'Sounder,' 'Sunset Boulevard' among DVD releases

Here's a collection of older movies recently released on DVD, most of them reissues — and many of them fine additions to any film library.

"Sounder" (Koch, 1972, G, $14.98). This story of a family of black sharecroppers struggling to survive in the South during the Great Depression is beautifully realized, from its gorgeous cinematography to its low-key direction and deceptively simple screenplay, which is filled with universal truths.

The story has the father (Paul Winfield) being sent to a prison camp as the mother (Cicely Tyson) tries to locate him, and eventually their oldest son — still a young boy (Kevin Hooks) — journeys to find him. (Sounder, by the way, is the family dog, who's own journey parallels the family's.)

Passionate and fulfilling, this film is a timeless joy, one the entire family can — and should — enjoy together. (So where's the equally satisfying sequel, which has never been on home video?)

Extras: widescreen

"Centennial Collection: Sunset Boulevard" (Paramount, 1950, two discs, b/w, $24.99).

"Centennial Collection: Roman Holiday" (Paramount, 1953, two discs, b/w, $24.99).

"Centennial Collection: Sabrina" (Paramount, 1954, two discs, b/w, $24.99).

Paramount's new "Centennial Collection" of previously issued titles that have been digitally remastered and given new bonus features kicks off with these three 1950s classics.

• "Sunset Boulevard" is Billy Wilder's dark look at the machinations of Hollywood, with Gloria Swanson as a fading star and William Holden as her boy toy —who narrates the film after being murdered!

• "Roman Holiday" is a bright romantic comedy directed by William Wyler, providing Audrey Hepburn with her first starring role — and an Oscar. She's a princess who tries to pass as a commoner, aided and abetted by reporter Gregory Peck.

• "Sabrina" is another winner, a Billy Wilder comedy with Audrey Hepburn as a chauffeur's daughter who is romanced by two wealthy brothers, hardworking Humphrey Bogart and playboy William Holden.

These are great pictures that deserve this treatment, but let's hope Paramount will also include in this series some of its many titles that have never been on DVD.

Extras: full frame, audio commentary (on "Sunset Boulevard" only), featurettes, trailers; eight-page booklets

"Misty" (Koch, 1961, $14.98). A young brother and sister yearn for a wild pony named Phantom, which eludes capture year after year during a roundup on Assateague Island near Chincoteague, Va. This gentle, sweet, gorgeously photographed family film holds up very well and is obviously a loving effort by the filmmakers.

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