"Bong Of The Dead" DVD (director: Thomas Newman)

"There will be bud!" claims the packaging. This spliff-tastic splatter parody adds a new spin on the tried, true, and, dare I say, trendy zombie mythology. Set in the not-distant zombie apocalypse, a pair of bone-headed stoners discover that by pureeing zombie brains into fertilizer for their marijuana, they can get higher than a giraffe's cooch. So they set out to harvest more zombies, only to end up crossing paths with a tough chick named Leah, who reluctantly joins them, all the while adding some sexual tension and providing a measure of intellect.

The gore? Very well-done here. And the cinematography is also solid, with the "stoned" scenes shrouded in a misty camera effect. The acting is only so-so, but with a finale that's over-the-top and reminiscent of some of Peter Jackson's classics, this one's a whole bloody lot of fun. (MVD Visual)

Bong Of The Dead official site with trailer and $2.99 download deal

"Nico Escondido's Grow Like A Pro" DVD

Presented by High Times, this extensive, informative, and fun tutorial shows, first hand, all the best ways to grow your herb, courtesy of internationally-respected horticulturist and writer Nico Escondido.

Visiting medicinal gardens in Colorado and California, Escondido demonstrates successful growing techniques and green-friendly ways to maximize harvests without undue environmental stress. As well, he looks at growing conditions, ventilation, fertilization, pest control, and every essential aspect of farming. As a host, he's knowledgeable, likeable, and charismatic. In short, even for non-growers like me, this is a lively and entertaining watch. At around 2 hours, this is superb, and essential for true aficionados. "Grow Like A Pro" may be the most comprehensive documentary on medicinal marijuana production ever produced. Get this! (High Times Productions)

Nicospace

"AKA Tommy Chong (director: Josh Gilbert)" DVD

This is a fascinating documentary on the 2003 imprisonment of actor and comedian Tommy Chong for "distributing drug paraphernalia (bongs) through the internet". With a lot of astute and well-researched information, director Gilbert makes a startling case that the entire debacle was basically a "career move" by a certain rising politician, and a ham-fisted attempt by the government to discredit a countercultural icon.

Besides spending substantial time examining Chong's scapegoating by the Justice Department, this is a superb biographical document of Chong's long and surprisingly impressive resume (little did I know he was a guitarist in Motown group the Vancouvers way back when).

As it includes cameos and interviews with Chong's longtime comedic partner Cheech Marin, as well as friends and allies like Bill Maher, Eric Schlosser ("Fast Food Nation"), Jay Leno, Peter Coyote, Lou Adler, and George Thorogood, this one brilliantly depicts Chong as a loving husband and family man, and a highly intelligent personality who should be treasured rather than vilified. Shame on those dirty politicians. Cheers to Gilbert and Chong for this endearing and enjoyable document. (MVD Visual)