New on DVD

(2009, Magnolia; 93 minutes) Alarming documentary describes how our food is produced on assembly lines by multinationals and the "family farm" is a myth. It paints an overall picture more frightening because the situation has grown out of control. Do you realize the odds are the steak you eat came from beef cattle raised on concrete floors and standing more than ankle deep in manure? Rated PG. (Roger Ebert)

(2009, Paramount; 118 minutes) A film sure to be enjoyed by those whose movie appreciation is defined by the ability to discern that moving pictures and sound are being employed to depict violence. The plot details are not developed at great depth because the movie is preoccupied with providing incomprehensible wall-to-wall computer-generated special effects. Rated PG-13. (Roger Ebert)

(2009, Fox; 101 minutes) A teen rom-com assembled from spare parts about a nerd (Paul Rust) who harbors a secret love for the most popular girl in school (Hayden Panettiere) and declares this during his valedictory speech. Achieves no similarity to any real situation or teenagers, and doesn't seem to want to. Rated PG. (Roger Ebert)

(2009, Sony; 106 minutes) Denzel Washington and John Travolta in a remake of the 1974 film that takes place in a less interesting New York City, with less juicy characters and hyperkinetic special effects that can't be believed. Directed by Tony Scott. Rated R. (Roger Ebert)

(2009, docurama; 97 minutes) Always scanning the horizon for new places to explore music, banjo master Bela Fleck treks across Africa to uncover the origins of the banjo. The film, directed by Fleck's half-brother Sascha Paladino, follows the hot, sweaty, dusty trek to Uganda, Tanzania, Gambia and Mali, where the music transcends any barriers of language and culture. Nicely captures the hypnotic allure and rich rhythms of African music. No MPAA rating. (Mary Houlihan)

Compiled by Mary Houlihan

* "The Shield: The Complete Series"

* "Six Feet Under: The Complete Series"

* "Will Ferrell: You're Welcome America -- A Final Night with George W. Bush"

* "Star Wars: The Clone Wars -- Season 1"

* "North by Northwest: 50th Anniversary Edition"

* "Spin City: Season 3"

* "Here's Lucy: Season 2"

* "Fraggle Rock: The Final Season"

* "Mission: Impossible -- Season 7"

* "Mummies: Secrets of the Pharaohs"

* "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Season 7"

* "Wolverine and the X-Men: Beginning of the End"

* "White Christmas: 55th Anniversary Edition"

* "Merry Sitcom: Christmas Classics from TV's Golden Age"

* "Earth 2100"

* "Paraiso Travel"

* "Night Watcher"

* "All About My Mother"

* "Buck Rogers: 70th Anniversary Edition"