DC’s Swamp Thing seemed like a rather unlikely comic book character to be given a live-action TV show, but the resulting USA Network series turned out pretty well. “Swamp Thing: The Series,” which originally ran for 3 seasons beginning in 1990, managed to capture the essence of the character and generally rise above the budget limitations of a cable series. It has finally found its’ way to DVD with a 4-disk season 1 & 2 collection. Actor/stuntman Dick Durock, who played Swamp Thing in both 80’s films, returned as the scientist-turned-swamp creature for the series. The tone was pretty dark and serious; a far cry from the campiness of 1989’s “Return Of Swamp Thing” film. In some episodes Swamp Thing would play a central role in the plot, while others focused more on his arch nemesis, scientist Anton Arcane. The show’s 1/2 hour format was a bit unusual for a sci-fi/drama, but this led to tight storytelling and more of a comic book feel. “Swamp Thing - The Series” is somewhat lacking in terms of DVD extras, but does present interesting interviews with Durock and original comic write Len Wein.

“I like to do very emotional things, and fear is such an intense emotion,” says film composer Brian Reitzell (”Lost In Translation”, “Friday Night Lights”) on his desire to do a horror movie. After considering numerous projects, he decided to take on “30 Days of Night” as his first film in that genre. To capture the mood of an Alaskan town terrorized by vampires, Reitzell chose to downplay traditional instrumentation in favor of such sound sources as a custom-made instrument built from a pottery wheel. In a telephone interview, Reitzell discusses the soundtrack, why he turned to film work (after being a member of rock band Redd Kross) and more.

• Read the interview

A trailer has been put online for “REPO! The Genetic Opera,” a new movie musical featuring Nivek Ogre of Skinny Puppy. Based on a play of the same name, the film has a very unusual cast, also including Anthony Head (”Buffy The Vampire Slayer”), Sarah Brightman (”Cats,” “The Phantom Of The Opera”) and Paris Hilton. Watch the video below (warning - the music is very catchy!) and check out the official website at http://www.repoopera.com/.