Every month, DVDFuture will highlight a few shows, TV specials, movies and documentaries on DVD and Blu-ray that are well worth checking out. We will be updating this article weekly to include as many selections as possible.
DVDFuture's 'Film and TV Highlights' -- November 2009
DVDFuture's 'Film and TV Highlights' -- November 2009
Every month, DVDFuture will highlight a few shows, TV specials, movies or documentaries on DVD and Blu-ray that are well worth checking out. We’ll try and update this article weekly to include as many titles as possible.
Movies:
Up (on Blu-ray and DVD)
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Pixar does it again with this heartfelt, adventurous story about a man who just wants to get away -- and finds more than he bargained for. You'll be crying within the first half hour and laughing throughout the middle act. "Up" is easily one of the best films of the year. The Blu-ray, like previous Pixar efforts, is extraordinary with a reference A/V presentation and gobs (two discs worth) of extras as well as a DVD copy and Digital Copy of the film, making this a must own title!
*****
Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs (on Blu-ray and DVD)
While not a great film by any stretch of the imagination, "Dawn of the Dinosaurs" should please most children and fans of the series. The Blu-ray is gorgeous, packed with a reference A/V presentation with extras on par with the previous DVD releases. And while extras aren't great, they are fun for the kids and the smattering of adult production-themed goodies are somewhat interesting. If you're a fan of the series, pick this one up.
CLICK HERE TO READ MY FULL REVIEW of the DVD over at IGN.
*****
Monsters Inc. (new to Blu-ray)
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"Monsters Inc." is one of my favorite Pixar films (just below "WALL-E") and I'm glad to finally have a copy of it on Blu-ray. The film is delightfully original and genuinely funny, lead by the great John Goodman and the hilarious Billy Crystal. The Blu-ray is simply stunning, too. And like "Up" the disc is packed with hours of extras, including a few BD exclusives. This four-disc set also comes with a DVD copy of the film and a Digital Copy, making this the definitive version of the film on home video.
*****
Aliens in the Attic (on Blu-ray and DVD)
"Aliens in the Attic" certainly doesn't dare to be different, but that isn't always a bad thing. The film may not be that fresh, or inventive, but it should give the kids something fun to watch on a rainy Saturday afternoon. If only it were a little more memorable, and funny. Perhaps a more inventive picture book is in order. The Blu-ray looks and sounds pretty fantastic and extras aren't bad, either. The disc will more than likely make a fine babysitter for younger audiences.
CLICK HERE TO READ MY FULL REVIEW of the DVD over at IGN.
*****
I Love You, Beth Cooper (on Blu-ray and DVD)
"I Love You, Beth Cooper" got a bad rap when it was released over the summer, but honesty there are far worse teen sex comedies out there – including several released this year ("Miss March," "Fired Up"). "I Love You, Beth Cooper" just represents one of the weaker comedies of the year and yet another flat adaption from director Chris Columbus. Still, fans of sex comedies, or the book, might want to give the film a spin. The Blu-ray boasts a glossy, saturated transfer, a moderately weak DTS-HD track, but the deleted scenes and alternated ending are pretty decent. It's a shame Fox didn't provide an unrated cut of the film.
CLICK HERE TO READ MY FULL REVIEW of the DVD over at IGN.
*****
Bruno (on Blu-ray and DVD)
While "Borat" was an interesting commentary on how society views foreigners (how our deepest racism comes out in the eyes of an innocent), "Bruno" becomes an exercise in cheap shock comedy, with less commentary and more penis jokes. And while some of it is truly funny, most of the film wears out its welcome before the credits roll. Still, fans of Sacha Baron Cohen should check the film out see for yourself. The DVD looks and sounds about as good as one would expect. The disc is loaded with extras including a fascinating audio commentary (complete with PiP elements), as well as nearly 60 minutes of deleted/alternate/extended bits. There's also a hilarious interview with Bruno's agent Lloyd Robinson.
TV, Documentaries and Short Films:
TOP PICK
The Prisoner: The Complete Series (on Blu-ray and DVD)
ABC’s cult series "Lost" owes a lot to this clever little thriller, with a small, almost comic-inspired sci-fi twist, about a recently resigned British agent, known only as Number Six, who finds himself trapped in some sort of modern prison, that looks more like a gated community, called “The Village.” With eyes watching him at every corner, picking and prying at him, Number Six attempts to escape while the powers behind “The Village” attempt to discover why he resigned from his post in the first place.
Loaded with intrigue and (now campy) tech, this series has inspired a fair share of artists with its comic book-like villains, quasi-futuristic settings and creepy atmosphere, all perfectly strung together by Patrick McGoohan’s strict, but lively performance and the show’s dazzling, if bombastically silly, set design. This show was cancelled pretty quickly, but has seen life beyond TV in the form of comic adaptations, fan web sites and tributes as well as novelized continuations. If you’re a fan of "Lost" you will find much to love about this short-lived ambitious little show, and you’ll probably be clamoring for more.
The Blu-ray is simply fantastic. The restored high-def transfer is breathtaking. The 5.1 mix is brilliant and the hours of bonus features are both informative and fascinating. If you're even remotely interested in seeing this series, pick up this BD special edition -- it's well worth it.
*****
Walt Disney Treasures - Zorro: Season's One and Two (on DVD only)
I still remember the conversation I had with my grandfather about this series. It was one of his favorites and now, nearly 20 years after having that conversation, I'm finally able to watch this terrific series myself. And my grandfather was right, "Zorro" is an awesome series, loaded with action and swordplay.
Disney has job a remarkable job bringing this series to life . Both sets come in tins complete with lobby cards and a collectible pins. The discs themselves host opening intros from film critic/historian Leonard Maltin. Both sets also include rarely seen hour-long TV specials. This is, hands down, the definitive version of this series yet available. If you love "Zorro," give these sets a spin!
*****
Food Inc. (on Blu-ray and DVD)
To say that "Food Inc." is absorbing is almost an understatement. The information conveyed during "Food Inc's" 90-minute running time is shocking. Even those previously educated on how our nation's food industry works will find much to glean from this terrifying documentary. For those who've been minimally educated, this film will serve as a brutal eye-opener.
The Blu-ray is on par with most documentaries -- a suitable A/V presentation from a video source. The disc boasts several informative featurettes and deleted scenes that add even more insight to the picture.
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CONTESTS:
Nothing yet.
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----R. L. Shaffer