearts (Crispin Glover), are ruling the land with tyranny.

Once again putting his unique, singular vision to work, Burton's sets and enhanced visual effects for "Alice in Wonderland" are colorful, vibrant and breathtaking. But the visuals would lose their impact if not for the film's hilarious if not sometimes frightening performances by Depp's maniacal Mad Hatter and Bonham Carter as the spoiled brat of a Red Queen -- who has a penchant for ordering executions with the simple phrase "Off with his head!"

The performances could have potentially overshadowed Wasikowska's Alice, who is radiant in the lead. Anne Hathaway's White Queen (the good queen sister to the evil Red Queen), has an ethereal presence in her white gown and dreamlike castle, but her place in the film is far less significant than Alice's.

While a PG movie, there is some action that may be too intense for younger children, including a scene where the Dormouse (Barbara Windsor) thwarts off an attack by a beast by poking its eye out with a needle. Hampered on the big-screen by muted colors in its 3-D presentation, the home video release of "Alice" -- available only in 2-D -- should provide disappointed viewers an entirely new life on DVD and Blu-ray.

Bonus features: A special three-disc release of the title includes the Blu-ray and regular DVD versions of the film. Also included are multiple character profile and behind-the-scenes production featurettes, and more. (Walt Disney Home Entertainment)

'The Wolfman' (R and Unrated): True, multiple delayed release dates due to a director's switch and other production issues -- and the film's disappointing showing at the box office earlier this year -- would normally indicate the film's a stinker. But that's hardly the case with "The Wolfman" --a rich remake of the Lon Chaney Jr. original faithful to the Universal Studios classic monster movie sensibilities of yesterday. Even the most discriminating of fans -- in this case, Universal monster movie lovers -- should find this to be an inspired remake.

"The Wolfman" is not a note-for-note remake of the original -- in fact there are some major plot twists and gallons more of blood and gore. But underneath, there are striking performances by its leads in Benecio Del Toro and Anthony Hopkins, an undeniable atmosphere of gloom and doom, and Wolfman makeup effects by Rick Baker that pays homage to the original design yet enhances the look and ferocity of the beast. Baker said his formative years as a makeup artist were greatly influenced by the classic Universal monster movies and his passion for the films shows with the new "Wolfman."

Del Toro stars as Larry Talbot, the estranged son of English aristocrat John Talbot (Hopkins) who returns home after a long absence to investigate the death of his brother at the hands of a vicious, wolf-like beast. Seeking answers to his brother's death through a local gypsy woman (Geraldine Chaplin), Larry is attacked and cursed to become a Wolfman himself. Target by local authorities to thwart any further attacks, Larry soon enough faces his destiny come the first full moon, only to soon realize that tragedy of the situation is coursing far beyond the blood flowing within his vanes.

Under the direction of Joe Johnston ("The Rocketeer," "Jurassic Park III"), Del Toro turns in a masterfully subtle performance as Larry, and in some ways, resembles Chaney in his silent torment. His performance turns ferocious, naturally, once he transforms into the Wolfman, and the practical makeup effects used by Baker over computer generated imagery makes a huge difference in the film's pivotal attack scenes.

Hopkins is at his creepy best as Sir John, and doesn't let on in the least that there is something major going on behind his steely blue-eyed stare. Emily Blunt also delivers in a smaller, but pivotal role as Larry's brother's fiancée and would-be lover, and Hugo Weaving ("The Matrix" and "The Lord of the Rings" trilogies) brings his usual weighty presence to role of a London inspector who looks to put an end to the Wolfman's terror.

Bonus Features: Two alternate endings reveal decidedly different outcomes for the film. Other bonuses include production featurettes, and the BD live feature on the Blu-ray allows you to access the original "Wolfman" movie to watch for free online. (Universal Home Entertainment)