DVDs: A not so wonderful 'Oz'; wonderful Richard Pryor

This week's new DVD releases range from the magic of Oz to the comedy of Pryor.

Oz the Great and Powerful, Grade B-minus: A look at how the Wizard came to the Emerald City. James Franco stars.

Sam Raimi shows flashes of brilliance. But overall, the latest trip down the Yellow Brick Road has a few too many bumps to make this a magical journey. Visually, the film is stunning, from the black-and-white footage to the brilliant colors of the Emerald City. Where Raimi seems uncertain is with the special effects.

The biggest problem is Franco. Oz needs to be played as both a cad and a charmer, and Franco never fully plays either. He just doesn't have the larger-than-life charisma to make Oz the great and powerful character he should be.  

Snitch, Grade C-minus: Father makes deal to keep his innocent son out of jail. Dwayne Johnson stars.

There is a massive Rock in the way of Snitch's being the movie it wants to be, a thought-provoking story about the ills of the legal system. The casting of Johnson as a worried father who becomes a drug runner to get his son out of prison immediately suggests that this is another explosive action film. Wrong! There's some action, but it comes along in the last act - far too late to wake those who have nodded off and are dreaming of a better movie.

Johnson turns in his best acting performance in Snitch, but it's a valiant effort in a losing battle. Someone should have spilled the beans to director Ric Roman Waugh that Johnson wasn't the right choice for this role.

No Pryor Restraint, Life in Concert, Grade B-plus: Fans of Richard Pryor can now pick up 12 hours of comedy through this set that includes seven CDs and two DVDs. It's a wonderful yardstick of Pryor's growth, from his early days of stand-up to his eventual domination of the comedy world.

The material includes comedy from Pryor from 1966 to 1992, two hours of previously unreleased stand-up performances, and rare recordings from the Pryor archives. Films in the set are Richard Pryor: Live in Concert (1979), Richard Pryor Live on the Sunset Strip (1982), and Richard Pryor ... Here and Now (1983).

Also included are photos, essays, celebrity tributes, a discography, a filmography, and a personal note penned by Richard's widow, Jennifer Lee Pryor.

Also new on DVD this week:

 Hansel and Gretel Witch Hunters: Siblings become bounty hunters after an incident at a gingerbread house.

Doctor Who: Inferno: The Doctor (Jon Pertwee) is concerned about a top-secret project that involves drilling into the crust of the Earth.

Betty & Coretta: Mary J. Blige and Angela Bassett star in the cable film about the women who played a huge part in the American civil rights movement.

The Dick Van Dyke Show, The Complete Third Season: Classic comedy is available on Blu-ray.

Enter the Dragon 40th Anniversary Ultimate Collector's Edition: The martial arts film starring Bruce Lee has been remastered.

Mighty Messes: Thomas & Friends, Fireman Sam, and Bob the Builder star in six cleanup-themed episodes.

House of Cards, The Complete First Season: Hard-edged political thriller starring Kevin Spacey.

Transformers Rescue Bots, Energize: Five adventures starring the shape-shifting crew.

Perry Mason, The Ninth and Final Season, Volume One: Raymond Burr plays the TV attorney.