We here at ComicsOnline have made a list and checked it twice to provide you a list of the best Blu-ray movies and collections available to write to Santa for. With our help, you’ll spend the return money for that horrible sweater on the best Blu-ray movies of the season.
Star Trek
The smart reboot of this franchise by Paramount Pictures and J.J Abrams is one of the greatest movies of the year. Its 3 disc digital copy special edition is one of the best Blu-ray releases this year. The new Star Trek’s cast of fresh faces and big names bring magic to this film. Simon Pegg as Scottie is positively incredible. This version’s second disc is packed with an insane amount of features. Most notable are the deleted scenes that lengthen the beginning of the film and the Gag reel. Leonard Nimoy cursing his lines will have you rolling on the floor. With new Blu-ray movies dropping in price as of late, Star Trek is definitely one to add to your collection this holiday season.
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Watchmen: The Ultimate Cut
Watchmen can be summed up in three sweet words: Jackie Earle Haley. His dark and angry portrayal of Rorschak is so incredible it makes staring at a giant blue dong the rest of the film worth it. His unyielding search for justice makes him the reason this movie shines. Watchmen itself is one of the greatest graphic novels in print and this film adaption is by far the best comic book movie released this year. Despite a few liberties the script writers took with the ending, this is an extremely close adaption to the original novel. Its alternate reality setup with Nixon as our current president, doomsday clock threats, and normal everyday people taking up the mantle as super heroes was and is a fresh and original concept that any comic book fan should see. This four disc collection is loaded. The biggest addition to this is that the Directors Cut now has the animated Tales of the Black Freighter woven into the movie’s story. Tales of The Black Freighter, narrated by Gerard Butler, fits well here and finally getting the full experience is worth the price of admission. The studios did an excellent job with this side tale, something that could have been easily passed over. Also included is a Blu-ray special features disc, a digital copy of the theatrical release, and The Complete Motion Comic. Separately all of these sold for about $90 originally. Now, for about a third of that, you’ll get this amazing collection.
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Up
Disney’s Pixar just cannot lose. Each new animated release seems to trump the last one in animation quality and storybook originality. Up is a heartfelt tale of love, loss, and new beginnings coupled with adventure will have you watching it for years. The studios choice to Cast Ed Asner for the voice talent of the unlikely hero, Carl was atypical and genius. Disney has given Blu-ray buyers a lot with this release. Included in this package are the Blu-ray movie, Blu-ray special features disc, Standard DVD, and a digital copy. The Married Life special feature on the second disc is particularly cool, giving more depth to the characters you will certainly fall in love with here. Disney is thoughtfully pushing the move to Blu-ray by offering both HD and standard versions here for no additional cost. For those who have yet to take the HD plunge, this will ease your transition. This is one Blu-ray worth buying, it will certainly lift your spirits… Up. For more info, check out Kevin’s full review right here.
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Rome: The Complete Series
Although this has already been included in our TV on DVD Gift Guide, I felt compelled to include its high-def brother here. Formed from a collaboration of HBO and BBC, Rome is a stylized epic drama set during Ancient Rome’s transition from a republic to an empire. Highlighting the exploits of two roman soldiers, Lucius Vorenus and Titus Pullo, Rome is a historically accurate portrayal of the era that will hook history buffs as well as the rest of us. Those a bit squeamish may be turned off by Rome’s excessive use of violence, gore, and sex, but for the rest of us, Rome is a bloody sweet place to spend some time. This collection includes both seasons in eye-popping HD with all the bonus material for one low price. Rome is a show case for your home theatre setup providing outstanding visuals and top-notch sound. The bulky, oddly folded cases of the original DVD releases are now replaced by a sweet story book setup with a durable high gloss finish all in a sturdy slip case. If you’ve somehow missed this series previously, do yourself a favor and put this on your list. For more info, check out Chelsea’s full review right here.
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Harry Potter Years 1-6 collection
Based closely on J.K Rowling’s books, these movies are some of the best fantasy based films available. Warner Bros has done an incredible job of bringing these movies to high def and videophiles will fall in love with the transfer on these. This collection contains all six Hp movies to date: The Sorcerer’s Stone, Chamber of Secrets, Prisoner of Azkaban, Goblet of Fire, Order of the Phoenix, and the new Half-Blood Prince. Having all of these will get you primed for next year’s Deathly Hallows release. Releasing on December 8th, the Harry Potter Years 1-6 collection arrives just in time to pick it up before the big day. This set belongs on everyone’s list.
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Honorable Mention:
Clerks 15th Anniversary Edition
Now I know what you’re thinking. “How can a 15 year old black and white film be even considered for a Blu-ray gift guide pick?” Well reader, this is one for the Kevin Smith/View Askewniverse fans. This edition includes all the special features from the 10th anniversary version as well as a new intro by Director/Writer Kevin Smith and a new documentary on the making of Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back titled: “Oh, What a Lovely Tea Party.”This is the real worth in buying this version. It’s incredibly long, poorly shot, and has some sound quality issues, but is one of the most detailed, raw, and amusing making of’s I’ve seen. No actor, bit part, or behind the scenes guy was left out, they even chat it up with Morris Day and the Time! The transfer to Blu-ray isn’t stellar for the original film. Videophiles or Audiophiles won’t notice any major improvements, but fans of Kevin Smith movies should definitely pick this one up.
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