On DVD and Blu-ray Disc

“Transformers Animated: Season Two”
Move beyond the workmanlike animation and, for younger fans of the Transformers, they’ll find well-executed shows that do what they’re intended to do--satisfy first, and then entice those awaiting the live-action 2009 release of “Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen.” That is, of course, assuming Shia LaBeouf doesn’t blow it in the process. Each episode features a typical story of good vs. evil, with the battle between the Autobots and the evil Decepticons offering just what fans want--plenty of creative morphing, a measure of excitement, escapist fun. Grade: B-

“The Waltons: Eighth Season”
Sorry, but who are these people? Set mostly in Depression-era Virginia, the eighth season of this genial drama follows the Waltons through yet another season of hardships, with Michael Learned’s Sanitarium-stricken Olivia returning for 12 episodes (she looks a bit pale, poor thing), while Ellen Corby’s Grandma quietly slipped under the radar by appearing in only a few episodes (she looks a whole lot paler). A robust Robert Wightman takes over the role as John-boy, with Richard Thomas having moved on to presumably better things. And so, with the show winding down, it all seems off-track and strained. In this season, World War II is deeply entrenched, with members of the family taking their part in fighting it. Still, in spite of its backdrop of war, the show remains a flat and overtly earnest, an acquired taste that’s little more than an antiseptic balm of family highs and woes. Grade: C

"The Wedding Crashers" Blu-ray
The film's best element is the inspired casting of Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson, who make for a fine comedic pairing--their easy repartee helps to grease over the film's shortcomings. In the movie, Vaughn's Jeremy and Wilson's John aren't exactly the marrying types. They prefer to crash weddings for the free food and the single women than to stand at the altar themselves. But when life intervenes with Rachel McAdams' Claire, who startles John with what he begins to feel for her, and Isla Fisher's Gloria, who startles us all with the certifiable depth of her feelings for Jeremy, the movie achieves a punchy, likable stride in spite of its overly long running time. Rated Unrated. Grade: B-