Ho, ho, ho, high-def fans! While most of you still have fun-size Snickers remnants under your fingernails, those other holidays are rapidly approaching, and with them the shopping frenzy that helps to keep our favorite elexctronics manufacturers and Hollywood studios in the black. Before you know it, you'll be scrambling with the rest of the last-minute shoppers. Instead of putting off all of your shopping, consider stuffing a few stockings with the perfect gift of the perfect Blu-ray Disc. One size fits all!
This year, there were a ton of stellar Blu-ray releases. Looking over some of my gift selections, you'd think I was 5 years old. Well, I do have one of those at home, so I can definitely talk the talk. However, he was not a factor in the gift-picking process. This year just had a lot of awesome animated releases.
Animation made a huge mark on the world of Blu-ray this year, just with Disney alone. The House of Mouse cranked out an unprecedented number of Blu-ray 3D discs, while still fattening up its coveted Diamond collection -- as well as my own personal collection.
But that's not all, folks. I actually managed to squeeze in a few live-action titles into the below mix, for the adults on your list. So without further ado, here are five discs to stuff those stockings, in alphabetical order...
The Big Lebowski
Universal would have had to seriously f--k with the Jesus in order for me to put this one on the naughty list. Thankfully, the studio was extra good this year, and made this "digibook" edition the perfect gift. The release has an absolutely stellar image, with great color and great detail. There's also a nice DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track and a massive collection of extras that really ties the set (and the room) together. This is mandatory for cult film fans, as well as Coen fans.
The Incredibles
Despite the animation, it's actually a film that everyone can appreciate. Young, old, or in between; this is the perfect gift for just about anyone. In fact, I don't even really consider this one to be kiddie flick. Maybe it's because there are many parts that send my kid running from the room. Maybe it's just because I never seem to tire of this superhero family. Disney/Pixar, if you are listening, please come up with another adventure for this incredible family!
Planet Earth: Special Edition
Even if your giftee does manage to make it off the couch on occasion, this is the ultimate travelogue. Caves, crevices, mountains and other wonders of the world are all here. The BBC travels to remote places, to underwater places, and to places that look like they were plucked right off a postcard. It's a downright beautiful journey. It's also a pretty lengthy journey, with six discs stuffed with content and extras galore. The best part about this set, however, is that it puts you right in the middle of each adventure, with gorgeous imagery and an immersive DTS-HD High Resolution 5.1 track.
Toy Story 3 3D (Disney-Pixar)
It's also the only film in the series that had me openly weeping under my 3D glasses. It's that good! If you've seen any of the films, you know the formula: In an effort to be closer to Andy, the toys all lean on each other, and movie magic ensues. Seriously, it's a fantastic film, and the perfect ending to the story -- or opening for a fourth film. As far as this release goes, you can call it a double-dip if that makes you feel better, but no one ever re-gifts Woody, Buzz and the rest of the toys.
Winnie the Pooh
I found Winnie the Pooh to be a fun theater experience, but it was actually even better on Blu-ray. Of course, a crowded kiddie flick is rarely enjoyable. Extra quiet or not, this is just a wonderful release. The imagery on this one is sentimental, sweet, and absolutely stunning. Also, because it's only 64 minutes, it's the perfect one to snuggle up to with the wee ones.
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