The gaming world finally gets a long-awaited release with this week’s much-anticipated arrival of StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty, but the rest of the entertainment world isn’t backing off. If epic, space-spanning PC games aren’t your thing, there’s sure to be something to catch your fancy.

Absurdistan author Gary Shteyngart writes a hero who book lovers can call their own in his Super Sad True Love Story, while director Aaron Schneider and star Robert Duvall have crafted a fascinating, flawed protagonist for the movie Get Low. If you’re feeling a bit schizophrenic, there’s always the genre-jumping sounds of Jesca Hoop, whose new album bleeds into earthy folk, perfectly orchestrated indie pop, and electronica-tinged weirdness.

For all the hottest new releases and most exciting sitewide news, be sure to follow @GetGlue on Twitter.

Fiction: Super Sad True Love Story by Gary Shteyngart

The brain behind Absurdistan and The Russian Debutante’s Handbook tackles the normally grim subject of America’s possible (fictional) demise with surprising humor in this new novel. In the near-future of Super Sad True Love Story, Gary Shteyngart’s delightfully nerdy hero is the last man alive who actually treasures the written word. However, the object of Lenny Abramov’s affection — Eunice Park — majored in Images and minored in Assertiveness, which she demonstrates at Lenny’s expense.

But Super Sad True Love Story isn’t just an unlikely romance; the world is ending, and it may fall to our book-reading hero to save the day. Debt crushes the country, riots rock Central Park, and tanks have parked on city streets, but Lenny’s libravore leanings may be the world’s unlikeliest salvation.

Also new in fiction books this week: Waking the Witch by Kelley Armstrong, Queen of the Night by J.A. Jance, and more. See them all at Fiction New Releases.

Nonfiction: The I Hate to Cook Book by Peg Bracken

The year 1960 was very different for kitchens, but this 50th anniversary of Peg Bracken’s reluctant cook classic arrives for could-be cooks who are just as harried as their mid-century predecessors. The I Hate to Cook Book acknowledges the shortages in time for modern meal makers, and Bracken’s daughter Jo writes a foreword that establishes the book’s lasting use just as successfully as the simultaneously contemporary and vintage cover art.

With chapter titles like “Company’s Coming or Your Back’s to the Wall ” and “Last Minute Suppers or This is the Story of Your Life,” this book boasts as much humor as it does recipes. And for those who have ever seen a cake fall, laughing is as necessary a kitchen skill as dicing and braising.

Also new in nonfiction books this week: Notes from the Night by Taylor Plimpton, Design Is How It Works by Jay Greene, and more. See them all at Nonfiction New Releases.

Movies in Theaters: Get Low

First-time director Aaron Schneider channels William Faulkner for this darkly comic, Southern tale of death and grieving. Get Low stars the always wonderful Robert Duvall as Felix Bush, an aging hellraiser well aware of his frightening reputation and the stories that circle his isolated homestead. As Felix grows closer to death, he makes an unlikely decision: he wants to host his own funeral and turn it into a party when people will share stories about him.

A perfectly smarmy Bill Murray charms as a greedy funeral home director, while Sissy Spacek plays Felix’s former love who reappears in the small town where he lives (for now). The twist in this Depression-era dramedy is that Felix has a trick to get people to come to the funeral of a man they’ve never liked, but Get Low really succeeds on the strengths of its excellent cast.

Also new in theaters this week: Dinner for Schmucks, The Extra Man, and more. See them all at Movies in Theaters.

Music: Hunting My Dress by Jesca Hoop

On her second album, the genre-bending Jesca Hoop bounces between the sounds of Bat for Lashes, Allison Krauss, and the wonderful weirdness of Tom Waits (Hoop served as his family’s nanny before getting her break). Hunting My Dress is like a musical road trip, full of world-crossing influences of folk, indie pop, Celtic, and electronica.

Equally likely to appeal to fans of Tori Amos, Joni Miitchell, and Joanna Newsom, Hoop is a perfect choice for the newly resurrected Lilith Fair roster of artists. Her voice may have its quiet and sweetly echoing moments, but there’s always a strength that’s hard to miss, particularly in tracks such as “Feast of the Heart” and “Bed Across the Sea.”

Also new in music this week: Nightmare by Avenged Sevenfold, InDRUpendence Day by Dru Hill, and more. See them all at Music New Releases.

New on DVD: The Art of the Steal

Though this rightfully acclaimed indie documentary may not have all the action of studio heist film, The Art of the Steal is an engaging, exciting story that draws audiences into its tale of art and greed. What makes the theft in this film from Don Argott so fascinating is that is doesn’t happen a la The Thomas Crown Affair; instead the thieves do their dastardly deeds in full daylight and in sight of the law.

Just outside Philadelphia, Dr. Albert Barnes amassed over $25 billion worth of art by some of the world’s most renowned artists, but his death meant that his desire to keep his paintings in his own educational institution — versus in a money-making museum — might be overridden by those who want to see the collection moved into a separate, more tourist-friendly spot. Your jaw will drop at the lengths people will go to turn creativity into cash.

Also new on DVD this week: Clash of the Titans, Repo Men! and more. See them all at New on DVD.

Video Games: StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty

Gamers will be torn from their Wii and Xbox controllers this week, but it won’t be to actually go outside. Instead, they’ll move from the console to the keyboard as Starcraft II: Wings of Liberty makes its long-awaited debut on PCs and Macs. after being announced three years ago. The game transports players back to the battles between the Terran, Zorg, and Protoss species, but this sequel to StarCraft: Brood War allows gamers to take on their enemies in single- or multi-player mode on battle.net.

In addition to a variety of epic battles, the game includes map-making and scripting features that allow gamers to create the customizable experience they’ve come to expect from the top titles. Plus, if all the well-orchestrated space action isn’t enough to capture the attention of sci-fi fans (unlikely), hot Battlestar Galactica actress Tricia Helfer voices the character Sarah Kerrigan.

Also new in video games this week: Arc Rise Fantasia, Clash of the Titans, and more. See them all at Video Game New Releases.

In addition to the newest releases, we also have the previous weeks’ movies, books, and more in our Recently Released section.

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Tags: New Books | New Movies | New Music | new releases | New Video Games

We’re snugly into the dog days of July, the tireless Kimber’s on rare vacation, and this is her deputy Jason filling in. While many of the big blockbuster releases have come and gone, with a few yet to come, and while there’s certainly some high-octane action coming out this week (notably Angelina Jolie kicking some bad - or maybe good - guy butt in Salt), this is not a bad week to kick back, blast the A/C, and cast an eye to some works of smaller stature.

Who’s littler than the ne’er-do-wells who populate Todd Solondz’s world. With Life During Wartime, he revisits his 1998 film Happiness, however, with new actors portraying his neurotic trio of mismatched sisters.

Guide the outline of a small boy through an eerie world of shade on mysterious missions in the aptly named Limbo, one of the subtly cleverest concepts to hit the game world in years. If Limbo’s lack of canned music freaks you out too much, supplement it with the “latest” from Department of Eagles. Archive 2003-2006 is not the critically lauded duo’s new studio record, but captures the folksy indie rock band in primal moments (while offering a treat for Grizzly Bear fans as well).

Ok, the Scott Pilgrim finale is hardly small beans, but a guy’s gotta have a theme, no?

Fiction: Scott Pilgrim Volume 6: Scott Pilgrim’s Finest Hour by Bryan Lee O’Malley

Each end spawns a beginning and vice versa (so someone says…or must have said), and while Scott Pilgrim fans eagerly await the movie due in August(with Michael Cera - who else - as SP), Bryan Lee O’Malley’s epic comic series releases its final chapter this week. In Scott Pilgrim Volume 6: Scott Pilgrim’s Finest Hour, our unlikely hero faces not only Gideon Graves, his beloved Ramona’s lone unvanquished ex, but what to do about the disappearance of said beloved Ramona. How will the madness end? Who knows, but safe to say it will be another fun ride.

Also new in fiction books this week: Linger by Maggie Stiefvater, The Rembrandt Affair by Daniel Silva, and more. See them all at Fiction New Releases.

Nonfiction: Mad Men Unbuttoned by Natasha Vargas-Cooper

AMC’s Mad Men has dominated water cooler talk of the past few years as much for the way it captures the spirit of a watershed time in history as for its performances and scripts (which are also spectacular, by the way). Natasha Vargas-Cooper’s Mad Men Unbuttoned is timed perfectly to help usher the fan (or the newbie) into the fourth season of the Emmy Award dominating program.

Vargas-Cooper expands her popular blog into a coffee table book that is more than mere companion piece, but a neat exploration of an era, as it thoroughly delves into everything from the (obvious) fashion to the (less obvious) literature of the time.

Also new in nonfiction books this week:The New Healthcare System by David Nather, The Artificial Ape by Timothy Taylor, and more. See them all at Nonfiction New Releases.

Movies in Theaters: Life During Wartime

If Forgetting Sarah Marshall was a somewhat unlikely source for a 2010 sequel and Wall Street a surprising choice, then Todd Solondz’s hyper-dark, ultra-controversial 1998 indie character study Happiness, with its collection of narcissists, sadists, masochists, one obscene phone caller, and one molester, would be some millions of miles off the radar. Yet, Life During Wartime is essentially Happiness 2, albeit with a new cast of actors in its key roles. Moreover, it may be the nebbishy director’s most exciting work since, well, Happiness.

Also new in theaters this week: Salt, Countdown to Zero, and more. See them all at Movies in Theaters.

Music: Archive 2003-2006 by Department of Eagles

While Department of Eagles may be one of the less discussed acts circling the Animal Collective universe, their softly sublime 2008 offering, In Ear Park, may be the most complete and enjoyable concoction to emerge from AC Land. While its title telegraphs that Archive 2003-2006 is not a new studio album, the record is far from an assortment of odds and ends, but instead a chronicle of an album deferred.

Some of these songs on Archive appeared on Grizzly Bear’s 2006 album Yellow House (the act shares member Daniel Rossen), some are raw recordings which had yet to see the light of day. While the album is certainly not perfectly smooth, it’s a sweet insight into one of the more intriguing acts working today in indie rock and stokes the fire for the pair‘s upcoming release.

Also new in music this week: Turning Lead Into Gold by the High Confessions, What Lasts by These United States, and more. See them all at Music New Releases.

New on DVD: The Runaways

Although the Runaways short-lived underground fame ran (sorry) its course long before MTV killed the radio star in 1981, there’s a certain logic to a music video director taking the helm of the Runaways biopic (and it’s more than the fact that Runaway Joan Jett’s 1982 single “I Love Rock & Roll” was one of the first songs the station helped make a smash hit). The Runaways cut quite the punk rock spectacle with their defiant teenage odes to vice, etc.

Writer/director Floria Sigismondi, in her debut stab at film may miss the occasional beat, but any flaws in her nifty biopic are mitigated by the typecast-breaking performances of leads Dakota Fanning and Kristen Stewart.

Also new on DVD this week: Cop Out, The Losers, and more. See them all at New on DVD.

Video Games: Limbo

Limbo’s name pretty well sums up the game. The opening screen reveals a boy in shadow, trapped in a universe of varying shades of grey. You are given little backstory, no map, no text, no carefully selected soundtrack: only ambient sounds and dim hints of a quest to find your lost sister.

The game has generated a quiet but distinct buzz among the gaming community with its dark thrills as the scene hovers from surreal to diabolical while you guide the lad around dangers which can lead to shockingly gruesome ends (note to anyone old enough for this to conjure up memories of Atari 2600’s peculiar Adventure: this ain’t that…and I‘ll meet you on the bocce courts at 7 on Tuesday).

Also new in video games this week: TrackMania, Little League World Series 2010, and more. See them all at Video Game New Releases.

In addition to the newest releases, we also have the previous weeks’ movies, books, and more in our Recently Released section.

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Tags: New Books | New Movies | New Music | new releases | New Video Games

With World Cup fever over for another four years, how ever will you fill your time? Luckily, pop culture moves into overdrive this week, ensuring that fans experiencing withdrawal will have plenty of ways to fill their time.

Of course, there’s the long-awaited release of Inception, Christopher Nolan’s follow-up to The Dark Knight. If indie comedies are more your speed, you can add Noah Baunbach’s darkly funny Greenberg to your Netflix queue or Amazon cart. Meanwhile, football fans can ease the wait ’til September with the release of the ramped up NCAA Football 11.

For all the hottest new releases and most exciting sitewide news, be sure to follow @GetGlue on Twitter.

Fiction: Tongues of Serpents by Naomi Novik

Jane Austen meets Anne McCaffrey meets Patrick O’Brian in this fantasy series from Naomi Novik. The author imagines the Napoleonic Wars similarly to how you might have learned in school, except that both sides have dragons to aid in their naval warfare. The series follows Temeraire, a Chinese-bred dragon who fights for the British, and his best friend and pilot, Captain Will Laurence.

Though I’d recommend starting with the first book in the series (His Majesty’s Dragon), this sixth entry — Tongues of Serpents — finds the devoted duo in exile for a supposed act of treason. Novik’s books have always been a fascinating combination of high seas action, character-driven fantasy, and period-appropriate comedy of manners, but this novel has a more serious approach than many of its predecessors.

Also new in fiction books this week: Blackest Night by Geoff Johns, Faithful Place by Tana French, and more. See them all at Fiction New Releases.

Nonfiction: The Disappearing Spoon by Sam Kean

If your last interaction with the periodic table was the monotonous memorization of atomic weights and symbols back in 11th-grade chemistry, The Disappearing Spoon might change your perspective on the inherent coolness of this scientific wonder. Author Sam Kean adds interest to a number of the elements, telling stories that are almost too fascinating to be true.

Of course, famed scientist Marie Curie is in on the action, and Kean tells of how she made chemistry sexy — and morally dangerous, at least in the eyes of her colleagues’ wives. Other tales include the connection between cadmium and Godzilla and Lewis and Clark’s mercury-ridden trail across America. If only your science teacher had told you these stories…

Also new in nonfiction books this week: In a Heartbeat by Leigh Anne Tuohy, Four Fish by Paul Greenberg, and more. See them all at Nonfiction New Releases.

Movies in Theaters: Inception

No one could have made Inception but Christopher Nolan. From The Dark Knight to The Prestige, the director has experience helming films that bridge the gap between brain-bending and entertaining, and this latest, wholly original effort looks to be no exception. The film’s trailers have left movie nerds gasping and blogging with interest, and early reviews promise that the film won’t disappoint.

In his first collaboration with the filmmaker, Leonardo DiCaprio stars as Dom Cobb, a talented thief. But unsurprisingly, Dom is no ordinary thief and Inception is no ordinary heist film. DiCaprio’s character steals secrets from people as they sleep by invading their dreams. If that bit of awesomeness wasn’t enough to draw you in (and who are you?), the film also stars Marion Cotillard, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Cillian Murphy, Ellen Page, and Michael Caine.

Also new in theaters this week: The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, Kisses, and more. See them all at Movies in Theaters.

Music: Dark Night of the Soul by Sparklehorse and Danger Mouse

It’s no surprise that an album titled Dark Night of the Soul would be bleak, and it doesn’t disappoint from its first line: “Pain/I guess it’s a matter of sensation.” This collaboration between Sparklehorse, Danger Mouse, and filmmaker David Lynch adds another layer of depression and depth with the knowledge that Sparklehorse frontman Mark Linkous committed suicide in March. But for all its darkness, Dark Night of the Soul is also a strong album with occasional moments of joy and frequent help from a number of big names.

If the vocals sound familiar, it’s because the album features talents from Iggy Pop, James Mercer of The Shins (and Broken Bells collaborator with Danger Mouse), Nina Persson of The Cardigans, and more. Lynch himself even adds vocals to a few tracks, and his offerings are as dreamlike and weird as fans of the surreal director’s work would expect (check out that fantastically bizarre cover, left, to get a feel for the strangeness).

Also new in music this week: Korn III: Remember Who You Are by Korn, Maya by M.I.A., and more. See them all at Music New Releases.

New on DVD: Greenberg

Perhaps best enjoyed by residents of New York and Los Angeles — and those who like to make fun of them — Noah Baumbach’s Greenberg is a dark comedy about a New Yorker who feels hopelessly out of place in his short stay in Los Angeles. Truth be told, the beyond-awkward Roger Greenberg (Ben Stiller) would likely feel out of place anywhere, but the East Coast-West Coast dynamic adds another dimension to this fish-out-of-water dramedy from the writer-director behind The Squid and the Whale and Margot at the Wedding.

Those expecting Meet the Parents-like hilarity will likely be disappointed by the low-key script and Stiller’s matching, yet solid, performance as the title character. However, as painfully funny as the A-lister is, he’s upstaged by indie stalwart Greta Gerwig. As Greenberg’s love interest, she’s remarkably fresh and real, which helps audiences stay engaged.

Also new on DVD this week: The Bounty Hunter, Chloe, and more. See them all at New on DVD.

Video Games: NCAA Football 11

T-minus 51 days ’til the NCAA football season begins, or at least when it begins for this Ohio State Buckeyes fan. In the meantime, there’s NCAA Football 11, available for Xbox 360, PS3, PS2, and iPhone.  If it seems like it won’t provide the full NCAA fan experience, don’t worry: you can even hear the voices of ESPN announcers Kirk Herbstreit and Brad Nessler as though they’ve been assigned to cover your game.

This new version also features a redesigned locomotion system, which allows on-screen movements to be even closer to the real thing. The addition of real assignment AI lets players coordinate their team’s offensive play like never before. Plus, gamers can choose any one of 120 NCAA teams to take on as their own. I plan on playing as the Michigan Wolverines — and intentionally losing.

Also new in video games this week: Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Sky, DeathSpank, and more. See them all at Video Game New Releases.

In addition to the newest releases, we also have the previous weeks’ movies, books, and more in our Recently Released section.

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Tags: New Books | New Movies | New Music | new releases | New Video Games

Film geeks, rejoice. This week brings not one, but two Julianne Moore films for your movie-watching pleasure. Whether you’re sitting in an air-conditioned theater or your own living room, you can watch one of last year’s best films (A Single Man) or one of this year’s (The Kids Are All Right).

Music fans are similarly blessed with the long-awaited release of the new album from Outkast’s Big Boi. Though tracks have been trickling out for the last few years, we finally get the whole album in all its summer-ready glory.

Also, to earn a special sticker from Universal, don’t forget to check-in to Despicable Me. Out this Friday, the new animated film stars The Office’s Steve Carell as a dastardly villain. Start practicing your evil laugh now.

For all the hottest new releases and most exciting sitewide news, be sure to follow @GetGlue on Twitter.

Fiction: The Blind Contessa’s New Machine by Carey Wallace

For those who prefer to read about corsetted, be-gowned women while they lie on the beach clad in next to nothing, there’s this debut novel from Carey Wallace. Weaving together fiction and 19th-century history, The Blind Contessa’s New Machine retells the tale of the invention of the typewriter. But rather than being a dry story of trial and error, this brief book highlight’s the gadget’s romantic beginnings.

The  beauty of the title is engaged to the man everyone in town wants to marry, but her life is less than perfect: she realizes she is going blind. Her friend — an inventor — crafts the first typewriter to try to communicate with the woman he loves, and the results are from from mechanical.

Also new in fiction books this week: The Island by Elin Hilderbrand, Think of a Number by John Verdon, and more. See them all at Fiction New Releases.

Nonfiction: The Yahoo! Style Guide by Yahoo!

As nerdy copy editors (”copyeditors”?) know, no one can seem to agree on internet (”Internet”?) style, but web giant Yahoo! — note that exclamation point — steps in to keep the peace with this book. The Yahoo! Style Guide: The Ultimate Sourcebook for Writing, Editing, and Creating Content for the Digital World promises wisdom on not only writing for the web, but also editing and content placement.

This book is unlikely to replace The Elements of Style (and thank goodness), but it should be a solid reference for bloggers, newsletter writers, and content managers who long for consistency and improved readability for their audiences. Of course, The Yahoo! Style Guide is available in ebook form for easy reference.

Also new in nonfiction books this week: Suck It, Wonder Woman! by Olivia Munn, Black Comix by Damian Duffy, and more. See them all at Nonfiction New Releases.

Movies in Theaters: The Kids Are All Right

This year may only be at its halfway point, but it’s not overstatement to call this dramedy the best film of the year to date. Boasting the same kind of crowd-pleasing indie appeal as Little Miss Sunshine (but still with plenty of arty cred), The Kids Are All Right is a deeply funny, incredibly moving, and impressively authentic film. This is first attempt at comedy from director Lisa Cholodenko (Laurel Canyon, High Art), and the script gets a hilarious boost from co-writer Stuart Blumberg (Keeping the Faith).

Set in sunny Southern California (and featuring appropriately warm tones and earthy lighting in its visuals), The Kids Are All Right stars Annette Bening and Julianne Moore as committed partners and parents of two teens conceived with the help of a sperm donor. When their kids (Mia Wasikowska and Josh Hutcherson) contact their father (Mark Ruffalo), he intrudes on the happy life they’ve created.

Also new in theaters this week: Predators, Despicable Me, and more. See them all at Movies in Theaters.

Music: Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty by Big Boi

Though “Feel Me,” the intro on Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty, sounds like an grind-ready R&B track, Big Boi wastes no time getting down to hip-hop business with this solo effort. His half of Outkast’s Speakerboxxx came out way back in 2003, and singles from this album have making the rounds for several years, but don’t think this dates this summery 2010-perfect release. The repeating chorus of “Tangerine” (”Shake it like a tambourine”) could be the next “The Way You Move” with its commanding hook and rock-radio-ready guitars.

Some might have seen Andre 3000 as the more creative of the pair, but Sir Lucious Left Foot proves Big Boi is an innovative force all his own. “General Patton” uses awesomely bombastic strains coupled with a full choir, while “You Ain’t No DJ” incorporates barking dogs into its fast-paced rhymes. Each song is imbued with Big Boi’s trademark sense of fun, but hilarious non-musical interludes allow the rapper to play around as well.

Also new in music this week: Aphrodite by Kylie Minogue, Quickening by Kathryn Williams, and more. See them all at Music New Releases.

New on DVD: A Single Man

Colin Firth earned a Best Actor Oscar nod for his portrayal of George, the titular professor mourning the death of his long-term partner (Matthew Goode) in this drama from Tom Ford. Of course, the directorial debut of the fashion designer is brimming with style, but it does come as a surprise that A Single Man isn’t short on substance: there’s real emotion, incredible performances, and a solid script adapted from a Christopher Isherwood novel.

Set in the early 1960s, A Single Man uses its environment perfectly, both to establish its themes of a man isolated by his then-taboo lifestyle as well as allowing period costumes and set design to shine. The only thing better than co-star Julianne Moore’s fantastic winged eyeliner is her excellent performance as George’s best friend.

Also new on DVD this week: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Brooklyn’s Finest, and more. See them all at New on DVD.

Video Games: Big Beach Sports 2

It won’t have quite the adventure quotient of the real thing, but Big Beach Sports 2 could be a fun way to get a workout without the hazards of bugs, sunburn, and scorching heat (or freezing cold, if you’re in the southern hemisphere). This Wii sequel to Big Beach Sports features canoeing, cricket, disc golf, soccer, something called water rocket, and more.

What makes Big Beach Sports 2 really cool is its compatibility with the Wii balance board. Though you won’t have the waves splashing over you, the balance board allows players to surf and try to stay afloat.

Also new in video games this week: Crackdown 2, Despicable Me, and more. See them all at Video Game New Releases.

In addition to the newest releases, we also have the previous weeks’ movies, books, and more in our Recently Released section.

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Tags: New Books | New Movies | New Music | new releases | New Video Games

GetGlue gets nostalgic for this round of new releases. Whether I’m highlighting a debauchery-driven memoir from a beloved band of the ’80s and ’90s (the perfectly titled My Appetite for Destruction) or a goofy, gross, glorious comedy where a hot tub stands in for a DeLorean (Hot Tub Time Machine), these offerings take me back.

A LEGO adventure set in the Harry Potter universe makes me feel like a kid again, and The Twilight Saga: Eclipse takes me back to teenage crushes (but with more blood and fur, of course). There’s also a nice antidote to all that wholesomeness (if you need it) with the oh-so-adult new album from retro-leaning dance rockers Scissors Scissors.

China Mieville’s awesomely strange Kraken breaks the trend, but how could I not highlight one of this summer’s most anticipated novels for literary geeks?

For all the hottest new releases and most exciting sitewide news, be sure to follow @GetGlue on Twitter.

Fiction: Kraken by China Mieville

Though the Kraken has been released in popular culture thanks to Clash of the Titans and Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End, speculative fiction visionary China Mieville brings the creature to the reading masses in this new novel of the new weird. In Kraken, Mieville creates a version of the contemporary world where the gigantic squid is seen by some as a god. When a specimen disappears from a museum, the followers see it as a sign of the end of the world.

Part mystery, part fantasy, and all originality, Kraken brings devoted readers back to the world of Mieville’s Perdido Street Station, but it should be a fine entry point for the uninitiated as well. Mieville’s fantasy has always been acceptable for the literary to be seen reading , and his latest work is no exception.

Want an exclusive sticker for checking-in to Kraken? Check-in on our brand new iPhone app or on getglue.com while you’re reading!

Also new in fiction books this week: Kitty Goes to War by Carrie Vaughn, Private by James Patterson, and more. See them all at Fiction New Releases.

Nonfiction: My Appetite for Destruction by Steven Adler

Making the misadventures of Motley Crue’s Dirt look like a high school prom, My Appetite for Destruction details Guns N’ Roses drummer Steven Adler’s rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle. Boasting twenty-eight overdoses, three suicide attempts, two heart attacks, and one stroke (seriously), the musician managed to be too hard-living for even his hard-rocking bandmates and was kicked out of the group for his drug addiction.

My Appetite for Destruction covers Adler’s decades-spanning trouble with drugs, as well as his eventual rehabilitation via Dr. Drew Pinsky. Of course, Adler also shares some dirty secrets about his former fellow band members, including Slash and Axl Rose.

Also new in nonfiction books this week: The Sultan’s Shadow by Christiane Bird, Hamlet’s Blackberry by William Powers, and more. See them all at Nonfiction New Releases.

Movies in Theaters: The Twilight Saga: Eclipse

As one of the new millennium’s most divisive series (have you seen anyone actually come to blows over Harry Potter?), The Twilight Saga is occupying column space, blog entries, and popular conversation. Though the third entry in the series, The Twilight Saga: Eclipse might seem like more of the same to the uninitiated, it features the teen-beloved films’ strongest director yet: David Slade.

His work in 30 Days of Night and Hard Candy has shown Slade to be a master of style, but will Eclipse, umm, eclipse his edge and visual verve? Will teenagers care? This is the saga’s best attempt yet at mainstream popularity, and it could pay off in more fans for the series or at least give film nerds something to talk about.

Also new in theaters this week: The Last Airbender, Love Ranch, and more. See them all at Movies in Theaters.

Music: Night Work by Scissor Sisters

Subtlety isn’t Scissor Sisters’ schtick. Just check out that album cover, left (or don’t, if you’re under 18 or easily offended), which features a photo by Robert Mapplethorpe. Appropriately, their third album, Night Work, is a danceable ode to the ’70s and ’80s, clad in neon and spandex and constantly moving to the beat.

“Fire with Fire” sounds remarkably like an amped-up Journey (we can already hear the karaoke renditions), while “Any Which Way” could be an overlooked, sexed-up BeeGees single thanks to Jake Shears’s higher-than-high vocals. Night Work is a mash-up of authentic-sounding disco, Gaga-worthy dance-pop, and a hilariously fun burlesque show, and you’re sure to hear it on the dance floor at electronica-loving clubs.

Also new in music this week: Expo 86 by Wolf Parade, Wants, World, Women by Dwele, and more. See them all at Music New Releases.

New on DVD: Hot Tub Time Machine

From the moment Craig Robinson knowingly — and hilariously — addresses the camera and says, “Must be some kinda (beat) hot tub time machine,” audiences know they’re in for more than just a silly comedy. Hot Tub Machine is a silly — and incredibly raunchy — comedy, but it’s well aware of its own status as well as its high-concept predecessors.

John Cusack might get top billing, but it’s costars Robinson and an awesomely offensive Rob Corrdry who really make Hot Tub Time Machine worth watching over and over. This is just as funny as The Hangover and just as quotable. Trust me: watch it, and you’ll be whispering “Great White Buffalo,” too.

Also new on DVD this week: Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief, The Crazies, and more. See them all at New on DVD.

Video Games: LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4

Get ready to geek it up with this releases in the increasingly awesome LEGO video game series. LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4 follows a string of successful, block-based releases for Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and more, and the series is known for both its imaginative gameplay and its sense of fun. For this game, the first four J.K. Rowling adventures – Sorcerer’s Stone, Chamber of Secrets, Prisoner of Azkaban, and Goblet of Fire — turn into interactive adventures where players can cast spells, ride brooms, and earn point for their house. Go Gryffyndor!

This is a true multi-platform release, available for PS3, PSP, Wii, PC, Xbox 360, and Nintendo DS, so there’s no reason for fans to miss out on the fun. Of course, you can choose to play as Harry, Hermione, or Ron, but LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4 allows real fans to choose from among 100+ characters to be their LEGO alter ego and roam the hallowed halls of Hogwarts.

Also new in video games this week: Naughty Bear,  Sniper: Ghost Warrior, and more. See them all at Video Game New Releases.

In addition to the newest releases, we also have the previous weeks’ movies, books, and more in our Recently Released section.

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Tags: New Books | New Movies | New Music | new releases | New Video Games

Though summer is normally known for lighthearted reads and big-budget, explosive movies, the week of June 21st presents a few thought-provoking alternatives to the traditional fare. Sebastian Junger (A Perfect Storm) turns director for the harrowing, grittier-than-Hurt-Locker Afghanistan war doc Restrepo, while young journalist Megan K. Stack goes to Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, and beyond for the troubling but highly readable Every Man in This Village Is a Liar.

If those gripping, disturbing looks at the Middle East prove too much, The Roots have managed (amidst a house band gig) to release a new album that could be the party soundtrack of the summer, which is sure to please indie rockers and hip-hop fans alike. At least all is right with the world when it comes to music.

For all the hottest new releases and most exciting sitewide news, be sure to follow @GetGlue on Twitter.

Fiction: Bad Marie by Marcy Dermansky

Mixing the rebellious spirit of Breathless and The Dreamers with a hefty dose of black humor, Bad Marie paints a picture of a heroine who goes on the lam. The title character in this page turner has just been released from jail, but she hasn’t made her last bad decision. From seducing her benefactor’s French husband to absconding with their child to Paris, Marie makes error after error in judgment with comic, sometimes outlandish results.

Written by Twins author Marcy Dermansky, Bad Marie refuses to pass judgment on the title character (other than the titular pronouncement, of course), creating a woman who wants the best for the young child she’s adopted as her own even if logic and practicality never enter her thought process. Lucky readers of the book (which is one of this week’s guru giveaways) will discover a fascinatingly flawed character.  Also, they’ll feel much better about their own bad decisions.

Also new in fiction books this week: Sizzling Sixteen by Janet Evanovich, The Lovers by Vendela Vida,and more.  See them all at Fiction New Releases.

Nonfiction: Every Man in This Village is a Liar by Megan K. Stack

Life is grim in this memoir from Megan K. Stack, a journalist who has spent time documenting her time in the war-torn Middle East. Shortly after 9/11, Stack traveled to Afghanistan and Pakistan on assignment for The Los Angeles Times, and her work also took her into Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, and other countries in the troubled region.

Though Stack was there as a reporter, Every Man in This Village Is a Liar often reads more like fiction, relaying the then-25-year-old’s experiences which are almost cinematic in their horrors. From suicide bombings to engaging warlords in conversation, Stark had a unique varied experience that she shares in this gripping book.

Also new in nonfiction books this week: Lay the Favorite by Beth Raymer, The German Genius by Peter Watson,  and more. See them all at Nonfiction New Releases.

Movies in Theaters: Restrepo

War and The Perfect Storm author Sebastian Junger steps from in front of the keyboard to behind the camera with his role as director for this challenging, highly praised documentary. Sharing director’s duties with Tim Hetherington, Junger captures the difficult life of a single platoon in one of Afghanistan’s deadliest areas, the Korengal Valley. Restrepo is named for the outpost where the soldiers are stationed, which was in turn named for one of their fallen comrades.

This documentary gives a startlingly intimate look at the lives of these soldiers, showing their courage, sadness, and triumphs. Hetherington and Junger spent over a year with the platoon, capturing more than 150 hours of footage, which have been edited into this film, which earned the 2010 Sundance Film Festival Grand Jury Prize for a Documentary.

Also new in theaters this week: Knight and Day, Grown Ups, and more. See them all at Movies in Theaters.

Music: How I Got Over by The Roots

Although they’ve spent more than a year as the house band for Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, The Roots haven’t lost any of their edge or ingenuity. How I Got Over is the group’s ninth studio album (don’t you feel old?), and it features The Roots at their jazz-and-soul inflected best.

The Roots have always played well with the indie rock crowd, but How I Got Over should have the Pitchfork set a-tremblin’. Hipster favorite and folkstress Joanna Newsom pitches in on “Right On,” while Monsters of Folk track “Dear God” gets a revamp, complete with appearances from the collaboration’s members: Bright Eyes’ Conor Oberst, My Morning Jacket’s Jim James, M. Ward, and Mike Mogis.

Also new in music this week: Recovery by Eminem, We Are Born by Sia, and more. See them all at Music New Releases.

New on DVD: The Last Station

Director Michael Hoffman assembles an excellent cast — Christopher Plummer, Helen Mirren, James McAvoy, and Paul Giamatti — for this period film that mixes drama and comedy much like life itself. Plummer stars as War and Peace author Leo Tolstoy, who has become more than just a novelist to his many followers while his wife Sofya (Mirren) longs to see him just as a man again. Tolstoy is nearing the end of his life, and a battle erupts over his body of work between Sofya and his acolyte Chertkov (Giamatti).

The Last Station smartly avoids trying to depict decades in the life of the literary and philosophical giant, instead focusing on a brief period in his experience. It also mirrors the troubled romance of Leo and Sofya with the new love of Tolstoy’s secretary Valentin (McAvoy) and one of his devoted (a strong Kerry Condon, holding her own with more famous faces).

Also new on DVD this week: Green Zone, Thirst, and more. See them all at New on DVD.

Video Games: Transformers: War for Cybertron

For those who are lamenting this summer’s lack of a Transformers movie (and Megan Fox’s impending absence from the third outing), there’s this adventure that reveals the origins of the sci-fi universe. Rather than adding to or elaborating on the action of the films, Transformers: War for Cybertron goes back the beginning and lets players experience the first strikes in the wars between the Autobots and the Decepticons.

The game lets you choose whether you’ll follow Megatron or Optimus Prime, but it also offers a wealth of other gameplay options. Players can switch from robot to vehicle form (and back again) at their own discretion in each of the versions for Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, PC, and Nintendo DS, with special games just for the Wii and Decepticon and Autobot editions for the DS.

Also new in video games this week: Making History II: The War of the World, Thinksmart, and more. See them all at Video Game New Releases.

In addition to the newest releases, we also have the previous weeks’ movies, books, and more in our Recently Released section.

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Tags: New Books | New Movies | New Music | new releases | New Video Games

If you can tear yourself away from World Cup viewing (at least during between-game breaks), there are a number of great offerings in the world of pop culture arriving this week. A dark fiction anthology will appeal to practically everyone (I promise!) with names as diverse as Neil Gaiman, Jodi Picoult, Wlater Mosley, and Jeffrey Deaver offering Stories. Meanwhile, big stars appear in small comedy Cyrus that charmed festival audiences earlier this year and will appeal to those who just couldn’t get enough of Jonah Hill in Get Him to the Greek. In the music world, Drake’s album finally drops, but the return of indie singer-songwriter Ed Harcourt is the real story, at least where my headphones are concerned.

For all the hottest new releases and most exciting sitewide news, be sure to follow @GetGlue on Twitter.

Fiction: Stories edited by Neil Gaiman and Al Sarrantonio

Writers Jeffrey Deaver, Lawrence Block, and Walter Mosley usually deal in gritty, crime-filled versions of our world, but they make a departure to the fantastic for the simply titled Stories. Edited by Neil Gaiman and Al Sarrantonio, the collection also features authors more versed in speculative fiction, including Joe Hill, Michael Moorcock, and Gaiman himself, but there are also offerings from more literary writers such as Chuck Palahniuk, Joyce Carol Oates, and Roddy Doyle.

Also joining these big names are other bestselling authors such as Jodi Picoult and Peter Straub (when were they ever mentioned in the same sentence?), bringing even more depth to this diverse collection. Stories doesn’t need a strict theme or subject to tie its tales together; instead, these short fictions are united by their dark approach to imagined worlds, even if they look a lot like our own.

Also new in fiction books this week: Whiplash by Catherine Coulter, Imperial Bedrooms by Bret Easton Ellis, and more.  See them all at Fiction New Releases.

Nonfiction: Williams-Sonoma Cooking from the Farmers’ Market by Jodi Liano

With the current emphasis on eating local and farmers’ markets about to hit their peak, this cookbook arrives at the perfect time. Williams-Sonoma Cooking from the Farmers’ Market boasts more than 200 recipe that feature and focus on each season’s bounty, and it also helps cooks choose the best produce available at their local market.

From delicious classics such as strawberry-rhubarb pie to more adventurous recipes such as roasted pumpkin soup with sage cream, Cooking from the Farmers’ Market highlights the best picks from each season, from the gorgeous cornucopia of autumn to winter’s leaner (but still delicious) offerings. Is it fig season yet?

Also new in nonfiction books this week: The Facebook Effect by David Kirkpatrick, How Pleasure Works by Paul Bloom, and more. See them all at Nonfiction New Releases.

Movies in Theaters: Cyrus

Playing as a dark antidote to the sure-to-be-sweetness of fellow opener Toy Story 3, black comedy Cyrus is an adults-only story of romantic and familial dysfunction. John C. Reilly stars as John, a divorced man eager to find love who can’t believe his luck when he begins a relationship with the gorgeous Molly (Marisa Tomei). The only catch is her 21-year-old son, Cyrus (Jonah Hill), who has an oddly close relationship with his mother.

Directors Mark and Jay Duplass have previously worked in the indie scene known as mumblecore, making films such as Baghead and The Puffy Chair. But with Fox Searchlight on board as distributor and top actors Tomei, Reilly, Hill, and Catherine Keener on the marquee, the Duplass brothers could be set for their breakout hit. Cyrus earned acclaim at big festivals such as Sundance and SXSW, and it’s sure to attract arthouse devotees and fans of Hill’s brand of awkward comedy.

Also new in theaters this week: Toy Story 3,  Jonah Hex, and more. See them all at Movies in Theaters.

Music: Lustre by Ed Harcourt

Invoking the theatricality of Rufus Wainwright, the intimacy of Jeff Buckley, and the energy of The New Pornographers, Ed Harcourt delights the devoted with Lustre, his first full-length in four years. On this album, the British singer-songwriter bounces with ease from the infectious joy of “A Secret Society” to the rock-musical sounds of “Heart of a Wolf” to the low-key sweetness of “Killed by the Morning Sun.”

Lustre is aptly named, featuring a lushly produced soundscape that somehow balances sheen and substance. Old fans will love the back-to-basics piano of “Lachrymosity,” while the kaleidoscopic sounds of “Do As I Say Not As I Do” will appeal to indie rock lovers who might not be familiar with Harcourt’s previous albums.

Also new in music this week: Thank Me Later by Drake, The Laws of Illusion by Sarah McLachlan, and more. See them all at Music New Releases.

New on DVD: Mary and Max

Despite its eight-year-old heroine and perfectly constructed claymation, Mary and Max probably isn’t suitable for kids (as its trailer suggests). But adults will find this Australian film to be a heartfelt, gorgeously rendered exploration of an unlikely friendship between a young Australian girl and a 44-year-old New Yorker with Asperger’s Syndrome.

Mary is voiced by United States of Tara’s Toni Collette, while Max comes alive thanks to Oscar winner Philip Seymour Hoffman. Director Adam Elliot won an Oscar for his short film “Harvey Krumpet,” and it’s a shame he didn’t do the same for this highly praised film.

Also new on DVD this week: Youth in Revolt, When in Rome, and more. See them all at New on DVD.

Video Games: 100 Classic Books

For those convinced that video games can only rot your brain (hi, Mom!), there’s this Nintendo DS offering that turns the personal gaming system into an e-book reader. 100 Classic Books features a variety of essentials for all ages, including The Picture of Dorian Gray, Oliver Twist, Sons and Lovers, and Little Women. The release includes numerous works from Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, and William Shakespeare, as well as a number of other school reading list standbys.

If you crave the feel — and smell — of old tomes, this probably isn’t going to sway you from the pull of the printed book, but 100 Classic Books gives easy access to dozens of books that should be on everyone’s required reading lists. Plus, there’s something to be said for carrying the decidedly lightweight DS versus lugging around a copy of Moby Dick.

Also new in video games this week: Toy Story 3: The Video Game, Yard Sale Hidden Treasures: Sunnyville, and more. See them all at Video Game New Releases.

In addition to the newest releases, we also have the previous weeks’ movies, books, and more in our Recently Released section.

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Tags: New Books | New Movies | New Music | new releases | New Video Games

Whether you want to sway along with the bluesy pop of Grace Potter and the Nocturnals or follow in a pioneering punk band’s sneakers with Green Day Rock Band, this week promises plenty of exciting new releases for you. As a fan of Kitchen Confidential, I’m hungry for Anthony Bourdain’s latest bitter book-sized bite, Medium Raw, and I’m excited to preview what should be the summer book for fans of the brainy horror of World War Z and The Historian. Prepare to lose some sleep once you pick up The Passage; I certainly had to up my coffee intake, and you will, too.

For all the hottest new releases and most exciting sitewide news, be sure to follow @GetGlue on Twitter.

Fiction: The Passage by Justin Cronin

Vampire novels don’t usually come with a pedigree of an MFA from the esteemed Iowa Writers Workshop, but then, The Passage isn’t your average vampire novel. This is a sprawling epic that’s deservedly earning comparisons to the Stephen King classic The Stand. Cronin’s novel begins when an experiment goes awry (as they tend to do), transforming humans into blood-devouring, sunlight-fearing creatures who have the strength and endurance to cover continents.

Reader beware: if you only like your vampires in brooding, glittering mode, then The Passage isn’t for you. Cronin’s creatures are terrifying, primal monsters who will keep you turning pages until well past midnight. However, it’s not just the villains who will keep readers’ interest; the human characters are engaging and easy to root for in the face of death.

Also new in fiction books this week: The Lion by Nelson DeMille, Backseat Saints by Joshilyn Jackson, and more.  See them all at Fiction New Releases.

Nonfiction: Medium Raw by Anthony Bourdain

Best known for TV show No Reservations and restaurant industry expose/ode to food Kitchen Confidential, Anthony Bourdain has a tongue — and a pen — as sharp as his knives. And this man knows a sharp knife. In the appropriately named Medium Raw, Bourdain displays his trademark brutal honesty as he examines both himself and his industry.

Unsurprisingly, the Food Network (particularly Sandra Lee and her infamous Kwanzaa cake) is a prime target, and Bourdain further delves into his love-hate relationship with noted locavore Alice Waters. Also under fire: vegetarians, Gael Greene, and hallowed dining establishment Alinea. But Medium Raw isn’t all vinegar and venom from Bourdain; Momofuku master chef David Chang gets his own chapter and his own villains list.

Also new in nonfiction books this week: Delivering Happiness by Tony Hsieh; The AIA Guide to New York CityNorval White, Elliot Willensky, and Fran Leadon by ; and more. See them all at Nonfiction New Releases.

Movies in Theaters: Winter’s Bone

Winter’s Bone take the rural drama of Wendy and Lucy and Frozen River and adds even more suspense to create an unsettling indie thriller. In what should be a career-making role, Jennifer Lawrence (who shined in the otherwise awful The Burning Plain) stars as a teenager who must track down her bail-skipping father to ensure her family doesn’t lose their home.

Adding layers to the film’s drama is its setting in the insular Ozarks, where family and friends are unwilling to give her father up based on their loyalties. Based on Daniel Woodrell’s novel, Winter’s Bone won the Grand Jury Prize in the Dramatic category at Sundance, and its script has earned attention as well.

Also new in theaters this week: Karate Kid, The A-Team, and more. See them all at Movies in Theaters.

Music: Grace Potter and the Nocturnals by Grace Potter and the Nocturnals

Whether you sway your hips or stomp your feet, it’s hard to stay still when this third album from bluesy band Grace Potter and the Nocturnals is on. There are elements of pop, indie rock, and country flowing through the thirteen-track release, but it’s all driven by Grace Potter’s strong voice, which earns references to sirens past, including Bonnie Raitt and Janis Joplin.

Potter can sing softly and sweetly on songs like “Colors,” but tracks like the album opener — “Paris (Ooh La La)” — prove she can growl and scream with vintage verve.  With lyrics like, “If I was a man, I’d make my move/If I was a blade, I’d shave you smooth,” she exudes a sexiness that might make you want to come close, but not too close.

Also new in music this week: Bionic by Christina Aguilera, She Won’t Be Lonely Long by Clay Walker, and more. See them all at Music New Releases.

New on DVD: Shutter Island

Usually delaying  a film’s theatrical release date is a sign for worry, and Shutter Island’s release date changes had film fans concerned that one of cinema’s greatest living auteurs was going to have an enormous flop. However,  Martin Scorsese scored solid reviews and the the biggest box-office hit of his career with this thriller based on a novel by Dennis Lehane. We imagine that the film’s shocker of an ending — and the ensuing repeat viewings — probably didn’t hurt its receipts.

Shutter Island stars frequent Scorsese collaborator Leonardo DiCaprio as Teddy Daniels, a U.S. marshal sent to investigate the disappearance of a patient/prisoner from a remote mental institution. The setting is nothing new, but Scorsese and his excellent cast (which also features Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley, Jackie Earle Haley, and Patricia Clarkson) add tension and depth to this dramatic chiller.

Also new on DVD this week: From Paris with Love, Curb Your Enthusiasm: The Complete Seventh Season, and more. See them all at New on DVD.

Video Games: Green Day Rock Band

Green Day Rock Band may not have the cross-generational appeal of its Beatles predecessor, but the Grammy-winning trio is now entering its fourth decade, making people who came of age in the Dookie era feel their age. This Rock Band release for Wii, PS3, and Xbox 360 features 47 songs from the alternative band, including “American Idiot,” “Wake Me Up When September Ends,” and “Jaded.”

Fans can choose to play as Billie Joe Armstrong, Tre Cool, or Mike Dirnt, and they can even use three-part vocal harmonies on tracks such as neo-classics “Longview,” “Basketcase,” and “Minority.” The game also features concert venues created specifically for this release, including The Warehouse and Oakland’s Fox Theater.

Also new in video games this week: Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11, and more. See them all at Video Game New Releases.

In addition to the newest releases, we also have the previous weeks’ movies, books, and more in our Recently Released section.

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Tags: New Books | New Movies | New Music | new releases | New Video Games

For most of the world, June 2010 means one thing: the World Cup. But for those who are abstaining from the futbol festivities, I’m highlighting an American football video game that should live up to its bone-crushing name. Meanwhile, an equally combative music release is set to assault your ears (in that good way, of course), when a long-awaited album finally hits shelves.

For those looking for something slightly less aggressive, there’s a sigh-inducingly romantic novel for adults from author Ann Brashares and a sweet Irish drama starring Colin Farrell as a man in love with a selkie.

For all the hottest new releases and most exciting sitewide news, be sure to follow @GetGlue on Twitter.

Fiction: My Name is Memory by Ann Brashares

For those who didn’t find Audrey Niffenegger’s sophomore novel Her Fearful Symmetry as romantically satisfying as her amazing debut (The Time Traveler’s Wife — read it now. Please.), there’s this time-crossing love story from Ann Brashares, most famous for The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. My Name is Memory is Brashares’s second foray into adult fiction and away from the YA market, and from the book’s sexy moments, it sounds like she’s has no trouble with the transition.

In My Name is Memory, Daniel doesn’t let something as small as death keep him apart from true love Lucy. Instead, he tries to convince her that they loved each other in past lives that have spanned a millennium. Expect this beach read to emerge from the summer with plenty of sand — and tears — on its pages.

Also new in fiction books this week: The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner: An Eclipse Novella by Stephanie Meyer, The Burning Wire by Jeffrey Deaver, and more.  See them all at Fiction New Releases.

Nonfiction: The Bucolic Plague by Josh Kilmer-Purcell

Alice Waters meets Augusten Burroughs in this memoir from Josh Kilmer-Purcell, who had readers rolling with his hilarious debut I Am Not Myself These Days. Kilmer-Purcell chronicled his days as a part-time drag queen in his first memoir, and he now tackles rural life as he and his partner leave the streets of Manhattan — for weekends, at least — for an upstate, aging mansion, complete with a farm.

In The Bucolic Plague, the author keeps his wit intact as he explores new ground. He and his partner are entering long-term relationship territory as they experiment with living and loving in a new location. Add a herd of goats and some chickens, and this book goes beyond the standard tale of growing up and growing old together.

Also new in nonfiction books this week: Hitch-22 by Christopher Hitchens, Strategic Speed by Jocelyn Davis, and more. See them all at Nonfiction New Releases.

Movies in Theaters: Ondine

Throughout his career, director Neil Jordan has woven a path between the fantastic (Interview with the Vampire, The Company of Wolves) and the realistic (Michael Collins, The Brave One), and his newest film is a fine mixture of the two. The Irish filmmaker returns to his native country and unites with one of its most famous sons — Colin Farrell — for this fairy tale romance set in the real world.

The hero of Ondine is Farrell’s Syracuse, a recovering alcoholic and fisherman who finds salvation when he rescues a woman Ondine (Alicja Bachleda) from his nets. His daughter (Alison Barry in a stunningly good performance) thinks Ondine is a selkie, a mythic creature who can change from a seal to a human and back again. Jordan has crafted a quiet, lovely film that may not make much of a splash at the box office, but it’s sure to remain in the minds of the lucky viewers who see its sweet romance.

Also new in theaters this week: Splice, Get Him to the Greek, and more. See them all at Movies in Theaters.

Music: Treats by Sleigh Bells

Though tracks from Sleigh Bells hit the ears of music nerds last year, fans of the pair’s louder-than-loud pop can finally enjoy the aural treat that is Treats. From the opening song — the awesome demented cheerleader anthem “Tell ‘Em” — music man Derek Miller and vocalist Alexis Krauss combine pounding, pulsing sounds with sweet vocals for a juxtaposition that brings only joy.

Expect plenty of hipsters to be make this their summer soundtrack, whether for drinking, dancing, or running but Treats has appeal beyond indie rock lovers. Electronica listeners will love the inorganic sounds and crunchy, chaotic sounds, while pop and hip-hop fans  will find the hooks inescapable.

Also new in music this week: Rokstarr by Taio Cruz, To the Sea by Jack Johnson, and more. See them all at Music New Releases.

New on DVD: Alice in Wonderland

Having just passed the one-billion-dollar mark at the worldwide box office, Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland is set to dominate the DVD and Blu-ray market this week. For those who missed the movie in theaters (you’re out there, right?), don’t worry about the lack of 3D on your screens at home; the effects were added after the filming, giving a different result than Avatar’s immersive visuals.

Rather than sticking strictly to Lewis Carroll’s original vision, Burton tells a wild and weird tale of a grown-up Alice (played wonderfully by Mia Wasikowska), who returns to Wonderland. A host of Burton regulars — Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, and Alan Rickman — are present, but Michael Sheen gives a solid vocal performance as the famous White Rabbit.

Also new on DVD this week: The Wolfman, Undisputed III: Redemption, and more. See them all at New on DVD.

Video Games: Backbreaker

Is it September yet? For those counting down to football season, there’s Backbreaker for PS3 and Xbox 360. What sets this American football video game apart from its predecessors is the fine tuning of the tackles. If you just want to tackle an opposing team’s man, simply run at him, but for more fun (and accuracy), players can perform cool moves such as dive tackles by making use of other controls.

If the regular mode, just won’t cut it for the more aggressive among you (you know who you are), there’s the right trigger. When this button is engaged, players can move faster and tackle harder. Though conventional wisdom might tell you to play with the right trigger constantly on, make sure your aim is solid. If you move too far to the right or the left, you’ll go past your target — with all the promised speed. At least you won’t have to face your teammates in the locker room post-game…

Also new in video games this week: Alpha Protocol, Farm Frenzy: Animal Country, and more. See them all at Video Game New Releases.

In addition to the newest releases, we also have the previous weeks’ movies, books, and more in our Recently Released section.

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Tags: New Books | New Movies | New Music | new releases | New Video Games