Fish story - 8:59pm

Just in from Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment is their October 28th lineup of new and catalog releases. First up are three new theatrical and direct-to-video titles making their DVD debuts.

The acclaimed Whale Rider comes billed as a special edition, complete with an anamorphic widescreen transfer and Dolby Digital 5.1 surround track, plus extras including a filmmaker's audio commentary; featurette, deleted scenes, trailer and a "Soundtrack Showcase." Retail is $26.95. Next is the controversial documentary Blind Spot: Hitler's Secretary, presented in its original full screen and 2.0 stereo. There are no extras. Last but not least is the sci-fi potboiler Alien Hunter, starring James Spader. PResented in anamorphic widescreen and loaded with extras, features include an audio commentary with director Ron Krauss, a making-of and "Location Scout" featurettes, deleted scenes with optional commentary, storyboard comparisons, a still gallery and trailers. Retail is $24.95.

From the vaults come a handful of classic catalog titles: Aparajito, Pather Panchali, The World of Apu, Solid Gold Cadillac and Rage and Honor and Rage and Honor II: Hostile Takeover. All are presented in 4:3 full screen only except Solid Gold Cadillac, which gets a widescreen transfer. The only extras are trailers and filmographies, and retail is $29.95 on the first three and $19.95 on the rest.

And for you TV fans, Columbia TriStar will finally release Married...with Children: The First Season on the 28th. Each episode is presented in 4:3 full screen and Dolby 2.0 stereo, and there are no extras. Retail for this two-disc set is $29.95.

Politically Correct - 3:03pm

One of the most acclaimed television dramas in recent memory, Warner Home Video will at last swear in the multiple Emmy-winning The West Wing: The Complete First Season on November 18th. This four-disc set includes all 22 first-season episodes in 4:3 full screen and Dolby Digital 2.0 surround. Extras will include audio commentaries with series creator Aaron Sorkin and director Thomas Schlamme on four episodes plus the pilot, as well as additional cast and crew interviews, "The Primaries" and "The West Wing Inauguration" featurettes, additional behind-the-scene footage, deleted scenes, a gag reel and outtakes. Retail is $59.95.