’Counterfeiters’ provides new twist to familiar story

“Lonesome Dove – Collector’s Edition”

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When this Simon Wincer-directed adaptation of Larry McMurtry’s Pulitzer Prize-winning Western novel debuted on CBS in February 1989, it was a critical smash, eventually winning seven Emmy Awards (including Best Director for Wincer) and a Golden Globe acting honor for Robert Duvall. It follows the adventure of two veteran Texas Ranger captains, Woodrow Call (Tommy Lee Jones) and Gus McCrae (Duvall), who decide to drive a herd of cattle to Montana and start a new life as ranchers. On the way, they brave a number of hardships, from rustlers to rattlesnakes, bad weather to Indian attacks, and in the process examine, and in some cases update, every traditional Western theme ever invented. Two-disc DVD, which is available on Blu-ray, includes new interview with director Wincer, on-set interviews with stars Duvall and Jones and novelist McMurtry, making-of featurettes. (384 minutes; not rated)

“The Executioner’s Song – Director’s Cut”

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In his long career, Norman Mailer wrote a number of quality books. But nothing he did was any better than “The Executioner’s Song,” his “In Cold Blood”-type examination of the life and crimes of condemned killer Gary Gilmore. Mailer adapted his own book for Lawrence Schiller, who directed the made-for-TV film that was originally broadcast over two nights in November 1982 on NBC. Starring Tommy Lee Jones as Gilmore and Rosanna Arquette as Gilmore’s girlfriend Nicole Baker, the film captures Gilmore’s intensity in a way that may not explain why he committed murder but certainly portrays how hard he lobbied to die for what he’d done. Jones won an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Special, anticipating the Best Supporting Actor Oscar he would win a dozen years later for “The Fugitive.” DVD, which is a trimmed version of the original broadcast, contains no extras. (2:15; not rated)

“Nim’s Island”

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Based on the children’s novel by Wendy Orr, this family-friendly film follows Nim, a young girl (Abigail Breslin) living on a South Pacific island with her scientist/widower father (Gerard Butler). When because of a storm Nim finds herself in trouble, she goes online to seek help from the novelist (Jodie Foster) who she mistakenly thinks is a genuine hero. As always, Breslin brings a pleasantly perky preteen spirit to the project. But while fine for kids, what with the various lessons the screenplay offers about self-reliance, endurance and courage, the overall film suffers from the performances of Foster and Butler – neither of whom has a working comedic side. DVD, which is available on Blu-ray, includes commentary by co-directors Mark Levin and Jennifer Flackett, stars Foster and Breslin, making-of featurette, deleted scenes. (1:34: rated PG for brief language, mild adventure action)

Also available: “The Killing of John Lennon,” “My Brother Is an Only Child,” “The Hive,” “Wasted”