The holidays are in full swing and the collector’s set and three-disc edition trends are almost getting out of hand. When you see me mention a film with a 2-3 disc “Special Edition” there is likely a single disc available, but I will be too busy salivating over the bonus sweets to mention it. Plus, who wants a single disc when they know of the extra bounty in the deluxe edition? Here’s a look at some of the most noteworthy releases that are sure to fill stockings over the coming month.
December 2nd
Pick of the Week: Wanted Two-Disc and Collector’s Gift Set.
The new trend of collector’s sets is great for DVD fans, although this might be the first one I indulge in. The shattered glass casing will look excellent on my shelf and I enjoyed the movie enough to warrant the extra money. It looks like the set will feature the same DVD content as the two-disc edition though if you want to save some cash or shelf space. The special features look to be top notch as well with plenty of featurettes focusing on the special effects and the film’s great cast.
– New Releases –
The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (Three-Disc Collector’s Edition)
My sights will be set on a lavish three-disc edition of this film with lots of features on Weta’s astounding creature effects to ogle at. I imagine this will be a classy gift idea for any young fans of the Narnia series. Start their DVD addiction off right with this big shelf-busting edition.
The X-Files: I Want to Believe (Three-Disc Special Edition + Digital Copy)
Another three-disc collection, which will be like manna from heaven to all those X-Files fans who must acknowledge that the series is very much over now that the movie was a box-office bomb. Hopefully you enjoyed the way the series ended, if not watch the feature-length documentary almost as if it were a sequel.
Step Brothers (Two-Disc Unrated Edition + Digital Copy)
I was laughing continually while watching this movie and I hope that it holds up to continual re-watching like Anchorman has. If it does than the two-disc edition will far exceed its purchase price in value. I just hope the commentary isn’t as littered with inside jokes that the audience may not be in, as has been done on previous Will Ferrell commentaries.
Did you know Fred Durst directed a kids’ movie starring Ice Cube?
– TV and Re-Issues –
The Day the Earth Stood Still (Two-Disc Special Edition)
A remake in theaters usually prompts a nice re-release of a film’s original version. This two-disc edition sports some nice artwork and features to remind you why it was worth bringing back to life. In addition, you can learn that “Klaatu Barada Nikto” is not originally from Army of Darkness but is a significant plot point from this film.
Saturday Night Live – The Complete Fourth Season
If you have been keeping up with the tortuously slow release of the classic SNL seasons you will rejoice that you can finally grab the 4th season today.
December 9th
Pick of the Week: The Dark Knight (Two-Disc Special Edition + Digital Copy)
I’m actually surprised to see that The Dark Knight doesn’t have more deluxe options on DVD but I will gladly purchase the two-disc edition for myself and perhaps two more as gifts. I was expecting a lot of Heath Ledger memorial work in the features, but this appears to have been passed over. Also missing from this release is a commentary track, which I would have salivated over. Instead, I will have to live with the standard “how we made it” features and a digital copy of the film. I would expect a grander edition to drop next year with more features, but this version will certainly satisfy me until then.
– New Releases –
Horton Hears a Who! (Widescreen Two-Disc Special Edition + Digital Copy)
Some family fodder in time for Christmas from the mighty Dr. Seuss. Do your kids a favor and buy them Elf instead.
– TV and Re-issues –
Lost – The Complete Fourth Season
If you are as addicted to the show as I am you probably have already seen it, but how can you pass up the opportunity to scout out all the weird clues in the background with the pause button. I’m also excited to see the featurette on the freighter characters and how were cast since I really enjoyed the choices of great unheralded supporting actors like Jeff Fahey.
Deadwood: The Complete Series and The Wire: The Complete Series
A crazy HBO double tap which seems like it would split their market. Here you can pick up two great shows that wrapped up recently at a more manageable price then the epic Sopranos set which was released last month.
Sex and the City: The Movie (The Wedding Collection Ultimate Collectors Edition)
The release of this crazy deluxe edition is closer to the original box set release date than most double-dip releases, which may prove to be a good thing. The call of a four-disc flaming pink book with a numbered Certificate of Authenticity and loads of fashion pictures may be too strong for the SITC faithful.
December 16th
Pick of the Week: The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (Two Disc Deluxe Edition)
I enjoyed the first two Mummy movies and I love Jet Li but I still couldn’t drag myself to the theater for this one. However, I will be able to overcome bad reviews and watch it anyway on DVD. Hopefully, Maria Bello and Jet Li breathe new life into this weathered franchise. Additionally, fans will also grab up a trilogy collection if you are just now jumping into The Mummy series.
– New Releases –
This 7 part HBO mini-series on the first 40 days in Iraq will definitely be an interesting watch. I will endeavor to rent it from Netflix or from the library since I don’t envision myself watching it more than once.
Mamma Mia! The Movie (Two Disc Special Edition)
The mighty Meryl Streep does a musical… and I just don’t care. Mostly because I hate ABBA, but also because I loathe wildly happy musicals.
I like Don Cheadle and Guy Pearce but the movie just sounds dull.
– TV and Re-issues –
Aqua Teen Hunger Force, Vol. 6
The show is a bit more hit-and-miss now that it has passed the sixth season but you can usually find good deals on the Adult Swim DVD’s to make the investment worthwhile.
December 23rd
Pick of the Week: Burn After Reading
This looks like a fairly bare-bones edition although the “Welcome Back George” feature which highlights George Clooney’s third film with the Coen Brothers could be fun. I missed this in the theater so this becomes my biggest draw of the week.
– New Releases –
They keep saying Anna Faris is going to rock the world and I hear this movie accomplished just that for some people. I don’t picture myself being one of them. I wouldn’t be allowed to own this even if I wanted to… and I don’t want to.
I liked the classic Roger Corman version but this looks a little overdone for me, although Jason Statham is the best thing in action movies right now. This has late night delight written all over it, as I watch the movie half asleep and wake up thinking it was awesome.
I don’t typically like this kind of film but just look at this cast: Bette Midler, Eva Mendes, Candice Bergen, Carrie Fisher, Annette Benning, Debi Mazar, Debra Messing… Meg Ryan. Wait, Meg Ryan is in this? Never mind.
The premise of a failed actor making a horrendous high school sequel to Hamlet is too good to skip. I also love Catherine Keener, Elizabeth Shue and Steve Coogan so this is a must watch. Plus, the DVD will allow me to sing along to “Rock me Sexy Jesus.”
December 30th
Pick of the Week: Nip/Tuck – The Complete Fifth Season
Not the best week since Christmas is now over, so I selected the latest season of FX’s Nip/Tuck which made the controversial jump from Miami to L.A. I think the jump worked well and this season holds up as well as the others.
– New Releases –
This was an indie film I heard a lot about but failed to catch theatrically. I don’t know much about it other than it features Aaron Eckhart, Toni Collette and Maria Bello and is written and directed by Alan Ball (Six Feet Under, American Beauty). That should be enough for at least a rental.
We get an animated feature-length film that brings back Leon and Claire from the video game series. I would like to know more about the film, either that it is well made or that it is crazy corny like the first game. “Take this lock pick, you the master of unlocking.”