Cowpoke tale stands out from the herd

Open Range

Kevin Costner, Robert Duvall

Touchstone, $30

After some dismal box office flops -- “The Postman,” which he also directed, “Dragonfly” and “3,000 Miles From Graceland” -- Costner seems to be back on track as an actor and a director with this old-fashioned but violent western. Though it’s no “Dances With Wolves,” this sagebrush tale features good performances and a lot of chemistry between Costner as a gunslinger turned cowpoke and an aging cowboy (Duvall). Trouble ensues on one of their cattle drives when they run into a land baron who doesn’t want their cattle to graze on his land.

On this handsome two-disc DVD set, Costner is a wonderful guide and storyteller in his commentary, and he also offers thoughtful introductions to deleted scenes, as well as a moving tribute to costar Michael Jeter, who died shortly after he completed the film. There’s also an above-average making-of documentary and an informative look at Costner’s collaboration with the storyboard artist.

*

Once Upon a Time in Mexico

Antonio Banderas, Johnny Depp

Columbia TriStar, $29

Even if a Robert Rodriguez film is a disappointment, as is the case with this third installment in his “El Mariachi” trilogy, it’s exhilarating fun to experience the digital edition.

Rodriguez not only writes and directs his films but also does the cinematography, editing and scoring. He knows how to cut corners in the budget and has endless tricks up his sleeve when it comes to creating cinema magic. And he loves letting audiences in on his secrets.

Besides his entertaining commentary, the two-disc set also features “Ten Minute Flick School,” which is a fast-paced primer on filmmaking, and “Ten Minute Cooking School,” in which he fixes the pork dish that Depp’s character always eats. Rodriguez also offers a tour of his Troublemaker Studios.

Spellbound

Documentary

Columbia TriStar, $27

Who would think that a documentary on the National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C., would make fascinating viewing? Not only is this 2002 Oscar-nominated documentary engrossing, it’s also exciting and suspenseful as we watch a group of eighth-graders from around the country compete for the prestigious honor of being the best speller in the nation. Directed by Jeffrey Blitz, “Spellbound” follows the paths of eight contestants -- and their parents -- as they prepare for and compete in the bee.

The digital edition includes commentary from Blitz, producer Sean Welch and editor Yana Gorskaya; bonus footage of three other spellers; and a look at what has happened to the eight children profiled.

*

Curb Your Enthusiasm --

The Complete First Season

Larry David, Jeff Garlin

HBO, $40

The fourth season of the Golden Globe winning comedy series recently started on HBO, so now is the perfect opportunity to revisit the premiere season. David, who was the creator and executive producer of “Seinfeld” during its best years, stars as a version of himself in the riotous adult comedy series that is mostly improvised. The series also boasts a terrific cast that includes Garlin as David’s manager and best friend and Cheryl Hines as David’s wife.

This two-disc sets features all 10 episodes of the first season, plus the HBO comedy special “Larry David: Curb Your Enthusiasm,” which was the basis for the series, commentary on the first episode with Garlin, Hines, David and producer-director Robert B. Weide and an interview with David conducted by Bob Costas.

*

Also this week

Lisa Kudrow and Damon Wayans star with Christine Baranski and Richard Benjamin in the comedy “Marci X (Paramount: $29.99); horror movie “Cabin Fever” (Lions Gate: $26.99); psychological thriller “Manic” (MGM: $29.98).

Top VHS rentals

1. American Wedding

2. Out of Time

3. S.W.A.T.

4. Uptown Girls

5. Underworld

Top DVD rentals

1. American Wedding

2. S.W.A.T.

3. Out of Time

4. Underworld

5. Uptown Girls

What’s coming

Tuesday: “Radio,” “Thirteen,” “Le Divorce,” “The Secret Lives of Dentists,” “Capturing the Friedmans” and “Grind”