New DVD releases: 'New Moon' rises on DVD this week

The reviews were even more harsh for "The Twilight Saga: New Moon" than they were for its 2008 predecessor, "Twilight." Yet the 2009 follow-up was much more successful theatrically (it grossed $296 million in ticket sales, as compared to $192 million for the original movie).

Fans can decide for themselves which of the two they prefer, thanks to this week's DVD release of the film (Summit, $32.99). The standard, two-disc edition boasts six, behind-the-scenes minidocumentaries and a trio of music videos — from Death Cab for Cutie, Anya Marina, and Mute Math. The Blu-ray edition ($34.99) features the same extras, while a Walmart exclusive, "ultimate fan edition" includes a speak peak at this summer's "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse."

The PG-13 rated romance fantasy/drama does feature some horror violence and imagery, as well as some suggestive language.

Select stores are opening at midnight March 19 specifically to sell the various formats and editions of the movie, as well as other "Twilight"-related memorabilia.

While "New Moon" will be released March 20, other DVD releases for the week will be released Tuesday. They include:

"The Blind Side" (Warner, $28.98) — ★★★ — This sports drama — the equivalent of cinematic "comfort food" — goes down pretty well. Oscar winner Sandra Bullock stars.

Special features: Deleted scenes.

PG-13 (violence, slurs, vulgarity, brief drugs, profanity, brief gore, brief sex)

"Brothers" (Lionsgate, $29.95) — ★★★ — A movie built on that jarring disconnect between combat zone and "back home." Tobey Maguire and Jake Gyllenhaal star.

PG-13 (profanity) — Roger Moore, The Orlando Sentinel

"Damage" (Fox, $22.98) — Direct-to-DVD action-thriller starring former WWE wrestler "Stone Cold" Steve Austin.

R (violence, gore, profanity)

"Free Willy: Escape From Pirate's Cove" (Warner, $27.98) — Direct-to-DVD sequel featuring television star Bindi Irwin.

PG (violence)

"Fantastic Mr. Fox" (Fox, $29.98) — ★★★½ — Proof that there's quality animation being done by studios that aren't named Disney and Pixar. The voice cast includes George Clooney and Meryl Streep.