Carl's Pick of Released Blu-ray Titles

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Carl 's Pick of Released Titles

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Recommended Blu-ray Releases

Here are some of my favorite 'experience' films released on hidef. No apologies given for my opinionated descriptions.

2001: A Space Odyssey (Region ABC)  
A milestone in the development of film narrative, with production design decades ahead of its time.
Akira (1988) (Region ABC)  
The printed comic is an epic. The animated movie is a flawed work which follows the comics pacing for the first two thirds then tries to jam in a condensed ending which doesnt work as well. That said its still a wonderful, colorful, visually splendid journey.
Almost Famous (extended 'bootleg' version) (Region ABC) (UK release)  
A soulful coming-of-age tale set against a 1970's rock journalism backdrop.
American Gangster (Region ABC)  
At its core this is a fairly standard crime thriller, but its execution is deft, direct and engaging. Another home run by Ridley Scott, perhaps the best director we have alive today.
Apocalypto (Region ABC, newer pressings region A)  
Fantastic, historical, action film that doesn't take itself too seriously. How can it when its all in Mayan language and subtitled in English? A sumptuous visual feast that is riveting all the way through. Newer pressings are region locked so source locally if you don't have a region A player.
Black Book (2006) (Region ABC)  
Despite less than positive reviews, I love this Dutch War drama directed by Paul Verhoeven, and starring the entrancing Carice van Houten.
Black Narcissus (1947) (Region ABC, extras 576i) (UK release)  
A spellbinding old world drama set amongst Anglican nuns in the Himalayas. A technicolor treat directed by Powell and Pressburger and filmed by Jack Cardiff.
Blade Runner (Final Cut) (Region ABC)  
A classic film-noir sci-fi film. This new final-cut streamlines the movie and puts the finishing touches on this bleak tale about what makes us human. Check out the special features as the 'making-of' is a tale of high drama in itself.
Bleak House (2005) (Region ABC) (UK release)  
A dark, high-budget BBC adaption of the Charles Dickens novel. Great performances, great production design. The subject matter isn't watered down for family viewing.
Blood Diamond (Region ABC)  
A damn fine action/drama/adventure. The first film with DeCaprio where he didn't detract from the movie.
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (Region A)  
A western of sorts with a driving linear narrative that seems like it can only end with one outcome, and does. But it is fascinating and compelling all along the way, most likely due to its impeccable cast and direction. Shot with grainy stock and lots of filters the image isn't great for a hidef release but still a step up from DVD. Source locally if you don't have a region A player.
Casablanca (1942) (Region ABC)  
An all time classic with a fantastic restoration and hidef transfer. Play it again.
Casino (1995) (Region ABC)  
You know, when it was first released I thought it didn't live up to Goodfellas. But after watching both many times, I now prefer Casino. Any which way you look at it, its more Scorcese brilliance.
Casino Royale (2006) (Region ABC)  
In the top three Bond films, if not the best. Linked here is the fully uncut German release.
Chungking Express (Criterion Edition) (Region A)  
This almost expressionist blur of light and colors is an intersection of two unrelated stories of people and love. More bubbly and colorful than sentimental, this is my favorite of Wong Kar Wai's films. Source locally if you don't have a region A player.
Closer (2004) (Region ABC)  
A thematic remake of one of Mike Nichols earlier films, Closer is a bitter yet faintly beautiful tale of four unlikable and unredeemable characters.
Cloverfield (Region ABC)  
I hated the trailer, I hated the viral marketing and I usually hate any patronizing hand-held camera work (The Bourne movies were write-off for me because of this). However I loved this film; the way the narrative is revealed, the hidden details of the plot, the scope of the events and of course that over-the-top subwoofer track. Best viewed knowing nothing about it.
Dark City (Region A)  
An overlooked gem of a noir film with intriguing sci-fi elements. Stylistically this was an inspiration for the Matrix with many of the same shots, locations and crew. This new director's cut is the better version. Source locally if you don't have a region A player.
Dark Knight, The (2008)  
The more times I watch it the more I like it. Undoudtedly the best graphic novel superhero movie and perhaps one of the best crime films ever. Great direction, characters, cinematography and story telling.
Dawn of the Dead (2004) (Region ABC)  
Perhaps the best zombie film to date - and its a remake! Yes I love the originals and have seen all of the best, but this remake stays true and does one better. I can watch it over and over.
Departed, The (2006) (Region ABC)  
Despite a few plot holes and not being as good as the original (Infernal Affairs), this is still powerful cinema from Martin Scorcese.
Devil Wears Prada, The (2006) (Region A)  
A really great chick-flick that anyone can enjoy. Source locally if you don't have a region A player.
Doors, The (1991) (Region ABC)  
Whilst it is criticised by many as not being an accurate documentary of the band and its lead singer, it seems as though many miss the point that its not supposed to be and overlook a very entertaining film. Rather, its an experience which takes you back to the psychedelic infused joy of that point in history. Its the music and the glory of the the lizard-king rumbling acid poetry from the stale tequila underbelly of the 1960's USA. A highly recommended epic from Oliver Stone.
Eastern Promises (Region ABC)  
A tale of an ill deed amongst Russian Mafia in London. More dark brilliance from Cronenberg.
Evil Dead II: Dead By Dawn (Region ABC)  
Absurd, slapstick, black humored horror. The best of the trilogy and stands alone for those that haven't seen the first movie. Not the best compression, but still worth hidef viewing.
Fifth Element, The (Region ABC)  
An operatic, cheesy, comedy and in space too!
Firefly (2002) (Region ABC)  
A slightly corny but highly enjoyable western in space which has a lot of heart. This is the first (and only) half of the cancelled TV series. The story arcs started here are concluded in the separate movie titled "Serenity".
Fly, The (1986) (Region A)  
A dark, sci-fi horror from David Cronenberg which stands up well today. Jeff Goldblum's finest hour? Source locally if you don't have a region A player.
French Connection, The (Region ABC)  
A gritty 1970's police drama with great performances and characters.
Gattaca  
One of my favorite movies. A smart, inspirational story about the human spirit, with a distinct production design and an understated musical score.
Godfather Trilogy Collection, The (The Godfather, Godfather 2, Godfather 3) (Region ABC)  
A classic saga of Italian immigrants prospering in America in the dark shadow of the Cosa Nostra.
Goodfellas (Region ABC)  
After The Godfather, a couple of decades of mafia dilution into middle America gives us Goodfellas. A dizzying journey to the inevitable. Scorcese should have won an Oscar for this one.
Heroes-Season 1 (2006/II) (Region ABC)  
An excellent comic book styled sci-fi drama. Great concepts executed well with many story strands weaving through the series.
Hunt for Red October, The (Region ABC)  
A good popcorn film and in my opinion the best of the 'Jack Ryan' set. Its a political thriller set in the cold war on a submarine with USSRs best captain violating orders - to defect or start a war? Transfer isnt the great but this is the best available for home cinema.
Infernal Affairs (2002) (Region ABC) (Hong Kong release)  
A great crime thriller which is better than the film it inspired (The Departed).
Infernal Affairs II (Region ABC) (Hong Kong release)  
Think of this as the Godfather 2 of Infernal Affairs in both narrative and style. Its a prequel with a completely different feel and pace to the first. Rather than being a suspense-action film, this is a smoldering rise-to-power drama.
Interview with a Vampire (Region ABC)  
Despite being handicapped with the presence of Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt, this vampire film overcomes with its great story, direction and performances and avoidance of the typical vampire cliches.
Kill Bill Vol. 1 & 2 (Region ABC)  
An empowered-female gritty revenge film which is a colorful homage to Hong Kong fight films. Not to be taken too seriously, this film is a triumph of entertainment.
Kingdom of Heaven (Director's Cut) (Region A)  
I hated the theatrical version at the cinema, but I love this version with its sweeping cinematography and expanded, relaxed phrasing. Source locally if you don't have a region A player.
L.A. Confidential (1997) (Region ABC)  
A really good modern day film-noir with great performances.
Let the Right One In (2008) (Låt den rätte komma in) (Region ABC)  
A slightly supernatural, slightly romantic tale from Sweden. Highly recommended.
Life of Brian (Region ABC)  
The best of the Monty Python films.
Mad Men-Season 1 (Region ABC)  
A drama about Advertising Executives in 1960 New York. The production design is immaculate and styled similarly to a Douglas Sirk production. Not much seems to happen on the surface, but just like that period in history, strong thematic currents ebb and flow, unseen and repressed. It takes a few episodes to become sensitized to its rhythm and understated perspective, but once you do it is a rich, colourful, smoky cocktail.
Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (Region A)  
A great seafaring story about a captain's conflict between his duty and his pride. Excellent acting, characterizations and production values with an intelligent and unconventionally structured story. Fox should go stand in the corner of shame for not including all of the DVD extras. Source locally if you don't have a region A player.
Matrix Trilogy, The (Region ABC)  
Over hyped and over styled, but still a great visual action adventure. The first movie raises some good philosophical concepts and the second and third films spray the viewer with lots of entertaining stunts and visual effects.
Miami Vice (2006) (Region ABC)  
Michael Mann often portrays cold emotionally gagged characters. He has also taken to using video cameras at the very limit of their ability to pick up light in order to capture locations without stage lighting, which results in an image awash with video noise. The result of the technique and the characterizations is less than accessible and on the first viewing it didn't grab me. But with subsequent viewings I appreciate and revel in its deftly constructed brilliance.
Mission Impossible III (Region ABC)  
A good action spy adventure film which works well. Easily the best of the series.
Nightmare Before Christmas, The (Region ABC)  
Yes its a musical with stop motion figures in a Christmas theme. But, despite what would otherwise be unfixable handicaps, this all works as a wonderful, dark, compelling tale. One of my favorite films, which if I start watching even a few seconds of, I'm drawn in for the whole feature. Highly recommended. Source locally if you don't have a region A player.
No Country for Old Men (2007) (Region ABC)  
Brilliant and skilled film making with only a page of dialog for the first 30 minutes - with every grunt and breath rehearsed. The usual cliched musical cues are avoided with a total of only 2 minutes of subtle ambient scoring. The 'controversial' ending is merely unconventional in that it requires thought on a thematic level, rather than a spoon feeding of the usual Hollywood drivel. Regardless, the resulting film is a gripping suspense story that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Oldboy (Region ABC)  
A grim and gritty revenge film, filled with unique slices of cinema chopped up and served raw. There are many scenes which you wont have seen anything like before.
Orphanage, The (Region A)  
A great little Spanish horror film which avoids corny shocks, obnoxious teens and plot holes, in favor of some chilling ambience, suspense and an interesting story. Source locally if you don't have a region A player.
Pan's Labyrinth (Region ABC)  
A young girls fantasy world seamlessly woven into a Spanish war tale. And it works extremely well!
Passage to India, A (Region ABC)  
One of David Lean's lesser works but it still reverberates with the feeling of the old world, the colors of India, and a style of film which they just don't make any more.
Patton (Region A)  
I am not really into War films, but this one transcends the genre and is a brilliant epic with a charismatic lead performance by George C. Scott and storyline penned by Oliver Stone. If I had to recommend to someone my favorite war film, this character study would be it. Source locally if you don't have a region A player.
Planet of the Apes (1968) (Region A)  
A great science fiction film from the 1960's, that spawned a number of sequels and TV series and has pervaded popular culture. The original is by far the best and stands alone without the interesting but inferior sequels. Source locally if you don't have a region A player.
Predator, The (Region A)  
One of the best action films ever with a perfectly cast Arnold Schwarzenegger in the lead role. If you haven't seen it already, don't read anything about it, including the back cover synopsis, and dive straight into it. The main feature of this Blu-ray release is a big step up from the DVD release, although missing all of the great special features from the latter. Source locally if you don't have a region A player.
Prestige, The (2006) (Region A)  
An immaculate period mystery thriller with many twists and turns and sights and sounds and smells. Source locally if you don't have a region A player.
Princess Bride, The (Region A)  
A swashbuckling book adaption which does justice to its source and captures the charm and wit of this comedic fantasy tale. Source locally if you don't have a region A player.
Proposition, The (2005) (Region ABC)  
A rough and gritty western with some great performances and superb execution. This little gem has been mostly overlooked in its theatrical and home video releases.
Ratatouille (Region A)  
One of Pixar's best and aimed more at mature viewers. Brad Bird really is the soul of Pixar now. Highly recommended. Source locally if you don't have a region A player.
Rock, The (Region ABC)  
Big, dumb, men's action film with military types shouting at one another. For that genre, it doesnt get much better.
Sand Pebbles, The (Region A)  
From the initial musical overture against a black screen this film has an energy and old world classic feel that has long disappeared from modern film. Full of location work in China and set at an interesting period in history, its ambitions to grandeur are mostly realized and diminished only by an allegorical ending alluding to the Vietnam war. Source locally if you don't have a region A player.
Shining, The (1980) (Region ABC)  
One of the best horror films in that it works subconsciously, not through visual clichés. This is the longer, better, USA theatrical cut.
Silence of the Lambs, The (Region ABC)  
A serial-killer cat and mouse suspense-thriller with great performances by Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster. The film also deservedly won Best Picture of 1991.
Slumdog Millionaire (Region A)  
A highly stylized thriller set against the slums of Mumbai, corrupt gangsters and an equally maligned TV game show host. This movie won quite a few Oscars and deserved most of them. Source locally if you don't have a region A player.
Starship Troopers (Region ABC)  
At first glance this seems to be like an episode of 90210 in space. However, after a while it becomes obvious that this not merely a plastic product from Hollywood, but an ironic commentary from a Dutch director about the artifice of Hollywood, and more widely the USA, its xenophobia, government and military fascism. Listen to the commentary for some great insights.
Texas Chainsaw Massacre, The (1974) (Region A)  
From todays perspective its difficult to see how groundbreaking this film was back when it was released. There was nothing like it then and it has become a template for dozens of films since. Despite its age and all its copies, it is still a chilling horror film which achieves its tension through subtle creepy build-ups and visceral reveals. Source locally if you don't have a region A player.
There Will Be Blood (Region ABC)  
A modern day classic with a brilliant performance by Daniel Day Lewis. To me this film feels like Kubrick; in the shots, the music and the narrative structure. Feminists may have a field day with this one as I don't think there is a single female character, but that doesn't rob the film of its left-of-center brilliance.
Thing, The (1986) (Region ABC)  
A really good horror film from the 1980's, that despite lots of makeup effects that are starting to date, its still a chilling experience of isolation and paranoia.
Third Man, The (1949) (Region A)  
A prototype for the film noirs that would come a decade later. This is a great little mystery thriller with wonderful black and white cinematography and performances. Source locally if you don't have a region A player.
Transformers (2007) (Region ABC)  
Teen-boy fantasy nonsense that is hard not to love if you don't take it seriously. Michael Bay takes his effects and cinematographic style to the next level. It shouldn't be, but its great.
Unbreakable (Region ABC)  
Many don't like this M. Night Shyamalan tale at all. Maybe its the presence of Bruce Willis, maybe its the preposterous character played by Samuel L. Jackson. Regardless, this slightly silly, slightly mysterious story with its clean slick cinematography and lighting, is a definite guilty pleasure of mine.
Untouchables, The (1987) (Region ABC)  
This is one of a few films which I can love or dislike on different viewings. It is a period crime film centered around Al Capone, written by David Mamet and directed by Brian De Palma, with a great performance by Kevin Costner (!) and music by Ennio Morricone. The aspect that sometimes doesn't ring true to me is Sean Connery's performance. But many will disagree with me and its still recommended viewing.
Usual Suspects, The (Region A)  
A puzzle within an enigma, within a great mystery thriller. Shame on Fox for not including all the DVD extras. Source locally if you don't have a region A player.
Wall-E (Region A)  
Another wonderful animated tale from Pixar. The trailer repelled me, yet the movie is wonderful. The first half hour has barely a line of dialog yet the tale is told so emotionally and so well. Recommended. Source locally if you don't have a region A player.
Weeds-Season 1 (Region ABC)  
One of the best TV series of recent years. Legally 'incorrect' without losing its morality. Real drama/comedy for real people, not network stereotypes.
Weeds-Season 2 (Region ABC)  
The drama is stepped up and hits a climax in this second series. Don't bother with series 3 as it flounders with plot holes and doesn't live up to the first two.

Carl's new & upcoming picks: