TOP PICK – CD
Marvin Gaye: What's Going On — Super Deluxe Edition
(Motown)
Marvin Gaye's 1971 masterpiece (and one of the greatest albums ever made) celebrates its 40th anniversary with a two-CD/one-LP set that chronicles the R&B singer's creative breakthrough that year. The heart of the album is the original record, appended here with single mixes and alternate takes. But the revelation is the second disc filled with dark, mostly instrumental tracks Gaye recorded in Detroit after the album's release.
DVD
AC/CD: Let There Be Rock
(Warner)
This 1981 concert movie — featuring the late Bon Scott during his last tour with the Australian rockers — hasn't been seen in years. No wonder the Limited Collector's Edition Blu-ray is loaded with collectibles like a guitar pick and photo prints. There's also bonus material paying tribute to Scott and the band's awesome riffage, but you'll want to go straight to the movie: 98 minutes of ear-blasting rock & roll at its best.
VIDEO GAME
Green Lantern: Rise of the Manhunters
(Warner Bros. Interactive)
Like many movie tie-in games, this one (for most platforms) doesn't really break any new ground. But if you ever wanted to suit up, put on the superhero's green ring, and kick some bad-guy ass as you tear through the galaxy, here's your chance. Bonus points: Ryan Reynolds, who plays Green Lantern in the new movie, repeats his role here, basically letting you relive the big-screen action. Only this time you're in control.
DVD
Kiss Me Deadly
(Criterion)
One of the weirdest movies ever made makes its Blu-ray debut in this gorgeous new set. Based on a Mickey Spillane book featuring detective Mike Hammer, this 1955 noir is tough, bitter, and moody. Then it gets crazy by leaving you with a whole mess of questions -— like "What's in that glowing briefcase?" and "WTF? Did the world just blow up?" Tons of terrific extras include a look at the film's legacy and an alternate ending.
BOOK
Not Dead & Not for Sale: A Memoir
(Simon & Schuster)
Scott Weiland is kind of a dick. That's something you'll figure early in the new memoir by the Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver singer. He talks about his drug addiction, his stays in rehab, and his multiple relapses. He also lazily probes his childhood for links to his problems and gives props to his current wife (of course) for helping him through the many tough times. He also discusses his music, the least interesting part of his story.
