NEW TO DVD AND BLU-RAY

“1911,” starring Jackie Chan and Bingbing Li. Perhaps in deference to the inevitable onset of age, Chan forgoes his usual jaw-dropping stunts and takes us to history class, dramatizing the Chinese revolution that toppled the Qing Dynasty in the early 1900s. Chan both directs and stars as Huang Xing, one of the leaders of said revolution. Fans used to such kung-fu classics as “Rumble in the Bronx” and “Fearless Hyena” may be confused by the general lack of kicking on display, but prepared viewers in the mood for an old-fashioned epic may be pleasantly surprised by this sweeping change of pace. Rated R. Running time: 4:00

Suggested retail price: $24.98; Blu-ray $32.98

NEW TO BLU-RAY

“BILLY ELLIOT,” starring Jamie Bell and Julie Walters. Hit family comedy from 2000 in which the titular youngster (Bell) starts skipping his boxing lessons in favor of taking up ballet, a decision he endeavors to keep hidden from his sure-to-disapprove family at all costs. As unabashedly uplifting as ever, “Billy” remains just about impossible to dislike thanks in large part to Bell’s gutsy, no-frills performance. Rated PG-13. Running time: 1:50

Suggested retail price: $19.98

“WHEN HARRY MET SALLY,” starring Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan. Still the rom-com to beat, this 1989 favorite from director Rob Reiner charmed critics and audiences alike, with Crystal never funnier as obnoxious but smitten Harry, and Ryan daffily adorable as the neurotic, anal-retentive Sally. Rated R. Running time: 1:36

Suggested retail price: $19.99

VIDEOPORT PICKS

“BOARDWALK EMPIRE: THE COMPLETE FIRST SEASON,” starring Steve Buscemi and Michael Pitt. Filling the considerable void left by “The Sopranos” proved no easy task for HBO, but this meticulously constructed drama from Terence Winter comes closest, with its expansive and richly developed cast of characters and a protagonist (the ever-commanding Buscemi) that can turn from amiable to evil in a split second.

Set in Prohibition-era Atlantic City, “Empire” focuses on Buscemi’s Nucky Thompson, whose position as city treasurer affords him unique powers and connections, allowing him to rake in the dough through the illegal sale of alcohol while publicly condemning its usage. Cohorts and rivals include Michael Pitt (“Funny Games”), Michael Shannon (“Inglourious Basterds”) and even the great Dabney Coleman (“9 to 5”).

Although it may not grab the casual viewer right out of the gate, there is masterful storytelling to be found here, and amidst the prerequisite salty language and nudity lies a dedication to plot and character development that hearkens back to classic literature. Not rated, contains language, sexual content, nudity and violence. Running time: 12:00.

Suggested retail price: $59.99; Blu-ray $79.98

“AN IDIOT ABROAD,” starring Karl Pilkington and Ricky Gervais. Fans of Ricky Gervais’ and Stephen Merchant’s podcast (fashioned into the animated and very funny “Ricky Gervais Show”) will be very familiar with the star of this singular and frequently hilarious travel series: One Karl Pilkington, former radio producer turned knuckleheaded guru of sorts, with a penchant for statements that are alternately inane and strangely profound.

Gervais and Merchant send their hapless and notoriously travel-averse friend on a globe-spanning voyage, presumably to witness the Seven Wonders of the World but mainly to endure one humiliation after another for the entertainment of all concerned. Pilkington’s deadpan observations and Gervais and Merchant’s clear affection for their pal keep things from getting too cruel, and the very notion of a travelogue hosted by a complete homebody should be enough to impel viewers to give this terrific series a go. Not rated, contains language. Running time: 5:50

Suggested retail price: $34.98

— Courtesy of Videoport