Check out the new-release and catalogue DVD and Blu-ray releases for the week of February 7th, 2012, with recommendations, links for purchasing, and retailer-specific information where applicable.
Well, they can't all be as good as last week. The only brand new titles this week are Anonymous and A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas, though the most popular title will surely be Disney's Diamond Edition re-release of Lady And The Tramp. Until Saturday of course, with the release of Breaking Dawn: Part 1.
Read ahead for my recommendations and thoughts on some notable releases, followed by a more complete list of what is coming out this Tuesday. Also check out the slideshow for a glimpse at cover art for these home video releases.
Notable releases for Tuesday, February 7th, 2012 (2/7/2012)
Lady And The Tramp (1955)
DVD/Blu-ray in DVD packaging, Blu-ray/DVD in Blu-ray packaging, & Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Copy in Blu-ray packaging
Disney opens its Vault twice a year, and this is their Spring 2012 release. Lady, a mild-mannered house dog, finds herself on the outs with her owners after the arrival of their first child, and she's forced to rely on the street smarts of a reckless but lovable tramp to navigate the new life challenges thrown her way. Filled with memorable characters and beautiful animation, this is a classic family film, especially if there are dog-lovers in your family. This has been released on DVD in the past, but has been out-of-print for many years. This is also Lady And The Tramp's first Blu-ray release, and it is another in a long line of beautiful Disney Blu-ray presentations. Note: All copies, even the DVD packaging one, include a Blu-ray. A DVD-only release will be available on March 20th.
Upgrade from a previous DVD or VHS version and save - $8 off the Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Copy pack or $5 off the Blu-ray/DVD pack by visiting the Disney Movie Rewards website.
Anonymous (2011)
DVD & Blu-ray Disc
A dramatization of the long-standing accusation that William Shakespeare was not in fact the author of the seminal works that now bear his name, this film is controversial for two reasons. First, it is a period drama directed by Roland Emmerich, a director best known for leave-your-brain-at-the-door, explosion-filled blockbusters, including Independence Day, The Day After Tomorrow, and 2012. And secondly, many liberties are taken in regards to historical accuracy, and Shakespeare is painted a rather dim fellow - the film is completely certain of the story it wants to tell, and will invent whatever is necessary to get the plot there, facts be damned. However, this isn't meant to be a documentary, so that shouldn't necessarily be a point against it. This is an entertaining historical-ish thriller, that will at least introduce people to the idea that maybe we don't know all there is to known in regards to the true authorship of classics like Romeo & Juliet. If this topic intrigues you, there are a number of fascinating books on the subject that take a more fact-oriented approach - one good place to start would be "Who Wrote Shakespeare?" by John Michell.
A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas (2011)
DVD, Movie-only Blu-ray, Extended Cut Blu-ray, & Blu-ray 3D
Upon the advent of the third Harold & Kumar film to grace the silver screen, I think it's safe to say we know what to expect - raunch, debauchery, and a metric ton of drug jokes. A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas does not disappoint on any of those counts. The use of 3D here is particularly novel, if completely juvenile - prepare to involuntarily attempt to wave away three dimensional wafts of pot smoke as they billow into your face.
Non-Tuesday releases:
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 1 (2011) - released Saturday, February 11th
DVD & Blu-ray Disc
I'm almost, ALMOST curious to see this one, even after not enjoying the previous installments. I hear there's an unprecedented level of craziness, like bed-breaking vampire sex, vampire tooth C-sections, and adult werewolf / baby human love-at-first-sight. But don't mind my non-fandom - to the millions of fans already planning to buy this release, enjoy!
Other titles released this week:
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation - Grave Danger - directed by Quentin Tarantino (Blu-ray/DVD combo)
Downton Abbey - Season 2 (DVD & Blu-ray)
La Jetee / Sans Soleil - The Criterion Collection (Blu-ray)
Rocko's Modern Life - Season 2 (DVD)
The Sunset Limited (DVD & Blu-ray)
Purchasing Info:
No particularly interesting sales/exclusives this week. Info on local retailers that stock most of these titles can be found here: Best Buy locations in Pittsburgh, Target locations in Pittsburgh, Barnes & Noble locations in Pittsburgh. For online shopping, Amazon usually has the best prices.
Post a comment with your own thoughts on this week's releases!
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