This Week's Home Releases | 14th January

This section of Great Expectations features the hottest home releases of the week.
If i've missed any, please leave a comment below.

Slim pickings this week in regards to anything i've personally seen, but that's the beauty of home releases, no? LoveFilm is at the ready!

Dredd 3D - Adapted from comic strip Judge Dredd, this retelling of the titular law enforcer proved quite popular with critics and audiences alike, and i personally loved it. An exemplary adaptation that pits Dredd (Karl Urban) and a newcomer to the force (Olivia Thirlby) in a dystopian metropolis called Mega-City One, an essential post-apocalyptic wasteland, where the Judges hold the power to judge, jury and execute. They both head to a nearby apartment complex before being closed in by big baddy Ma-Ma (Lena Headey), a feared drug lord. They both attempt to survive the onslaught of a 200-storey high-rise block of flats. Beautiful yet incredibly violent, this 3D action-thriller packs one hell of a punch.

Lawless - Tom Hardy, Shia LaBeouf, Gary Oldman, favourite Jessica Chastain, Guy Pearce and Mia Wasikowska star in western gangster flick Lawless, set during the prohibition in the US as a bootlegging gang is threatened by a new deputy and the authorities who want a cut of the profits. John Hillcoat directs.

247 Degrees Fahrenheit - Halloween's Scout Taylor Compton and Travis Van Winkle (what a name!) star in this horror-thriller as four friends head to a lakeside cabin for a getaway. All is happy as Larry until they become locked in a sauna, and as the heat rises they must make tough decisions in order to survive. Worth a watch, even if it's to laugh at the implausibly stupid premise.

Shadow Dancer - Andrea Riseborough, Clive Owen and Gillian Anderson star in this tense drama as a Northern Irish woman makes the tough decision between her family's loyalty and the possibility of becoming an MI5 informant. 

This Week's DVD/Blu-ray Choice, November 22nd

This week's chosen release is, unsurprisingly, Pixar's smash-hit Toy Story 3.

Pixar's highly anticipated sequel -- carrying on the story of Woody, Buzz and co. after a pro-longed eleven years -- beat all expectations and box office numbers, with Lee Unkrich, Pixar's handyman, helming the project. Astoundingly, the story was as invigorating and as fresh as any other stand-alone film, bringing life to the toys that have unfortunately been left behind by their owner, Andy. Unintentionally shipped off to Sunnyside Daycare Centre, our toys must battle it out with Lotso, a strawberry scented cuddly toy whose previous life with his owner left him miserable and deluded. An immensely enjoyable, hilarious and brilliantly heartfelt farewell to the toys. This is Pixar, a blu-ray purchase is recommended.

Honourable Mentions:

Thankfully the only other release this week is Nativity, a heartwarming Christmas tale of one grouchy teacher (Martin Freeman) coming to terms with the nativity play he has to plan. Full of uplifting musical numbers and cutesy kids to warm the hearts of those wishing for a delightful Christmas flick to tide themselves over for the 25th.

This Week's DVD/Blu-ray Choice, September 20th

This week's chosen DVD release is the Spanish horror sequel, [REC]2.

Jaume Balaguero and Paco Plaza team once again after the surprising acclaim for their high octance, intense first-hand horror [REC], detailing an infectious outbreak within the confines of an apartment block from the view of a reporter and her cameraman. Unnervingly ending, a sequel was inevitable. This time we follow a group of SWAT team members outfitted with cameras enter the quarantined building just seconds after the first ended. Accompanied by a medical officer, the team must acquire a blood sample from one of the building's infectious inhabitants, proving rather difficult due to their increasingly problematic state. A worthwhile sequel, changing the pace almost entirely from a full-blown horror, to an action film with elements of horror - much like Alien and it's James Cameron directed sequel Aliens.


Honourable Mentions:

Surprisingly, J-Lo's return to the big-screen in The Back-Up Plan wasn't as terrible as most were expecting. Sure it suffered under a predicable script, with even more predictable performances from its lead stars, but somehow it managed to sweeten me enough to not fully loathe the characters and the melodramatic situations they find themselves in. Jennifer Lopez's character is articifically inseminated the day she meets the hunk of her dreams, therefore breaks the news to him upon their first full night together. Sticking around, he attempts to care for her through her pregnancy. A light, often frothy, romcom with a few decent laughs.


Dishonourable Mentions:

Not even Julie Andrews can raise this sinking turd. Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson continues his streak of family-friendly, supposedly laugh-a-second, comedies with The Tooth Fairy, the edgy true story of a pro hockey player that lands a part-time job as a high-flying, child-stalking mystical tooth fairy due to his particularly bad deed against his girlfriend's child. Well, i may have strayed a little, but hey, it sounds a million times better, no?




Other releases...

Roman Polanski's political thriller The Ghost (The Ghost Writer) based on Robert Harris' novel depicts the intense story of Ewan McGregor's character taking the job of completing the memoirs of an infamous ex prime minister which almost instantly proves life threatening. The film co-stars Pierce Brosnan, Olivia Williams and Kim Cattrall.

This Week's DVD/Blu-ray Choice, September 13th

This week's biggest, and frankly best, DVD release is the Mike Newell directed Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time.

Produced by blockbuster extraordinaire Jerry Bruckheimer, one of the most successful game-to-film adaptations hits shelves this week, with hunk Jake Gyllenhaal taking on the title role of Dastan, an orphan-turned-Prince accused of murdering his father, the King. Chased around the desert by his Uncle's henchmen, Dastan is accompanied by a rival princess (Gemma Arterton) and a magical dagger with the powers to turn back time. Spellbinding special effects, a quirky but rather loathsome couple and an adventure that works wonders. The entertainment factor is sky high, therefore vastly overpowers the negativities. Read my full review here!

Honourable Mentions:

Two of comedies most trusted treasures Steve Carrell and Tina Fey team up in Date Night, a high octane action comedy directed by Shawn Levy. A case of mistaken identity in New York City send a troubled married couple on an adventure to remember when they're chased down by a mob boss. While the laughs may lack in certain areas, the duo maintain a chemistry that is delightful to watch throughout. An enjoyable Friday night flick, with a hilarious set of bloopers during the credits!

This Week's DVD/Blu-ray Choice, September 6th

Without a single doubt, the reigning champion of the releases this week is ballsy action comedy, Kick-Ass.

Matthew Vaughn (Layer Cake, Stardust) astounded audiences worldwide with his undoubtably genre-defining take on Mark Millar's renowned graphic novel. Nowhere Boy star Aaron Johnson stars as Dave, your typical geeky teen whose curiosity surrounding super-heroes gets the best of him. Adopting a new identity, Kick-Ass, he attempts to fight crime, no matter how little the problem. With no training or powers, real super-heroes Big Daddy and Hit-Girl are the ones that attract attention from crime kingpin Frank D'Amico (Mark Strong). One of the best of '10, Kick-Ass is brilliant violent, with Jane Goldman's script proving to be one of the most refreshing of the year. It has to be said; the film kicks ass.

Honourable Mentions:

The second of this year's Nicholas Sparks adaptations is The Last Song, the teen drama starring Hannah Montana's Miley Cyrus. While many dissed the film plainly for starring the teen star, i was personally surprised at how much she didn't suck every inch of air out of Julie Anne Robinson's poignant teen drama. Rebellious Ronnie (Cyrus) heads to her father's beach house for the summer, unintentionally repairing the bonds they once had whilst flaring up a relationship with a local (Liam Hemsworth). Typically Sparks, but the film is an easy watch and a guaranteed weeper for the tweens that worship Cyrus' music.

This Week's DVD/Blu-ray Choice, 23rd August

This week's chosen DVD is Dear John.

Limited choices this week, but the the adaptation of Nicholas Sparks' latest romantic fare Dear John is enough to tide viewers over for a week. Amanda Seyfried joins with Hollywood hunk Channing Tatum as two 'caught in the moment' lovers, with Tatum's duties to the war tearing them apart. Keeping in contact traditionally by letter, the two write back and forth. But will their love be strong enough? Hardly straying from Sparks' own style, the film never particularly appears sugar coated. The story never truly falls saccharine, merely realistic in relationship terms. Seyfried and Tatum have terrific chemistry, making the film all the more believable. A DVD purchase is perfectly fine.

Dishonourable Mentions:

Jude Law and Forest Whitaker team up in Repo Men, a macho action romp about two friends whose job entitlement of reclaiming artificial organs proves too much once Law's character is fitted with one himself. Straying from the company's wishes, Law teams up with an outlaw to escape the repo men after them, willing to do anything and kill anyone to stay alive. While the premise is promising, it never fully lives up, with writing failing to induce any sort of realism in the characters and the situations which occur. A wasted opportunity, with Darren Lynn Bousman's Repo: The Genetic Opera proving a substantial amount more interesting.

This Week's DVD/Blu-ray Choice, 16th August

This week's chosen flick is Drew Barrymore's directorial debut in Whip It!

Ellen Page stars with a fantastic supporting cast - Kirstin Wiig, Marcia Gay Harden, Juliette Lewis and Barrymore herself - in a film displaying the very best in all-out girl power. Bliss Cavendar is bored with her mother's forcefully, pageant-loving attitude. Therefore strays and joins with an all girls roller derby team, a competitive, violent sport that just about mixes up every aspect of Bliss' life up. Fantastic performances full of vigor and fun, clearly written and directed with a delicate and loving nature. One of the year's most enjoyable films, hands down.

Honourable Mentions:

David Duchovny joins forces with Demi Moore in this surprise hit of the year, The Joneses. The two are the structures of a faux family moving into a neighbourhood with the mission of selling almost everything they own. Equipped with the very best, the 'family' must encourage the surrounding families to want the same, seemingly idyllic, lifestyle. A downright original, well written drama with Moore and Duchovny on top form.

Neil Marshall, the director of The Descent, writes and helms the latest 'toga epic' with Centurion. A rag-tag group of soldiers must defeat the devilish Picts after they jump them with a surprising guerilla attack. Running for their very lives, the Picts, led by Quantum of Solace's Olga Kurylenko, specialise in the bewilderingly outlandish, therefore forcing the soldiers to tread carefully. An intense cat and mouse thriller, with stunning cinematography making for an enjoyable action adventure. Read the full review here.

This Week's DVD/Blu-ray Choice, 9th August

This week's chosen flick is the football drama, The Blind Side.

Based on the extraordinary true story, The Blind Side follows young Michael Oher born into the wrong side of the tracks, but adopted by the wealthy, fun-loving Tuohy family - lead admirably by Leigh Anne Tuohy (played by Sandra Bullock in her first Oscar winning role). Michael transcends from a homeless, troubled boy to a loved, sought-after football player. While the theme addressed may not be particularly original, it's typically moving and occasionally witty, mostly, unsurprisingly, due to Bullock. If a hook for viewings was possible, Bullock is it. A fantastic performance and instantly likable presence remains as the film's highlight.

Dishonourable Mentions:

Scott Charles Stewart's Legion is also released this week. After God loses all faith in mankind, he orders all angels to bring the Apocalypse to the Earth. Straying from his orders, Archangel Michael (Paul Bettany) sheds his earned wings and heads to a secluded diner in the desert where an group of unlikely people will be pitted in the middle of an extravagant war. While it may sound intriguing and original, what we're actually left with is a befuddled, badly acted, terribly scripted piece of nonsense that, despite a dreary amount of worthy action sequences, is an all-round disappointment - especially after the fantastically explosive red-band trailer released months before it's release.

Next week: Whip It!, Centurion, The Joneses

This Week's DVD/Blu-ray Choice, 3rd August

This week's chosen flick is no other than Martin Scorsese's Shutter Island.

Set in 1954, Scorsese's latest flick focuses on U.S. Marshall Teddy Daniels (Leonardo DiCaprio) and his investigation surrounding the disappearance of a potentially dangerous inmate held at a secluded hospital for the criminally insane. Accompanied by his partner Chuck Aule (Mark Ruffalo), the pair can't help but feel something is odd upon Shutter Island. Twists and turns galore in this mind-bending psychological thriller, with an almost perfect build-up to a so-so ending. A fantastically unnerving score fits perfectly with the island's distinctly creepy setting, with top notch performances by DiCaprio and Ben Kingsley proving worthwhile alone. A Blu-ray purchase is recommended, purely to make the most out of the score on a surround sound system.

Honourable Mentions:

Jim Carrey's partially-serious turn in I Love You, Philip Morris was one of my surprise favourites of the year, in a more-than-average love story with fellow inmate Ewan McGregor proving refreshing from the rest of the year's romantic comedies. The story follows Steven Russell, a man whose life revolving around cons and fraud leads him to multiple prison sentences where he meets Philip Morris, with a romance blossoming almost instantly. The true story is baffling enough, so to have Jim Carrey play such a hilariously surprising role is just brilliant. Although, some may find certain scenes uncomfortable -- the dozen people fleeing from my cinema screen proved said theory.

Dishonourable Mentions:

Jackie Chan's latest 'comedy' fodder, The Spy Next Door, is also released this week, proving that Vin Diesel's The Pacifier wasn't enough to piss viewers off with it's drastically unfunny one-liners and sickly tedious storyline. Cue dozens of fart jokes and Chan's all-too-familiar need to pull tacky faces for cheap laughs.

This Week's DVD/Blu-ray Choice, 26th July

The only two partially worthwhile releases this week just happen to be my joint choice.

My chosen two are:

-Clash of the Titans (2010)

-Remember Me

Despite being critically hated, Clash of the Titans, the remake of the 1981 original, pits Sam Worthington (originally Harry Hamlin) against an enormous amount of befuddlingly fictitious, other-wordly creatures only Greek mythology could configure. Still, despite copious amounts of cheese, the film is extravagantly entertaining if you're into your explosive effects, stunning set pieces and Sam Worthington in a toga. A blu-ray purchase is recommended, purely to see the glorious Medusa scene in high-def.

Secondly, we have Edward, i mean Robert Pattinson, star in Remember Me as a rebellious New Yorker whose run in with a cop forces him to forge an unlikely friendship with his daughter, leading, predictably, to a relationship shrouded in lies. Despite how unoriginal the plot is, the breakout performance from Pattinson proves he actually can act, and the superior ending is jaw-dropping enough to fall instantly memorable.

This Week's DVD/Blu-ray Choice, 19th July

Excluding The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (a film i have yet to see), the rest of this week's releases are surprisingly decent. The remake of George A. Romero's The Crazies and the sequel to hit family comedy Nanny McPhee gaining honorable mentions, but the joint two i have picked are as follows.

My joint two are:

-Chloe

-Donnie Darko: Theatrical & Director's Cut

Seductive, sexually-charged thriller Chloe is released this week, with Amanda Seyfried (from Mean Girls and Mamma Mia fame) channeling her inner adult as she is hired by curious wife Julianne Moore as she suspects her husband, Liam Neeson, having an affair. Moore and Seyfried sizzle in every scene they're featured in, with a delightfully devious, but sensually dazzling, performance from Seyfried. A DVD purchase is fine.

Donnie Darko, a cult favourite, is being re-released this week on blu-ray, containing both the theatrical and director's cut editions of the much-loved indie flick. The end of the world is near in Richard Kelly's critically acclaimed feature, with Jake Gyllenhaal earning his stardom as Donnie, a troubled teen whose visions of a large bunny rabbit named Frank manipulates him to commit a series of crimes.

This Week's DVD/Blu-ray Choice, 12th July

A multitude of choices this week, all of which vary rather extravagantly. From critically-hated chick flicks, to publically-misunderstood comedies.

My joint three are:

-Youth in Revolt

-Green Zone

-Valentine's Day

Miguel Arteta directs Youth in Revolt, the outlandish comedy starring teen favourite Michael Cera. Nick Twisp lives with his trailer trash mother and her bum of a boyfriend, but life becomes bliss once Sheeni Saunders (Portia Doubleday) comes on the scene. However, once thrown into the 'friend zone', Nick finds he must create an alternate personality to vicariously live through to wreck havoc in hope that Sheeni finds said personality attractive. While the film may be limited to those with a hardened sense of humour, the film never ceases to amuse with it's fantastically written script and near perfect cast of hilariously inept characters.

War film fans should eat Green Zone up, the latest product of the pairing between Paul Greengrass (The Bourne Supremacy) and Matt Damon. Once Chief Warrant Officer Miller (Damon) discovers faulty intelligence, it forces him to go rogue as he hunts for Weapons of Mass Destruction in an unstable region. Doing so, his actions force even his own side to turn on him. A clear professional, Greengrass successfully captures the ferocious, often terrifying, trials involved when involved in the war, with Damon once again flexing his acting chops.

Lastly, whilst Valentine's Day was pretty much spat upon by critics, fans of chick flicks are bound to have a blast watching their favourite actors team up for two hours. An extraordinarily good looking ensemble cast consisting of Anne Hathaway, Julia Roberts, Bradley Cooper, Jessica Biel and Patrick Dempsey all grace the screen for Gary Marshall's latest heartwarmer, as a cast of hopefuls trek through one of the most romantic days of the year, Valentine's Day. Some stories are touching; some are bleak; some are just downright silly. But, as i've said, its target audience will have a field day.

DVD purchases for all will be perfectly fine. I, however, have succumbed to the special 'Pink-ray' edition of Valentine's Day which contains the Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Copy.

This Week's DVD/Blu-ray Choice, 5th July

This week hands-down belongs to a certain teen fantasy which has remained as one of the most all-round enjoyable of the year for myself.

My choice this week is Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief.

Chris Columbus, the director of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, brings us the first entry in the hopeful franchise which centers around the troublesome teen Percy Jackson (Logan Lerman) whose realisation about his Greek heritage sparks a series of potentially life-threatening situations involving legendary creations which can only usually be seen in the toga-wearing epics such as Clash of the Titans. Teaming up with two other younguns, Percy must triumph over the various obstacles to defeat whoever has fiendishly stolen Zeus' lightning bolt, clear his name and save his Mum - who has been unwillingly snatched by Lord of the Underworld, Hades. A cast of down-to-Earth, likable characters and an entertaining, whirlwind of a story fuse together to make a furiously enjoyable 120 minutes. Despite an undeniable resemblance to the likes of Harry Potter and Twilight -- both of which are also book-to-film adaptations -- the film opens the series strong, therefore is equally as deserving as films thrown into the similar genre. The Triple Play Edition Blu-ray is a must - if solely for the wonderful packaging, DVD copy, Digital Copy and the special features exclusive to Blu-ray.

Blu-ray Special Features -

Deleted scenes

Secrets of the Gods featurette

Discover Your Powers quiz

Inside Camp Half-Blood featurette

On set with Brandon T. Jackson featurette

Meet the Demigods featurette

Composing for the Gods: A conversation with Christophe Beck

BD Live extras

This Week's DVD/Blu-ray Choice, 28th June

An above-average week for rather poignant dramas, with my choice somewhat undecided between two. I shan't, however, succumb to Peter Jackson's rendition of Alice Sebold's novel The Lovely Bones, therefore sticking with an upsettingly under-publicised film.

My choice this week is Everybody's Fine.

Nanny McPhee director Kirk Jones helms the remake of the Italian original, Stanno tutti bene, with veteran Robert De Niro taking the lead role of the retired and sadly widowed Frank, an estranged father of four whose attempt at reconnecting with his children is foiled by their lack of involvement and enthusiasm to spend time with him. The spontaneous roadtrip leads Frank around the country in all hope to reuinte the family for a classic Christmas. The film was unfortunately criticised by many, but i couldn't help but fall in love with Robert De Niro. Conveying a multitude of varied emotions, an instantly relatable character makes the entire film worthwhile. It remains consistently well-written; witty and incredibly moving, with a perfect ensemble of co-stars ranging from Drew Barrymore to Sam Rockwell. A DVD purchase is fine, just make sure to buy a box of Kleenex on the way back from the store.

This Week's DVD/Blu-ray Choice - 21st June

The lack of new releases on the shelves this week should emphasise the one which truly deserves recognition which, in my opinion, stands as one of the best films this year.

My choice this week is The Princess and the Frog.

Disney's return to hand-drawn animation proves successful with the critically acclaimed feature, focusing on one girl's lifelong dream to own a restaurant in New Orleans. Still, nothing is as simple as it seems as the evil Dr. Facilier turns the pompous Prince Naveen into a frog. Attempting to relinquish him from his curse, Tiana goes by the classic fairytale and kisses the prince, unwillingly turning herself into a frog also. The film is full of soulful tracks, all fused with a deeply heartwarming story. A blu-ray purchase is an absolute must due to Disney's track record for pitch-perfect audio and visual -- and the blu-ray/DVD combo never goes a-miss.

This Week's DVD/Blu-ray Choice - 14th June

Plummeting from last week's many picks, i come with one this week with one mere release. Still, it's a cracker!

My choice this week is Crazy Heart.

Jeff Bridges won the Oscar for Best Actor for his portrayal of Bad Blake, the washed-up country musician. Reduced to playing gigs in small and rather drab halls, Blake meets small-time New Mexico journalist Jean Craddock. Jean, along with her four-year-old son, forces Blake to reassess his life (which is usually full of one night stands and copious amounts of whisky). The plot remains simple, but thrives on the more-than-impressive talents by it's main actors (Bridges and Gyllenhaal, especially) - with the beautifully written title song, "The Weary Kind", also taking an Oscar. A DVD purchase would be fine.

WARNING: Teen 'horror' The Haunting of Molly Hartley is also released this week. If you value your life, you shall remain ten feet away from this atrocity. Not even Chace Crawford's charm can surface this abysmal piece of s**t.

This Week's DVD/Blu-ray Choice - 7th June

A busy week in the land of DVD/Blu-ray releases this week, leaving me unable to pick just one. Luckily, i've three to choose from!

My joint three are:

-Brothers

-A Single Man

-Ponyo

All three stand firm in some of my favourites of '10, starting off with the war-drama Brothers. War veteran Sam Cahill (Tobey Maguire) goes missing in Afghanistan, leaving his wife Grace (Natalie Portman) and their two daughters distraught beyond comprehension. Luckily, Sam's misunderstood brother Tommy (Jake Gyllenhaal) is on hand to comfort Grace. When Sam unexpectedly returns home, he's clearly not himself. Traumatized by the events at war, his actions prove similar to the tactics he was forced under. A brilliantly acted remake of the Danish original, with a last act so unimaginably powerful it's hard not to be affected. A DVD purchase is fine.

Secondly, we have Colin Firth starring in his BAFTA award winning role in A Single Man. George (Firth), an English professor, deals with the death of his partner, Jim (Matthew Goode). Entirely unfazed by his surroundings, he goes about his average-ordinary day in Los Angeles. Tom Ford, the writer and director, has created a perfect balance of love and loss. A poignant, beautifully directed and almost poetic feature. A blu-ray purchase is recommended to emphasise the stunning visuals.

Lastly, we have the latest feature to be released by Studio Ghibli, the wonderfully uplifting Ponyo. A five-year-old boy Sosuke befriends what he thinks is a goldfish, which he so lovingly names Ponyo. However, Sosuke is unaware that Ponyo is actually a Princess who longs to be human. A captivating animation with a story so profoundly moving and heartwarming. Another hit by Master Miyazaki! A blu-ray purchase is recommended to highlight the beautifully drawn animation.

This Week's DVD/Blu-ray Choice - 31st May

Only a dribble of releases this coming Monday to choose from, both of which are mere time-wasters.

My choice this week is Daybreakers.

Ethan Hawke stars in the latest in the string of vampire-related action flicks, this time spinning it on it's axis and enabling the vampires to have the title role. In the year 2019, the world is overrun by vampires living their every day, albeit vastly changed, life. The uproar in the lack of blood has sent most citizens into a craze, most even turning into a Nosferatu-like demon of the night. Still, researcher Edward Dalton (Hawke) vows to create a supplement, and possible antidote to change everybody back from vampire to human. Dalton teams up with a rag-tag group of hunted humans, endangering both himself and some of the last remaining sources of blood on the planet.

A Blu-ray purchase may be needed to enhance the more action-orientated scenes, but frankly it's not needed.

This Week's DVD/Blu-ray Choice - 24th May

Both DVDs/Blu-rays released this coming Monday have been critically appraised upon their theatrical release, but i'll be recommending only one.

My choice this week is Up in the Air.

George Clooney stars, in his Oscar-nominated role, as Ryan Bingham, a man whose job revolves around him traveling across the country, infiltrating other companies and firing people. That is until his company grounds him, leaving him to train up-and-comer Natalie (Twilight's Anna Kendrick in a career-defining role). His dislike gets the best of him, until he meets fellow-business woman Alex (Vera Farmiga). Written, partially, and directed by Jason Reitman, the film is a cleverly written, brilliantly acted drama. A DVD purchase would be perfectly fine for the film Up in the Air is.

This Week's DVD/Blu-ray Choice - 17th May

This Monday saw the release of a vast majority of DVD/Blu-ray releases, and surprising find it hard to recommend just one.

My joint-three (I know, indecisive much?) are:

-Sherlock Holmes

-The Road

-The Boys Are Back

All three are fairly different. With Robert Downey, Jr donning the detective attire, along with his handy sidekick Jude Law, Sherlock Holmes was undoubtedly one of the most thrilling, and all-round entertaining last-entries of 2009. With a quirky, well-written script behind the film and Guy Ritchie taking the director's stand, it was clear it'd be a high-flying success. A blu-ray purchase is recommended.

The Road, however, takes an enormously different route. Adapted from the acclaimed novel by Cormac McCarthy, this depressing tale of a father and his son surviving a post-apocalyptic world is immersive viewing. With Viggo, 'Aragorn', Mortensen carrying the film with his faux-son Kodi Smit-McPhee (boasting his incredible talent, look out for this one!). Another blu-ray recommendation, if only for the brilliantly harsh world which is portrayed on-screen.

Lastly, Clive Owen, a man i can't say i was a fan of before the film, stars as widower Joe Warr in The Boys Are Back. Based on a true story, we follow a man and his troubles of bringing up his charismatic son after the death of his wife. Incredibly heartfelt and beautifully directed, highlighting the bonds between child and parent. Sadly a blu-ray isn't available in the UK, but if possible, import it from the States. The cinematography of the Australian outback is astoundingly stunning! If not, the DVD is going cheap.