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Let "The Hunger Games" begin — Saturday on DVD. Star ratings are by Seattle Times movie reviewers, freelancers or wire services. For full reviews, search the movie title at seattletimes.com.

"The Hunger Games" (PG-13): This adaptation of the hit young-adult novel centers on grievous violence and children who, in author Suzanne Collins' post-apocalyptic future, are subjected to an annual ritual wherein they murder one another as part of a nationwide reality show. That perverse dystopia is brought faithfully to life by director Gary Ross.

The Hunger Games have been instituted by the elite leaders of a country in order to keep down a restive populace. After randomly plucking a boy and a girl from each of the federation's districts, a shadowy government-entertainment complex subjects them to a kill-or-be-killed group hunt.

If the series' legions of fans miss a detail here or a subplot there, they'll still recognize its bones and sinew, especially in Jennifer Lawrence's eagle-eyed heroine, Katniss Everdeen.

Lawrence is never less than grounded and believable as a young woman forced by circumstance to assume wisdom far beyond her years.

Extras: eight-part making-of documentary; Collins' interview on "The Hunger Games" trilogy phenomenon; and other featurettes, including actor Donald Sutherland on the development of his role as President Snow, concepts behind creating the control center, a conversation with Ross and screenwriter Elvis Mitchell and "Propaganda Film."

Also, on Blu-ray: "Preparing for The Games: A Director's Process" featurette.

The Washington Post

Tuesday releases

"The Raid: Redemption" (R): Gareth Huw Evans' actioner, shot on a low budget and in Indonesian (with subtitles), follows a Jakarta SWAT team battling a vicious crime lord in a dingy high-rise apartment building fortress. "Raw, rough and relentless, it just keeps coming at you," says movie reviewer Soren Andersen.

TV releases

"Community: The Complete Third Season"

"Dexter The Sixth Season"

"Glee: The Complete Third Season"

Compiled by Lori Taki Uno: luno@seattletimes.com