MGM has announced that two titles of interest to pop culture retailers will be released on DVD on January 4, 2002 -- The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai and Mad Max.  Buckaroo Banzai was a wacky science fiction farce, originally released in 1984, featuring an amazing cast, including John Lithgow, Ellen Barkin, Jeff Goldblum, Peter Weller, and Christopher Lloyd.  We remember Marvel Comics, which did the comic adaptation at the time, telling us that 'this looks like a sure hit.'  Alas, it wasn't, largely due to a nearly incomprehensible script.  But it was fun and quickly attained and retained cult status.  The DVD will have the usual extra features, including a rare prologue sequence featuring Jamie Lee Curtis, a 'making of' documentory, audio commentary by the director, new 5.1 audio track, etc.  It will also be the first MGM title to include NUON-enhanced interactive technology, which allows some neat tricks with the extras for those that have NUON-enabled DVD players.  MSRP is a value-priced $19.98.

 

The most interesting feature of the Mad Max DVD will be the original Australian audio track.  Past  U.S. video releases have featured an American dub, so this will be the first opportunity for U.S. fans to get the original soundtrack.  This DVD will also have the usual 'making of' documentary, as well as commentary by the spfx coordinator, cinematographer, and production designer.   MSRP on Mad Max will also be $19.98.