Article: NEW ON DVD.(Daily Break)

THERE'S A GLEEFULLY gloomy, over-the-top sense of humor wrapped around "Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events: Special Collector's Edition" (audio: * * * *, video: * * * *, extras: * * * *) that sometimes overpowers the film.

But in the movie, as in the DVD package, when it works, it's wickedly funny.

Consider the fake opening of this children's book series-turned-movie, with a cheerful, happy elf dancing among his woodland friends, which is abruptly shut down in favor of the real story. Then add to it one of the silliest extras on the two-disc set, a commentary with "Lemony Snicket," the author's nom de plume and fictitious alter ego.

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