'Husbands,' sci-fi trio on tap

This eclectic collection of movies released on DVD this week includes a 40-year-old independent production, a new documentary on Mike Tyson, early Japanese sci-fi and several made-for-TV movies.

"Husbands" (Columbia, 1969, PG-13, $19.94). After "Faces" but before "A Woman Under the Influence," John Cassavetes wrote and directed this searing look at midlife crises, focusing on three middle-age working men with families and mortgages who are best friends — volatile Ben Gazzara, chatterbox Peter Falk and introspective Cassavetes.

The story has the trio going on a bender after another pal dies, then they briefly return to work before impulsively heading for London, exchanging stories and philosophies, feeling sorry for themselves and looking toward an uncertain future.

A bit self-indulgent at times, as Cassavetes' films tend to be, heavy on improvisation for what is essentially an acting exercise. At 142 minutes (11 minutes longer than the theatrical release), it feels long, but there are rewards, and all three stars are at the peak of their considerable abilities.

Extras: widescreen, audio commentary (by Cassavetes biographer Marshall Fine), featurette, trailers

"Tyson" (Sony Classics/Blu-ray, 2009; R for language; $39.95). It ain't pretty, but this documentary is very much a no-holds-barred look at former heavyweight champ Mike Tyson, including his fall from grace and seemingly sincere penitence.

Filmmaker James Toback chronicles Tyson's life without sugarcoating it, relying on interviews with Tyson and archival footage. The result is alternately startling and amusing.

Extras: widecreen, audio commentary, featurettes, trailers

"Icons of Sci-Fi: Toho Collection" (Columbia, 1958-61, three discs, $24.96). This collection boasts three films from the heyday of cheesy Japanese sci-fi thrillers, offering silly fun for fans.

"The H-Man" (1958) has radioactive blobs destroying Tokyo — and they're reproducing!

"Battle in Outer Space" (1959) focuses on efforts to thwart an attack by aliens who cause catastrophes around the globe.

"Mothra" (1961) is the most famous of these, as a caterpillar/giant moth wreaks havoc searching for two tiny telepathic girls.

Extras: widescreen, three films,