Not Playing at a Multiplex Near Me
2012 was a year when some exceptional films came out and yet didn't play at a theater near me (one of the things I miss after moving from the big city into the 'burbs). Some of my favorite films this year simply didn't make it to the theaters at all. Plus this year saw a couple of old classics finally (and rightfully) arrive on Blu-ray Disc with exceptionally clean picture and sound. Blu-ray isn't all about blockbusters and new releases. It's also the best way to enjoy the classics.
While plenty of my current favorite TV shows - It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Spartacus and Copper - recently arrived on Blu-ray I'll stick to those titles that I've enjoyed because it wasn't possible to catch them on TV. Moreover this seemed to be the year that Asian films broke out of the usual genres a bit, and it was nice to see films offer an insightful look at stories that have largely been ignored.
Here are my top five Blu-rays for 2012 in no particular order:
Anonymous (Sony Pictures)
Truth be told I hadn't even heard of this one when the Blu-ray arrived for review and this story about William Shakespeare and the life of Queen Elizabeth I is one of the most interesting films I've seen this year. The twist in this one is that Old Will didn't pen his plays but that they were the work of court favorite Edward de Vere. Talk about Shakespearian plot twist! But what was remarkable about this one is the convincing use of limited sets along with extensive Blu-rays. Watch the film, then the extras and then the film again and repeat - much like enjoying the Bard's plays over and over.
My Way (Well Go USA)
If you missed this Korean-made film that probably isn't a surprise. But what is a surprise is that the cover features two Asian soldiers - one Japanese and one Korean - in German uniforms and at Normandy Beach in time for D-Day. How did that happen? Well, My Way tells the story of these two boyhood rivals who develop a friendship based on survival as they fight against and then for the Soviet Red Army and then against the German army.
Warriors of the Rainbow: Seediq Bale (Well Go USA)
Another foreign film that didn't exactly get a lot of play in the United States, this one also offers a true story that is widely unknown outside of Taiwan. This one focuses on the Wushe Incident, where the indigenous tribesman of the mountains of Taiwan fought back against the Japanese in the early 1930s. Set in the dense forest with mists and clouds it has the look of another world, proving you don't need blue aliens to understand why someone would stand up to invaders.
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (Acorn)
The movie version also arrived on Blu-ray this year but the theatrical version cut down the story of George Smiley and his people way down. While it was concise the nuances were missing. For the full story, and some top notch performances including those of Alec Guinness) the original story of the "Circus" and the top secret inner workings of MI-6 this is the way to go.
Lawrence of Arabia: 50th Anniversary Limited Edition Blu-ray (Sony/Columbia Pictures)
Why do you like the desert Major Lawrence? Because it's clean! Why do you like the Blu-ray of this classic World War I film that chronicles the Arab uprising against the Ottoman Empire? It isn't for the historical accuracy, because this one is lacking in that department. But as noted in the film T.E. Lawrence was a shameless self-promoter and this film made him larger than life. It is a David Lean masterpiece and they simply don't make ‘em like this anymore.
Honorable Mentions:
