Examining the output of writer/director/actor Woody Allen is no simple task. The prolific auteur has been involved with nearly 50 feature films and writer Jason Bailey looks at all of them in his newest book, The Ultimate Woody Allen Film Companion. Filled with analysis and insight on Allen’s films, this impressive tome is a must-buy for fans of the director. DVD Talk reviewer Neil Lumbard had a chance to look over the work and calls it an essential reference book and an all-around excellent read. Read what else Neil had to say in this latest DVD Talk book review.

Before you head off to the cinema this weekend, check out DVD Talk's reviews of the latest releases including: American Sniper - an exceptional story of patriotism that explores both the intensities of combat,as well as the struggles of returning to an every day life; Inherent Vice - director Paul Thomas Anderson creates a confounding and marvelous film based on author Thomas Pynchon's 2009 send-up of Los Angeles and the detective story; and Blackhat - a superficial thriller that tries to be a little bit of everything, but doesn't succeed at any of them Other recent films include: Into the Woods, The Imitation Game, Selma, Wild, The Babadook, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part I, Keep On Keepin' On, Big Hero 6, Interstellar, The Theory of Everything, Laggies, Force Majeure, Birdman, Fury, Dracula Untold, Gone Girl.. . Check out these, and more, in DVDTalk's Theatrical Review section.

Interested in the latest TV on DVD reviews? DVD Talk has you covered! This week's notable entries include: Banshee: The Complete Second Season - Cinemax's crime drama is set in what may be the craziest small town in history, and this season is an exciting continuation of the story and an improvement in both narrative and focus; Beware the Batman: Dark Justice -- Season 1, Part 2 - the action and conflicts themselves stay engaging, and no need to beware of another cliffhanger, as Beware the Batman meets a decent ending - both for the season, and for the series; and Prisoners Of War: The Complete First Season - Israel's highest rated TV drama of all time, it was adapted to American TV as the ratings juggernaut Homeland. Other shows recently reviewed include:  Continuum: Season Three, Gunsmoke: The Eleventh Season, and Impractical Jokers: Season 2.  Want more?  Check out all of the TV on DVD reviews in the DVD Talk database.

This week the DVD Savant has a number of new reviews and articles including: The Ultimate Invaders from Mars Savant Article - Savant has rewritten and re-illustrated his two-part essay from 1999, that re-defined William Cameron Menzies' stealth masterpiece... the essays try to explain the visionary designs and radical editorial ideas in Menzies' film, which still has the power to freak kids out while introducing them to the wonderful world of futuristic paranoia; Ten Seconds to Hell - Exiled to Europe, tough-guy director Robert Aldrich takes his first project to Hammer Films, and makes a thriller about an irregular bomb disposal unit playing a suicide game in the ruins of Berlin. Six defusing experts agree to pool half their pay, the proceeds to be distributed three months later among those still living -- if any are; and Into the Woods (1990) - Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's show is funny, heartwarming and genuinely profound. Being the original, it's also uncut and un-adapted... offering viewers the ability to experience its full brilliance. Read all this and more in this week's DVD Savant.

Another banner week for DVDs with the studios releasing some great films and boxed sets such as: The Falcon and the Snowman [review] - a worthy piece of work from director John Schlesinger, a solid spy thriller that still feels relevant today; Lovejoy: Series 4 [review] - a particularly strong group of episodes this go-around, with mysteries that are equally suspenseful and funny... a winner all the way down the line; and Honeymoon [review] - a strong independent horror film from rookie director Leigh Janiak.... the lead actors share strong chemistry, and the film teases our fear of the unknown. Other reviews of note include: The Facts Of Life: The Complete Series [review], River's Edge [review], and The Two Faces of January [review]. Be sure to check out our DVD Talk Review Database for all the latest reviews including an entire section devoted to reviews of DVDs out this week.

Our reviewers have been busy this week, filling the DVD Talk Review Database more great entries. Some new reviews of note include: Inherit the Wind - Stanley Kramer's barely-fictionalized dramatization of the infamous 1925 Scopes "Monkey" Trial pits Spencer Tracy and Frederic March against each other for some intriguing courtroom sparring; The Boys From Brazil - an interesting mash-up of science fiction and geopolitics, this movie is highbrow schlock with over-the-top Nazi villains and a ridiculous story about genetic modification that is fun to watch; and Black Sails: The Complete First Season - this rowdy Michael Bay-produced series focuses on the inner workings of pirate politics and Captain James Flint's quest to recover a Spanish treasure. Other recent reviews include: Lloyd's of London, The House at the End of Time, and Eclipse Series 41: Kinoshita and World War II.  Visit the DVD Talk Review Database for all the latest reviews including an entire section devoted to reviews of DVDs out this week.

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