New this week "Kingdom of Heaven" ( ): Superb battle enactments and re-creations of medieval instruments of war are the most fascinating phenomena in Ridley Scott's epic about the Crusades, starring Orlando Bloom, Jeremy Irons, Liam Neeson and Eva Green. It's a serious attempt to make us think about the whole concept of not just this, but any crusade. But Scott this time is too cliched, and he hath only himself to blameth for writing it. On the other hand, the production values and cinematography are breathtaking. "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" ( ): Amber Tamblyn, America Ferrera, Blake Lively and Alexis Bledel star in an adaptation of Ann Brashares' best-selling novel about four friends who stay in touch one summer by sharing a pair of good-luck jeans that just happen to fit each of them perfectly. Director Ken Kwapis and his nice cast had some good things going for them at the outset but succumb to Brashares'-- and Hollywood's -- relentless pursuit of a happy ending. The emotional candy that sustains this "Sisterhood" is too artificially sweetened to be filling, unless you really believe that one sentimental size fits all. "Unleashed" ( ): Martial arts star Jet Li aims for more drama in this film about a slave who is raised as a killing machine but decides to break free from the mob. Fight fans who go to see Li kicking up a storm will find the star in fast-paced fight sequences that sidestep his signature high-flying moves. Audiences in search of an engaging drama will find a central character who shows little dramatic latitude. Morgan Freeman and Bob Hoskins also star. "Kicking & Screaming" ( ): Soccer becomes cutthroat competition in this comedy starring Robert Duvall and Will Ferrell as father and son. Directed by Jesse Dylan ("How High," "American Wedding"), it plays like a series of skits loosely stitched together. TV on DVD: "Arrested Development," season 2; "Fat Albert & the Cosby Kids," Vol. 2; "Fat Albert's Christmas Special"; "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," season 2; "The Jeffersons," season 4; "Mutant X," season 3; "The Legend of Zelda: The Complete Series"; "Soap," season 4; "South Park," season 6; "Veronica Mars," season 1; "Stephen King Presents Kingdom Hospital: Post Mortem." Star ratings are based on the Post-Gazette reviews during theatrical release.

'MARTHA'S CLASSIC THANKSGIVING'

'MARTHA'S NEW YEAR CELEBRATION'

'MARTHA'S HOMEMADE HOLIDAYS'

'MARTHA'S FAVORITE FAMILY DINNERS'

Well, someone has to say it: "Martha Stewart Living" DVDs are a good thing.

Although her reality show ratings are disappointing, four new compilations ($19.98 each or $39.98 for the collection of three holiday DVDs) from the crafty, cunning and controversial Omnimedia mogul remind us what made the woman a household name. Stewart's cleverness, perfectionism and downright know-how shine through as she guides viewers through the holiday season and teaches them to make even an ordinary dinner a special occasion.

In "New Year's Celebration," Stewart conquers all domestic arenas: cooking, crafting, even cocktail-making. "Classic Thanksgiving" and "Homemade Holidays" best showcase the over-the-top artistry and attention to detail that put Martha on the map: Scented pinecones, pearl ornaments, rickrack-bedecked cards, gourd candles and marshmallow snowflakes are among Stewart's painstakingly crafted treats. A bouche de noel, pumpkin challah stuffing and turkey made five ways -- including spit-roasted and deep-fried -- are resplendent against her lavish seasonal table settings.

Looking far less daunting, but equally delicious, are the recipes in "Favorite Family Dinners." Techniques for Flank Steak with Grilled Oranges, Caribbean Black Beans and Rice, and a novel "Midnight Pasta" -- pappardelle, corn and huge chunks of tomatoes -- seem simple enough to pull together for weeknight meals.

Though the cardigan-wearing, bob cut-flaunting, wispy, waspy Martha minions who toil away in MSL craft rooms and kitchens are dry guests, other visitors are charismatic and informative: The bold Mario Batali shares several recipes from his "Holiday Food" cookbook and the senior Ms. Stewart -- Martha's wonderful, warbly voiced mom, "Big Martha" -- is a fun sous chef.

The only problem: the compilations' inherent clunkiness. Having been culled from old episodes of "Martha Stewart Living" that aired on Lifetime and in daily syndication, the strung-together segments lack continuity; and Stewart frequently refers viewers to her Web site for recipes and instructions that have long since been moved off the main page and relegated to Internet archives.

But a CD-ROM component on each easily navigable disc includes printable ingredient checklists and recipes, so viewers shouldn't have much difficulty in planning projects. Other special features are also fun and functional: Craft templates, tutorials (one teaches the proper way to carve a turkey) and -- best of all -- a blooper reel reveal not only Stewart's good taste and good skill, but her good humor as well.

-- Lindsey Quinn Arroyo, Post-Gazette staff writer

'VERONICA MARS: SEASON ONE'

When I leafed through the insert in "Veronica Mars: The Complete First Season," I was surprised that it didn't say where to find the extras. A scan through the six-disc set showed there were almost none. No gag reel, no interviews and no commentaries for any of the 22 episodes.

The final disc includes a bonus of scenes that never aired. The others display a message in the special feature category: "See other discs for additional special features." Huh?

Word has it that creator Rob Thomas was told without extras the set could be out sooner and perhaps attract new viewers to the second season. Turns out the DVDs were released on Tuesday, nearly two weeks after the second season started.

If seeing the first season is what it will take to make you a follower, and it might be, get the DVD set ($59.98). Then watch the new episodes on UPN, please. Like the "Arrested Development" crowd, "Veronica Mars" fans are grateful to get another season of a critically acclaimed show, so the prospect of future DVDs may be bonus enough.

-- Anita Srikamswaren, Post-Gazette staff writer

'ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT: The complete second season'

Let's face it, usually deleted/extended scenes don't add much to many TV shows, but Fox's "Arrested Development" is not like most TV shows. It's more layered, more densely packed with bits of comedy than just about any other show on TV. The deleted scenes on the new second-season boxed set ($39.98) just prove that in spades.

Whether it's cut running gags about Gob (Will Arnett) getting ill at the mention of the number four or Lucille's new hiding place for her liquor while in rehab (flower vases), these brief snippets add further chuckles to an already-hilarious series.

The blooper reel ends on a knowing note as David Cross mock-rants about the show's low ratings, citing all the awards it's received and adding, "If you can't make that kind of show and get ratings, maybe the problems lies with marketing."

-- Rob Owen, Post-Gazette TV editor