Here’s our second Holiday Gift list to get your season off on the right foot. Our team has compiled a list of Blu-ray Movies & Films that look even better with their 2009 HD release, and make great stocking stuffers. We’ve got everything from new flicks, like Star Trek, to old Hitchcock favorites. Broadway also comes home to HD for the Holiday with Rent: Filmed Live on Broadway. And, if comedy is your thing, the breakout movie of the year, The Hangover is sure to please. The Disney-Pixar dynamic duo makes their way onto our list with several showings for kids of all ages.
So whether you’re a fan of action, romance, throwback features or laugh-out-loud comedy, these Blu-ray releases are sure to bring home some holiday cheer in HD as we wave goodbye to another year. Check out the list and the comments from our staff on each set.
Watchmen: The Ultimate Cut [Blu-ray] (2009)
Finally, Warner Bros has released the complete “Watchmen” film that fans have been asking for since before the feature film was even released. This Ultimate edition includes the Director’s Cut of the Watchmen, as well as the “Tales of the Black Freighter.” It’s sad that several fans got suckered into buying earlier releases of the film, that were all released over the course of a year. However, this is Zack Snyder’s vision as it was meant to be seen. If you were a fan of the graphic novel, then this is the one edition to own. Hopefully, you waited for the holiday and skipped the prior releases.
Star Trek (Three-Disc +Digital Copy) [Blu-ray] (2009)
Two Spocks … one awesome flick! This J.J. Abrams re-imagining of the Star Trek mythos is nothing short of incredible. Arguably the summer’s biggest and best-crafted blockbuster has hit home video just in time for the holidays. This is one of those films you had to see in IMAX. And, if it’s a must in IMAX, it’s an absolute MUST on Blu-ray. With multiple DVD and Blu-ray versions and collector’s sets, there are plenty of options to satisfy everyone from the casual fan to the hardcore Trekkie.
Up (4 Disc Combo Pack with Digital Copy and DVD) [Blu-ray] (2009)
A great Pixar film, packaged with an interactive trivia experience in “Global Guardian Badge Game?” Does life get better? It’s doubtful. Up was already a great film, highly recommended for anyone of any age, but with the Blu-ray release of Pixar’s latest getting the full Disney treatment, it becomes one of the best home video releases of 2009.
The Hangover (Unrated Edition) [Blu-ray] (2009)
The surprise hit of the summer is coming to home video just before the holidays. Meet three guys who give new meaning to the words “the morning after.” If you ever wondered why things that happen in Vegas stay in Vegas you’ll want to pick this movie up. Several people are already claiming it’s one of the best comedies of all time. Check out the Blu-ray and weigh in on the debate. Find the groom, the baby or the tiger and you may just find yourself laughing uncontrollably right through the New Year.
Sin City (Two-Disc Theatrical & Uncut, Extended, and Unrated Verisons) [Blu-ray] (2005)
This Blu-Ray release is how Sin City was meant to be seen. “Sin City” isn’t the reimagining of Frank Miller’s original graphic novel for film; it is Frank’s graphic novel. From start to finish, you’ll experience the original Sin City story with every twist, turn and startling thrill just as it was presented on paper. Each of the four stories is a small part to unlocking the greater world of Sin City. Panel by panel you’ll watch as the stories overlap and reveal a world where ethics and the ordinary have been replaced by man’s corruption. It appears to be a fantasy story on the surface, but deep down Sin City exposes the truths behind the corruption in the modern world as seen through Frank Miller’s eyes. Also, the films are featured in order. It wasn’t on the original release, so that brings a smile to our faces.
The Wizard of Oz (70th Anniversary Ultimate Collector’s Edition) [Blu-ray]
Ding dong the witch is dead, and now she can die in HD. What a world! What a world! Warner Bros. definitely outdid themselves with the meticulous process they used in fixing up the “The Wizard of Oz” for its 70th birthday. ike a fine wine, “The Wizard of Oz” on Blu-ray is aged to perfection. Gone are the specs of dust, drab colors and lines that reminded contemporary viewers of the film’s antiquity. The yellow brick road now looks as bright as we imagined it. If there ever was an emerald city, this Blu-ray release has captured it – the greens are just that vibrant. And, who can forget Dorothy’s ruby slippers? With each turn of her heel, Dorothy’s slippers sparkle with a luminance that is simply breathtaking. This Ultimate Edition is numbered and won’t last forever, so pick it up and have Oz live on in HD.
North by Northwest (50th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray Book) [Blu-ray]
Hitchcock in HD? You heard right movie lovers. Hitchcock has finally made the jump to Blu-ray in his last team up with Cary Grant. For the 50th Anniversary of “North by Northwest,” Warner Bros pulled out all the stops to ensure an excellent HD picture was released to pay homage to legend. The Blu-ray release comes with two all-new feature length documentaries, in addition to a few other feature length documentaries included on the earlier DVD release. Like most Blu-ray upgrades, the sound mix still lacks the attention it needs, but with the additional features this release has makes it a terrific buy for the Hitchcock fan.
300: The Complete Experience (Blu-ray Book + Digital Copy and BD-Live) [Blu-ray] (2007)
Comic fans should enjoy the updated version of 300 in high-definition. Zack Snyder’s love for the medium shows in an intricate assortment of special features that seemingly go on forever, and it’s all collected in a great Blu-book package.
What makes this movie stand out from its predecessors is the amazing cinematography. Larry Fong has proven that a brilliant Director of Photography can turn any tale into something legendary.
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (Blu-ray Book) [Blu-ray]
Oompa Loompa doompadee doo. I have a Blu-ray movie for you. There may be several old-time live-action musicals from your childhood with memorable songs, but none are matched by the dark-offbeat lyrics and images of “Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory.” The legendary chocolate maker makes an HD appearance, and the comedy is still as dark as ever. The only thing missing from this release is a golden ticket and a spell checker for the storybook packaging.
Nothing says holiday like chocolate and Oompa Loompas, except, well maybe, Chocolate Covered Oompa Loompas. Yum.
Inglourious Basterds [Special Edition] [Includes Digital Copy] [2 Discs] [Blu-ray]
Okay. If someone is bold enough to make a movie called “Inglourious Basterds,” you just have to check it out. And, if that someone just happens to be Quentin Tarantino… you check it out in Blu-ray. This is one movie that will let you imagine how much fun it can be to kill Nazis. Just keep the movie out of any history classes, because it’s totally Tarantino and totally irreverent.
Call this a Happy Hanukkah gift from Tarantino.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Blu-ray/DVD Combo + Digital Copy & BD-Live) [Blu-ray] (2009)
Can you believe that another Harry Potter movie is already available to take home on Blu-ray. J.K. Rowling built her own Scrooge McDuck level Money Bin off of a kid with a scar. The Half Blood Prince has a much darker tone than the previous Harry Potter movies, which means Blu-ray is the only way this holiday. This is one film that both children and parents alike will want in their collection. Coincidentally, Warner has also released Ultimate Edition’s of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” and “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” for the holiday.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo + BD Live w/ Blu-ray packaging) [Blu-ray] (1937)
Hi ho. Hi ho. An upgrade to Blu-ray we go. This year Disney has stepped up in a big way with the Blu-ray upgrade of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Disney goes above and beyond with Snow White, using the medium to its fullest and making the purchase more than worthwhile for fans who waited for Snow White’s turn in the series of Disney HD updates.
BD Live is used with the included games to help keep high scores online, but more interesting is the Magic Mirror-guided menu, which uses the technology to comment on the weather in the user’s home area, keep track of what was already watched and more.
Rent: Filmed Live on Broadway [Blu-ray]
Rent: Filmed Live on Broadway is the cinematic legacy of Jonathan Larson’s “Rent.” The cinematography, utilizing multiple camera angles and lenses, creates a vivid experience that puts you right there in the theatre. This experience is heightened in the Blu-Ray release giving you the full HD experience coupled with TrueHD sound. You’ll get the full feeling of “Seasons of Love” after the intermission. Yes, Sony Pictures’ alternative-programming division The Hot Ticket even kept the intermission in the Blu-Ray release. You’ll need it, because you won’t want to miss a minute of this intensely fun, yet sad, drama. This is Broadway in Blu-ray, and a worthwhile addition to your holiday gift basket.
James Bond Blu-ray Collection Three-Pack, Vol. 3 (Moonraker/ The World is Not Enough / Goldfinger) [Blu-ray]
The image quality of these three films have had a dramatic HD upgrade. Each movie is packed with numerous extras. For example, “Goldfinger” comes with radio interviews with Sean Connery, while “Moonraker” and “The World is Not Enough,” give you access to two more generations of Bond stars (Roger Moore, Pierce Brosnan). Unfortunately, the sound didn’t get the audio mix upgrade it needed, but visuals are still exquisite. The three-movie set comes in an eye-catching silver bullet box that is a must have for any Bond aficionado.
Dragon Ball Z: Broly Triple Feature (Broly/Broly Second Coming/Bio-Broly) [Blu-ray]
Several Dragon Ball Z features made their way to Blu-ray this year. But, none are more legendary than this Legendary Super Sayan three pack. Sure, Funimation is always light on the extra features. However, seeing a Kamehameha in Blu-ray is just a great experience any holiday. Whether you’re an Anime fan or not, Dragonball Z is one series that deserves to be checked out. If not for you, get it for your children. They won’t stop thanking you.
Monsters, Inc. (4-Disc Edition) [Blu-ray]
“Mommy, what’s that sound coming from my closet?” Are you afraid of what’s under the bed and things that go bump in the night? Then it’s time for an HD dose of Monsters, Inc. from Pixar. This Blu-ray release is packed full of dynamic animation with vibrant characters and an important message, in this case that laughter is stronger than fear. You won’t believe the sheer quantity of content packed onto these disks! And just when viewers think they’ve seen it all, Pixar has packed in several Easter eggs with a load more bonus material.
Star Trek: Original Motion Picture Collection (The Motion Picture / The Wrath of Kahn / The Search for Spock / The Voyage Home / The Final Frontier / The Undiscovered Country … Captains Summit Bonus Disc) [Blu-ray
Now you can watch all six of the original Star Trek features in rapid fire succession. Both the picture and sound have been upgraded in this collector’s release and easily make this one must have series for any Trek fan and convention loyalist. Outside of “The Search for Spock,” I was overwhelmingly entertained the entire time. The Blu-Ray release is robustly filled with special features.
District 9 [Blu-ray] (2009)
You may have thought this would be another Independence Day flick, just without Will Smith. Alas, District 9 turned more than a few heads at the box office. The sci-fi feature was cool and fully imagined through the vision of director Neill Blomkamp. Watching an extraterrestrial race can be pretty cool in HD. Watching it with the kids over the holiday season can be even cooler.
This movie shows the world that Michael Bay isn’t the only director that likes to blow things up.
Cars Gift Set (Combo Pack with DVD) [Blu-ray]
Disney! Disney! Disney! Pixar is back on the Blu-ray list with “Cars.” The film represents the top merchandise selling Pixar film to date, and the release of The Ultimate Gift pack right before the holidays makes perfect sense. The Ultimate Gift pack distinguishes itself from the previous Cars Blu-ray release with the fact that it not only comes with a DVD version of the film, but it also comes with die-cast collectible models of Lightning McQueen and Tow Mater. The cars themselves are pretty sweet, though they are alternate colors than those of the characters in the film. And Mater, who was rust-ridden in the movie, has a very shiny finish in this die cast.
G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (Two-Disc Edition + Digital Copy) [Blu-ray] (2009)
Yes, G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra made our list. Sorry, G1 cartoon and comic fans, but you can’t forget the children. G.I. Joe may have jumped the shark when it came to incorporating Accelerator Suits to give the Joes superhuman powers, but the film had its share of laughs that made it an entertaining, albeit G1 disrespecting, good time.
And, hey, who doesn’t like seeing Snake-Eyes, right? That’s the one human who just can’t die, and is totally believable as a modern day immortal. I bet he makes Vampire Bill on “True Blood” jealous.
gi joe sucks. nothing Like Larry Hama’s Joes. LONG LIVE THE HAMA!
Sin City killed in Blu-ray! I can’t wait to get Watchmen Ultimate! I made sure to hold off and not get the director’s cut. Sucks the studio cheated fans by doing multiple releases but I;ll be fine LOL!