New on DVD 12/11/08

"The Dark Knight"

Plenty of fans shelled out more than once to see "The Dark Knight" in theaters. They might wind up doing the same on home video given how the studio is skimping with the extras on the initial DVD and Blu-ray releases. Fans probably will consider it a bargain just to get their hands on the year's biggest blockbuster, which elevated the superhero genre to new critical and commercial highs as Batman (Christian Bale) battles his inner demons and the sadistic schemes of his greatest foe, the Joker (Heath Ledger).

"Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears a Who!"

The beloved children's tale became an animated hit featuring the voice of Jim Carrey in the title role, an elephant desperate to convince his jungle denizens about the existence of an endangered microscopic community of people called Who's, with Steve Carell sounding off as the mayor of Who-ville.

"I Am Legend"

Will Smith's apocalyptic sci-fi smash gets a classy boxed-set makeover with a three-disc DVD and two-disc Blu-ray "Ultimate Collector's Edition," including two versions of the movie, the theatrical release and a cut with an alternate ending. Previously filmed as Vincent Price's "The Last Man on Earth" and Charlton Heston's "The Omega Man," the story features Smith as a scientist seeking a cure for the global plague that killed most of humanity and turned the rest into ravenous mutants.

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TV on DVD:

"Lost: The Complete Fourth Season" -- Mysteries and weirdness continue to swirl for the survivors of a jetliner crash as they learn more about the other inhabitants of their island. The five-disc set has all 14 episodes, plus deleted scenes, commentary and behind-the-scenes featurettes. DVD set, $59.99; Blu-ray set, $96.99. (Disney)

"The Wire: The Complete Series" -- A 23-disc package has all five seasons of the acclaimed series chronicling crime, corruption and politics in a gritty city. The set has new DVD extras that include prequel segments setting up the story lines before the action of the series. DVD set, $249.99. (HBO)

"Deadwood: The Complete Series" -- All three years of the bloody Western are packed in a 19-disc set. The series revolves around a lawman-turned-shopkeeper and a ruthless saloon owner who butt heads for control of a violent Old West town. Among new DVD extras is a segment with series creator David Milch on what direction the action would have gone if the show had continued. DVD set, $179.97. (HBO)

"The Philadelphia Phillies 2008 World Series Collector's Edition" -- Phillies fans can watch their team roll over Tampa Bay again with this eight-disc set that packs the entire World Series plus games four and five of the National League Championship Series. DVD set, $79.95 each. (A&E)

"Swingtown: The First Season" -- Three 1970s couples experiment with open marriages in this series starring Molly Parker and Grant Show. A four-disc set has the first 13 episodes, with deleted scenes and commentary on some. DVD set, $42.99. (Paramount)

"Gunsmoke: The Third Season, Volume 1," "Rawhide: The Third Season, Volume 2" -- Two classic Western series mosey back on to the trail. The three-disc "Gunsmoke" set has the first half of year three, while the four-disc "Rawhide" set has the second half of its third season. DVD sets, $39.99 each. (Paramount)

"Happy Days: The Fourth Season" -- Ron Howard and Henry Winkler return in the 1950s nostalgia comedy. The season's 25 episodes come in a three-disc set. DVD set, $39.99. (Paramount)