Odd but true: the L.A. Times, often considered a reputable newspaper, called Spaceballs “Screamingly funny!” At least that’s according to the box for the new two-disc DVD set for the 1987 Mel Brooks film. It’s not very nice to say nasty things about dear old Mel, but really, despite the man’s resurrection due to the hit status of the stage version of The Producers, some of his work should simply be left to languish on VHS. This is less a trip down memory lane than a sad look at when Brooks, who hit comic heights with films like The Producers and Blazing Saddles, was descending into what-should-have-been-a-Saturday-Night-Live-sketch-stretched-out-to-96-minute-feature territory. The highlight is John Candy, mugging like a wild man as he plays a Chewbacca knockoff.

In another bit of ’80s nostalgia, I’m happy to report that the first season of Dynasty on DVD is well worth the purchase. This was my magnificent obsession of that decade, but Joan Collins fans, beware: the first lady of prime time soaps didn’t appear until season two. » Matthew Hays