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Warner Bros. PicturesHugh Jackman as Tommy Creo and Rachel Weisz as Izzi Creo in “The Fountain.”

"Arthur and the Invisibles" -- Freddie Highmore, Mia Farrow. Hoping to enlist help in preventing his grandfather's house from being demolished, young Arthur (Highmore, "Finding Neverland") travels to the magical land of the diminutive Minimoys, where vast treasures are rumored to be hidden. Unjustly ignored in theaters, "Arthur" benefits from a distinctive look courtesy of director Luc Besson ("The Fifth Element"), and fans of "Labyrinth" will be delighted to see David Bowie again assuming the role of an extravagantly evil overlord. Rated PG for fantasy action and brief suggestive material.

"The Fountain" -- Hugh Jackman, Rachel Weisz. "Ambitious" doesn't even begin to describe this sprawling sci-fi/ romance epic from visionary director Darren Aronofsky ("Requiem for a Dream"). Spanning centuries, the era-hopping story finds a pair of lovers (Jackman and Weisz, looking their best) whose passionate relationship is torn apart not only in the present day, but also in 16th-century Europe and 26th-century outer space. Understandably, all this time travel left some audiences scratching their heads, but if you count yourself a fan of Aronofsky's cult classic "Pi" (and if you don't, you should), then you'll find much to enjoy in this genre-defying wonder. Rated PG-13 for some intense sequences of violent action, some sensuality and language.

"Pan's Labyrinth" -- Ivana Baquero, Doug Jones. One of the most buzzed-about films of last year is this alternately beautiful and horrifying fable of a quiet young girl (impressive newcomer Baquero) in 1940s Spain, who finds an escape from her abhorrent stepfather (Sergi Lopez, "With a Friend Like Harry") in the labyrinthine fantasy land underneath the old mill her family has just moved into. Director Guillermo Del Toro ("The Devil's Backbone") has joined the upper echelon of filmmakers with this amazing film, best described as a fairy tale for adults. It is widely regarded by critics as the best film of 2006. DVD special features include a commentary from Del Toro, several making-of featurettes, and production sketches. Rated R for graphic violence and some language.

"Stomp the Yard" -- Columbus Short, Meagan Good. Having escaped the gang culture of Los Angeles, a young man (Short, "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip") finds that the fraternities at the university he's been accepted to are nearly as combative, substituting dancing for guns. "Stomp" doesn't waste much time on plot, focusing instead on the dance moves, which are often electrifying. Certainly a cut above 2004's similar "You Got Served." DVD special features include bonus dance sequences and a gag reel. Rated PG-13 for a scene of violence, some sexual material and language.

VIDEOPORT RECOMMENDS

"Casi Casi" -- Mario Pabon, Marian Pabon. A shy yet crafty teenager sets out to win the girl of his dreams by running for student council president, only to belatedly discover that she'll actually be running against him for the same position. From this simple plot, first-timers Jaime and Tony Valles have produced a lively comedy, and its amateurish tendencies serve to contribute to the overall tone of wide-eyed innocence. Compared by some critics to the 1986 favorite "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," this light-hearted Puerto Rican teen comedy retains that movie's exuberance but omits the often snide undercurrent lurking beneath much of John Hughes' work, resulting in a film that everyone in the family can enjoy. Rated PG for language and some crude humor.

"Seraphim Falls" -- Liam Neeson, Pierce Brosnan. We at Videoport strive to spotlight filmmakers who dare to be different, but sometimes you just have to tip your hat to well-worn tradition, and first-time director David Von Ancken has clearly done his homework when it comes to Westerns, a proud and oft-misunderstood genre that, when executed well, has few equals. This one is set in 1868 Nevada. Brosnan plays a former Union captain...