New DVDs: 'CJ7,' 'Brand Upon the Brain'

The DVD industry's new releases are at a trickle as the Olympics gobbles up most people's video time. We're watching, too.

Those with an aversion to touchy-feely sports should check out "CJ7," an offbeat kids movie from Stephen Chow of "Kung Fu Hustle" fame. It's a sort of "E.T." adventure that the New York Times called "a devilishly entertaining curveball thrown at unsuspecting family audiences." (pictured)

Another fractured film about family comes from Canadian arthouse filmmaker Guy Maddin: "Brand Upon the Brain!" is a silent black and white film (with narration) about weird goings-on at an orphanage located in a desolate lighthouse. Something like the Hardy Boys meet "Dr. Caligari." Funny, creepy and unlike anything I've seen before. Criterion's release includes a couple of new Maddin short films produced for the DVD.

Here, for the record, are the new and notable DVD releases for the week.

The Art of War II: Betrayal (Sony)
Blue Murder, Set 3 (BBC, Acorn Media)
Brand Upon the Brain! (The Criterion Collection)
Caroline in the City (Paramount)
CJ7 (also Blu-ray, Sony)
Dick Francis Thriller: The Racing Game (Acorn Media)
Larisa Shepitko, Eclipse Series 11 (Criterion)
Felon (also BR, Sony)
The Love Boat: season 1, Vol. 2 (Paramount)
Muhammad Ali: Made In Miami (PBS Home Video/Paramount)
Prison Break, season 3 (also BR, Fox)
Raw Spice: The Unofficial Story of the Making of the Spice Girls (Shout! Factory)
Smart People (also BR, Miramax)
Watching the Detectives (Peace Arch/Genius Products)
The Wire, season 5 (HBO)
Wire in the Blood: Prayer of the Bone (Koch Vision)