NEW ON THE SHELF

“THE UNKNOWN KNOWN,” documentary. An hour and a half spent with former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld might prove a bit much for many viewers, but regardless of one’s opinion of the man and his controversial actions under the Bush administration, documentarian extraordinaire Errol Morris (“The Fog of War”) elicits as candid an interview as we’ll ever receive from this particular subject, occasionally intercut with graphs and stock footage but primarily consisting of Rumsfeld talking directly to the camera, exuding an undeniable charm even whilst relaying some pretty alarming and confounding information. Ever one of our most fearless filmmakers, Morris doesn’t shy away from hard-hitting questions, and is clearly as taken aback by the responses as the audience no doubt will be. Special features include a commentary from Morris. Rated PG-13. Running time: 1:43. Suggested retail price: $24.98; Blu-ray $29.99.

NEW TO DVD

“A YOUNG DOCTOR’S NOTEBOOK,” Daniel Radcliffe, Jon Hamm. Based on the short stories by Russian playwright Mikhail Bulgakov, this off-kilter fusion of slapstick, pathos, and medical gore is a risky venture that pays off splendidly thanks to its perfect leads: former “Harry Potter” Radcliffe as the young, unassured doctor, and Hamm as his established, confident older self, who counsels his former youthful self with the humor and experience as yet lacking in the younger charge. What could have been merely confusing and repellent proves a consistent delight throughout for the adventurous viewer, and even the weaker of stomach may be swayed by the considerable charms of the doctors in question. Behind-the-scenes footage included. Not rated. Running time: 1:33. Suggested retail price: $19.96.

VIDEOPORT PICKS

“ADULT WORLD,” Emma Roberts, Evan Peters. Former child star Roberts (“Nancy Drew”) makes the inevitable attempt to shed the teenybopper image with this sensitive and well-realised coming-of-age drama, which finds Roberts uncertainly navigating life after college, reluctantly accepting a much-needed job at the titular porn shop while attempting to make a splash in the proudly non-lucrative world of poetry, latching onto her idol – an acclaimed poet turned bitter college professor named Rat (John Cusack) – as a possible mentor/father figure/sexual partner. Fans of “Girls” will notice many similar themes throughout “Adult World,” but it’s impossible not to feel for Roberts, whose naivety and wavering between the extremes of daydreaming and hopelessness will be familiar to anyone who survived their 20s more or less intact. Rated R. Running time: 1:37. Suggested retail price: $24.98.

“HINTERLAND: SEASON ONE,” Richard Harrington, Mali Harries. With characters as moody and brooding as its starkly gorgeous coastal Wales setting and a series of murders as compelling as they are disturbing, there was little doubt that this import would be well-received, but its runaway success has been a pleasant surprise for all concerned. Entirely well deserved, with Harrington’s (“Bleak House”) portrayal of brilliant but not terribly communicative DCI Tom Matias proving an ideal match for Harries (“Foyle’s War”) equally intelligent and tireless DI Mared Rhys. Fans of “Wallander” and “The Killing” will find much to enjoy here. Not rated. Running time: 6:38. Suggested retail price: $59.99.

– Courtesy of Videoport