TOP TEN DVDS AND BLU RAYS OF 2013

I initially thought I was going to start the month discussing my favorite movies.  However, since I haven't seen THE HOBBIT or ANCHORMAN 2 yet, I'll hold off until I decide if they are worthy to end up on a top ten list of a blog that gets two or three hits a day.  Instead, let's discuss some of the best Blu-Rays that I spent too much money on this year.


10) PACIFIC RIM - Thank god that Guillermo Del Toro knows we buy Blu Rays for special features...because his movies are always packed.  As usual, his commentary is a highlight, a lecture on how to layer a film with imagery and symbols that work on the viewer's subconscious.  For anyone who felt this movie was "shallow," listen to this commentary and discover how much thought was put into everything on the screen.  Simply amazing.

9) CHUCKY: THE COMPLETE COLLECTION - Universal did a great job getting all the Child's Play movies in one place.  They even licensed the first film from MGM just so the boxset could be "complete."  The set disappoints in extras for the 2nd and 3rd movie...because there aren't any.  If nothing else, the scenes from the television versions would have been a nice inclusion.  Thankfully the other movies have all the extras present in the DVD counterparts.  If this set doesn't interest you, I urge you to pick up the standalone release of CURSE OF CHUCKY...the best direct to DVD horror film in years.

8) REGULAR SHOW: SEASONS 1 AND 2 - A Blu Ray packed with 11 minute doses of off-the-wall 80's nostalgia.  Surprisingly packed with special features for an animated series on Cartoon Network, the picture quality on this Blu ray is great.  Each episode has a commentary and there are even a few documentaries and unaired episodes.  If you are a fan, pick it up.

7) THE WALKING DEAD: SEASON 3 - The world's best zombie soap opera comes back with another strong Blu Ray release.  Commentaries, featurettes, and the chance to see Andrea go the way of the dodo in hi-def are just some of the treats that await fans of this amazing series.

6) THE FOG -  The folks at SHOUT FACTORY released a lot of great Blus of classic horror this year.  This one is so good that it gave me new appreciation for a John Carpenter film that has never been one of my favorites.  If nothing else, we get Tom Atkins in a commentary...and that is worth the price of admission alone.

5)  MAN OF STEEL - The movie is flawed...but the Blu Ray is not.  Best feature: watch the movie with Zach Snyder, cast, and crew as they discuss every aspect that went into making this movie.  A nice combination of commentary and documentary.

4) THE HOBBIT: EXTENDED EDITION - Not only is the extended cut superior, but the commentaries and documentaries really shed light on every aspect of the making of this movie.  I was shocked that they even touched on Guillermo Del Toro's brief stint in the director's chair.  Man, what I wouldn't give to see that movie.

3) THIS IS 40 - Judd Apatow's latest looks and sounds great on Blu Ray.  It has an hour long making of, insightful commentary, and the usual collection of deleted scenes, alternate lines, and gag reels that make each Apatow Blu Ray such a treat.

2) THE HOWLING - Another reference quality release from SHOUT FACTORY.  Outstanding picture quality and a lot of solid documentaries cover everything you would want to know about the making of this werewolf classic.  The transformation scenes are especially impressive in this new transfer.

1) SINISTER - While this Blu only contains a couple of lame featurettes and some commentaries, the movie is worth having in any horror fan's collection.  I was truly scared by this movie...it's what I wanted THE CONJURING to be.

There it is...another year, another fortune spent on home media.  Thank god I have an understanding wife.