DVD reviews: "Dr. Seuss' The Lorax" and "Marley"

“Dr. Seuss' The Lorax” (2012, PG, 86 min., $29.98) It seems nothing can go right for Dr. Seuss on the silver screen. While 2008's “Horton Hears a Who!” experienced some kudos from critics, it's been shoddy productions for the others. Unfortunately, “The Lorax” falls on to that list of failures. The animated picture is vibrant and colorful and its animation gets high marks, but the film doesn't have much to offer anywhere else. Looking into the storyline, the material is stretched too thin. Also, the liberties taken by directors Chris Renaud and Kyle Balda and writers Ken Daurio and Cinco Paul, with Dr. Seuss' 1972 book of the same name, fail to add a boost. Sure, it's a fun film for the family, but there are better options out there. Just like the book, “The Lorax” — featuring voice work from Zac Efron, Danny DeVito, Ed Helms, Taylor Swift and Betty White — has an environmental edge to it, and it starts with a young guy named Ted looking for an authentic tree to impress the girl he has a crush on. Ted realizes there are no trees in his town of Thneed-Ville, and It isn't until he gets a tip from his granny that he gets on the path to finding one. Ted seeks out Once-ler, a key reason for the lack of trees in the area, and the stranger has a story that holds a lesson and gives Ted the motivation to bring back the trees. Blu-ray and combo packs hold interesting extras, including three new mini movies, making-of featurettes, deleted scenes, commentary and interactive games, boosting what turns out to be a very average film. 2 Stars.

“Marley” (2012, PG-13, 144 min., $26.98) The contributions of Bob Marley have been lost over time. Today, he's simply pointed to as that reggae singer from Jamaica that smoked a lot of marijuana. Well, Marley is much more than that, and talented filmmaker Kevin Macdonald's documentary punctuates that point. In “Marley,” viewers are given the comprehensive story of the legendary musician from his poor roots to an early demise that saw him surrounded by friends, family and worldwide acclaim. The film — weighing in at a heavy 145 minutes — could have used some editing, because it drags in certain spots, taking too much time on less interesting aspects of the singer's life. Though, that shouldn't stop you from reaching for “Marley.” Macdonald does a wonderful job here, mixing in interviews with members of Marley's family, former bandmates and general folks he came across in his life with clips of the reggae star in concert or sitting down with a journalist of some kind. It adds up to an all-embracing documentary that gives viewers incredible insight into Marley and his life as a cultural icon. Standard DVD and Blu-ray packages offer up some quality special features. Extended interviews with some of Marley's family members and friends are inside, along with commentary and a photo gallery. Also look for “Around the World,” a featurette that looks at Marley's global impact, over 30 years after his death. 3 Stars.

“Blue Like Jazz” (2012, PG-13, 107 min., $27.98) Based on the popular book of the same name from Donald Miller, filmmaker Steve Taylor's picture follows a college student shedding his strict religious upbringing for a progressive school across the country. The decision forces the young man on a path of self-discovery.

“Let It Shine” (2012, NR, 104 min., $26.99) The latest Disney Channel Original Movie made its debut on the network in June. The film — starring Tyler James Williams, Coco Jones and Trevor Jackson — is the story of a young man who has to take some extra steps in a music contest to win over the heart of the girl he's fallen for.

“Jesse Stone: Benefit of the Doubt” (2012, NR, 89 min., $26.99) Tom Selleck jumps back into the role of small-town police chief Jesse Stone in this latest adventure. Stone has his hands full in this latest adventure, as he attempts to solve a double homicide in his small Massachusetts town. The film made its debut in May on CBS.

“Mia and the Migoo” (2008, PG, 91 min., $19.98) With voices from Whoopi Goldberg, James Woods and Matthew Modine, this animated pleasure follows a young girl who embarks on a long journey after seeing a premonition. The girl is on the lookout for her father, who was trapped in a landslide at a construction site.

“William & Catherine: A Royal Romance” (2011, NR, 90 min., $14.98) Starring Jane Alexander and Jean Smart, this romantic story follows the love story of Prince William and Kate Middleton. The film originally aired on the Hallmark Channel last year. The pic follows William's courting of Kate all the way up to their wedding day.

“Lockout” (2012, PG-13, 95 min., $30.99) Guy Pearce and Maggie Grace take lead roles in this film that has elements of the science fiction and action genres. Produced by Luc Besson, the picture follows a falsely convicted former government agent who can clear his name if he saves the life of the president's daughter.

NEW ON BLU-RAY

• “Full Metal Jacket” (Matthew Modine and Vincent D'Onofrio, 1987, R, 116 min., $34.99)

• “Clue” (Tim Curry and Christopher Lloyd, 1985, PG, 94 min., $19.99)

TV ON DVD

• “Grimm: Season One” (David Giuntoli and Russell Hornsby, five discs, 22 episodes, $59.98)

• “Parenthood: Season 3” (Craig T. Nelson and Lauren Graham, four discs, 18 episodes, $59.98)

• “Strike Back: Cinemax Season 1” (Philip Winchester and Sullivan Stapleton, four discs, six episodes, $49.98)

• “Gunsmoke: The Sixth Season, Volume 1” (James Arness and Milburn Stone, three discs, 19 episodes, $39.99)

• “Ghost Hunters: Season 7, Part 1” (reality series, four discs, 12 episodes, $24.98)

• “Squidbillies: Volume 5” (animated, one disc, 10 episodes, $19.97)