Written and compiled by The Film Nest guest contributor “FightinIrish” (peep him in the Comments section)
What’s this? Worthy Blu-ray releases. No foolin’. We actually have a good stash of films this week. Two are considered among the best films of 2009. One is proclaimed to be one of the true masterpieces of cinema. There are a duo of early 90s action films starring the beefcake team of Schwarzy and Stallone. All hail the New Year as BDs are back!
Please know anything you buy through use of the attached links goes toward supporting us at The Film Nest. Thanks in advance.
To me, there is one, and only one, Halloween movie: the 1978 original directed by John Carpenter, starring Jamie Lee Curtis and Donald Pleasance. Anything else is but a sham compared to the original. This fact won’t stop Hollywood from producing sequels and spin-offs, noting that there are 6 sequels, 1 variation (Halloween 3: Season of the Witch) and then the two new Rob Zombie films. This is the second one and even though I am a fan of Zombie’s music, I can’t seem to get around to viewing these films. Thankfully Zombie said this will be his last Halloween film, but we’ve heard such things before. Um…Scary Movie anyone? Here’s our review if you need more persuasion.
Supplements: Commentary with writer/director Rob Zombie, Deleted and alternate scenes, Blooper reel, Audition footage, Michael – Interior, Uncle Seymour Coffins’ stand-up routines, Captain Clegg and the Night Creatures Music Videos, movieIQ, BD-Live
I missed this film during its run in theaters and the studio didn’t make that any easier by having a very limited release, but I am primed and ready to watch it on Blu. On many critics Best of the Year lists and a possible Best Picture nomination, now that the academy has expanded that category to 10 films. Definitely a must buy and a must own. The pricing is an issue, though. I hoped with the New Year we would be beyond $25+ release week prices. No such luck. Read our review to find out just how astounding the film is.
Supplements: Audio Commentary with Kathryn Bigelow and Mark Boal, The Hurt Locker: Behind the Scenes I, Image Gallery with Q & A
2009 had to be the year of quality sci-fi films, with Star Trek, District 9 and Avatar, this was a year to be a sci-fi geek and Moon must be included in that list of great films. This is in many ways a throwback to the science fiction films of the late 60s and early 70s, relying more on a unique story, great model work and quality acting for the lack of a big budget. Sam Rockwell is an actor that just can’t seem to break through to true mainstream stardom. He always gets close, but never seems to stick. I for one have been a fan of his for years, since 1989 unbeknownst to me with his bit part in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. This is the other must own disc released today, but maybe that’s the sci-fi nerd in me talking. Again, pricing is a sticking point, which will be a shame if people miss out on this. Read our review for more info.
Supplements: Audio Commentaries, Featurettes, Short Film, Trailers
I know very little about this film but it seems to be getting a good deal of love. Interesting to see Anna Chlumsky of My Girl fame making a comeback of sorts with this film.
Supplements: Yet to be announced.
First there was a movie, then there was a Broadway musical and now there’s a movie again. Seems ol’ Hollywood is up to its same old tricks. What more can we expect? You do get over 15 minutes of extended dance scenes that were just so great they withheld them from the theatrical release. Everyone jump for joy!
Supplements: 15 Deleted Scenes, Fame National Talent Search Content Winner, Music Video
It’s a Tyler Perry movie. Enough said. Would much rather watch a Luke Perry movie.
Supplements: 3 Featurettes
Two brothers, last name Bloom, are great conmen and they’re off to pull of the greatest con of their careers before they retire. With the always cute Rachel Weisz, and two quality actors in Adrian Brody and Mark Ruffalo this should be a worth a peak or two. Here’s our review to elaborate.
Supplements: Yet to be announced
It’s a romantic comedy with Alexis Bledel. You decide if its really worth your time. Somehow I think I may already know the answer. The Hurt Locker and Moon get limited extras, but this film has a stockpile. Something’s wrong with this picture. Our review will tell you what to expect.
Supplements: Deleted and Alternate Scenes, What Not To Wear, Post Grad Confidential, “One Day” Music Video By Zach Gilford, Real Life Advice with Alexis Bledel and Zach Gilford, Know Your Strengths: Career Advice, How Not To Get A Job, A Guide To Moving Back Home, Dress For Success, Find Your Match! The Best Job For You
It’s a Criterion Blu-ray. Right there, half of you should already be buying it. It’s Federico Fellini’s 8 ½, what more do you want me to elaborate on? If you call yourself a film fan, you must see this film, and what better way than to do so on Blu-ray? Get it now.
Supplements: Introduction by Terry Gilliam, Audio Commentary, “Fellini: A Director’s Notebook” Vintage TV Special, “Nino Rota: Between Cinema and Concert” Documentary, Interviews, Still Galleries, Theatrical Trailers, Booklet Essays, “The Last Sequence” Documentary
I love Cliffhanger. It’s just pure beyond belief action fun. If you haven’t seen this, please do, but come in with a desire to have fun, because you will. Why in the world hasn’t John Lithgow gotten more roles as a villain? He’s great at it, between this film, Footloose and Santa Claus: The Movie, just to name a few, he plays that great slimy villain who’s just evil inside. Now if only we can get Demolition Man on Blu, I’d be able to die happy.
Supplements: Commentary with director Renny Harlin and Sylvester Stallone, Technical crew commentary, Stallone on the Edge: The Making of Cliffhanger, Special effects featurettes, Storyboard Comparisons, Deleted scenes, MovieIQ
People hate on this film as if it had sex with their mothers, but I love it. I want to see the Jack Slater films myself. They seem to be from the same realm as the McBain series featured in “The Simpsons.” Sadly, this has no real special features to speak of, which is a true shame. One of my must-buys of the week, but will wait for a nice sale.
Supplements: BD Live, movieIQ
The Simpsons: The Complete 20th Season
I know we only talk about new Blu-ray movie releases, but I can’t let something like the first Simpsons season coming to Blu-ray go without mention. Sadly, this is of the 20th season, which is but a shadow of seasons 1-12, but is an improvement over seasons 13-19.
Supplements: The Twentieth Anniversary Special Sneak Peek by Morgan Spurlock
