New DVDs offer icy escapades and hounded hounds

"Blades of Glory"

Just the thought of Will Ferrell ("Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy") and Jon Heder ("Napoleon Dynamite") paired together as male competitive figure skaters is worthy of a laugh. And for the most part, "Blades of Glory" is a funny ride, though one can't help but imagine how much funnier this could have been had the producers made this a little more over-the-top, instead of watering down some of the jokes to cash in on a broader audience.

The good news is, "Blades" is partly redeemed by real-life husband and wife team Will Arnett ("Arrested Development") and Amy Poehler ("Saturday Night Live"), who play nefarious skating rivals.

Ample DVD goodies include a gag reel, deleted scenes and alternative takes. Also available in high-def HD-DVD and Blu-ray versions. (PG-13, Paramount Home Entertainment)

"Year of the Dog"

The stereotype is the woman with all the cats ends up crazy, not kindhearted dog owners who go nuts. But in "Year of the Dog," it's lonesome secretary Peggy (Molly Shannon turning in a fine dramatic performance) whose love for canines goes from passionate to psychotic when she gets involved with a canine rescuer (Peter Sarsgaard) and realizes just how many kennel dogs are put down each day.

This slow-moving drama is only for those who really, REALLY love all things dog.

Extras include Mike White talking about his directorial debut, a gag reel, and a making-of feature. (PG-13, Paramount Home Entertainment)