20 Greatest Fake Criterion Covers
Ooh, very arty...
Casper (1995)
On The Back Of The DVD: Brad Siberling’s wistful children’s fantasy draws from the great supernatural tradition of authors such as Poe and Hawthorne to create a macabre fable about the innocence of youth. With Eric Idle.
The Extras:
- Casper Unseen: Thirty minutes of terrifying unseen footage from original director Nicholas Roeg
- Casper & The Canon: Horror luminaries such as Christopher Lee and Wes Craven discuss Casper ’s place amongst the ghostly greats
- The Friendly Ghosts: Benevolent spooks through the ages
Baby's Day Out (1994)
On The Back Of The DVD: Director Patrcik Read Johnson taps into a primal agoraphobic nightmare with this chilling tale of a helpless infant lost and alone in the big city. Lara Flynn Boyle, Joe Mantegna and Joe Pantoliano all shine amongst a (surprisingly) high-quality cast.
The Extras:
- The life of a Mazeophobic; the fear of being lost explained
- Shooting the gorilla scene
- Director’s cut (Pantoliano and Mantegna removed at own request)
Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)
On The Back Of The DVD: Chris Columbus delves into the human psyche with this Freudian tale of a displaced parent who assumes the role of both mother and father by dressing up as an ageing Scottish nanny.
The Extras:
- Becoming Euphagenia: Robin Williams discusses his character’s motivations
- The Sins Of The Father, making-of documentary
- Cross-Dressing Parent Advice Pamphlet – Don’t Suffer In Silence
Cop And A Half (1993)
On The Back Of The DVD: This chilling dystopian fantasy imagines just what would happen if the NYPD were forced to recruit small children to bolster their presence on the streets. Burt Reynolds turns in a career-best performance as the veteran of the old-school who is forced to work in tandem with his juvenile new partner.
The Extras:
- It Could Happen , a documentary exploring the recent public spending cuts that could blur the line between fact and fiction
- Interview with Norman D Golden
- Optional laughter-track
The Adventures Of Pluto Nash (2002)
On The Back Of The DVD: Eddie Murphy turns his hand to science fiction in this inventive hybrid of intergalactic adventure and hard-bitten crime drama. Initially seen as a risky career move for the effervescent Murphy, Pluto Nash is the perfect showcase for the star’s more sober side. A triumph!
The Extras:
- From 2001 to Pluto Nash: Eddy Murphy introduces a potted history of science fiction in the movies, explaining the debt owed by Pluto Nash to the greats
- Deleted Scenes (That’s right, we did cut some stuff!)
Ghost Dad (1990)
On The Back Of The DVD: The great Sidney Poitier teams up with comedian Bill Cosby in this thoughtful comedy that brooches themes of love and loss whilst still finding room for plenty of laughter along the way. A landmark entry into the “dad-with-a-displaced-spirit” genre.
The Extras:
- Bill Cosby: Behind The Laughter
- “Help! My Dad’s A Ghost” episode of Oprah
- “Ghost Dud”, the hilarious SNL parody in full
Ernest Goes To Jail (1990)
On The Back Of The DVD: Jim Varney’s seminal comedy vehicle goes from strength to strength, as Ernest finds himself heading for the electric chair after a mix-up with a death row inmate. Searing insight on capital punishment is paired with hilarious slapstick comedy in Ernest’s latest exciting adventure.
The Extras:
- Meet Jim Varney: The Man Behind The Grin
- The Art Of Ernest: A look at the unique balance between humour and social comment struck by the Ernest Films
- “KnowhutIMean!”: A catchphrase revisited
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Leprechaun (1993)
On The Back Of The DVD: Boasting what is commonly regarded as Jennifer Aniston’s finest big-screen performance, this fore-runner to the late nineties slasher-movie revival is a masterclass in terror. You will believe that a 3-foot midget can be threatening…
The Extras:
- From Limerick to Los Angeles: The Making Of Leprechaun
- Deleted scenes (includes never-seen unlucky-in-love Aniston plot strand)
- Leprechaun In The Hood : How And Why?
Driven (2001)
On The Back Of The DVD: Sylvester Stallone stars in this hi-octane adventure that uses ChampCar racing to hold up a mirror to the human condition. Find out just how far one man is willing to go to get ahead in the “human race”…
The Extras:
- In The Fast Lane: Sly Stallone explains how racing can be a metaphor for the human journey through life…and stuff.
- Special subtitles for Stallone’s dialogue available throughout
Old Dogs (2009)
On The Back Of The DVD: Old Dogs heralds the long-awaited reunion between Wild Hogs director Walt Becker and star John Travolta, in this charming tale of a father’s realisation that family must always take precedence over fortune.
The Extras:
- Extended “amorous gorilla” scene with commentary from star Seth Green
- The Comeback Kids: Travolta interviews co-star Robin Williams
- Director's Cut (now a merciful sixty minutes shorter)
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George was once GamesRadar's resident movie news person, based out of London. He understands that all men must die, but he'd rather not think about it. But now he's working at Stylist Magazine.