DVD Reviews

'Pulse 3' (Dimension Extreme, 2008) *

The second sequel to what was a mediocre remake of a Japanese horror hit, "Pulse 3" retreads the same exact ground its predecessors have. Like the past two entries, the ghosts of the past haunt the living via computer.

This time, the focus is on Justine (from "Pulse 2"), a rebellious teenager who one day finds an abandoned laptop. With bad green screen effects and minimal suspense, "Pulse 3" concludes the trilogy on a yawn-inducing note. For die-hard fans of the series only.

Directed by Joel Soisson. Starring Rider Strong, Brittany Finamore.

DVD features: Commentary and a behind-the-scenes featurette. Recommended if you like: "Prom Night (remake)," "One Missed Call"

'Baghead' (Sony, 2007) ***

This Sundance favorite takes a page from some of the indie greats by putting a twist on the horror genre.

During their vacation in a remote house in the woods, a group of friends decide to make a horror film of their own. As the record button is being pushed, folks turn up missing and paranoia goes into overload.

While not your basic scary movie, "Baghead" sets itself apart from the pack with a clever story and natural performances from the cast.

Directed by Jay Duplass, Mark Duplass. Starring Steve Zissis, Ross Partridge.

DVD features: Commentary, interview and "Baghead" scares. Recommended if you like: "Funny Ha Ha," "Blair Witch Project"

'Baby' (Xenon Pictures, 2008) **

After leaving prison for manslaughter, 18-year-old Baby re-enters society with the intention of turning his life around until he finds himself with the Asian gangs of East LA.

"Baby" sets out to be the Asian-American answer to films like "Menace II Society" and "Goodfellas," but feels like it can't decide whether it wants to be a thoughtful drama or an exploitative action film.

Directed by Juwan Chung. Starring: David Hunyh, Ron Yuan.

DVD features: Deleted scenes and commentary. Recommended if you like: "Belly," "Empire"

'Towelhead' (Warner Brothers, 2008) ** 1/2

From Alan Ball, the screenwriter of "American Beauty" and the creator of the dark HBO series, "Six Feet Under," comes this directorial debut.

When Jasira leaves her American mother to stay with her strict Lebanese father, she grapples with her own blossoming femininity and the predatory attention of her adult neighbor (played by Aaron Eckhart). As with most of Ball's work, this film revolves around imperfect people and their dark nature.

While the film sets out to push buttons and spark debate through controversial material, it may ultimately feel like an empty exercise in sensationalism and shock.

Directed by Alan Ball. Starring Samir Bishil, Aaron Eckhart.

DVD features: "Making of" featurette. Recommended if you like: "Happiness," "American Beauty"