This is one of those weeks that Blu-ray collectors just love (and fear). It's a good week for releases, so hopefully you've set aside a little something in your budget. After all, it's going to be hard not to order something from this week's crop.
It was tough to choose a spotlight pick, but we're going with the Schindler's List: 20th Anniversary Limited Edition. It's hard to believe that it's been 20 years since Steven Spielberg brought the horrors of the Holocaust to the big screen. As difficult as it is to watch, it's a must-see -- and a must-own. Our own Ian White took a peek at this pick and says that it could possibly be "the most important film you will ever own."
Once you make it through that, you may want something slightly more upbeat. Wreck It Ralph delivers a nice jolt of nostaligia. Plus, there's a forgotten Bruce Willis film, a forgotten '80s remake, and the last of those pesky Twilight creatures.
Did we miss one of your favorites for the week? Have something to say about one of this week's new releases? Sound off in the comments below. Otherwise, all of these titles are out as of March 5, 2013, except where noted. Enjoy!
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn
Before we get into what's new for this week, we need to highlight something that sneaked in at the end of last week. Summit Entertainment released the Twilight finale on March 2, so we missed it last week. Available in two parts, this winds up the franchise with Bella (Kristen Stewart) becoming Edward's (Robert Pattinson) wife -- and a mom. Just don't expect her to start taking Renesmee to soccer practice or anything.
Part 1 and Part 2 are separate single-disc releases, with Part 1 labeled as an "extended" addition. According to our own Enid Burns, it has another version with 8 extra minutes. Both sets have a 2.40:1 image and DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 tracks. Otherwise Part 1 has Bill Condon audio commentary and the UltraViolet Digital Copy. Part 2 has those perks as well, along with a seven-part making-of documentary and a featurette titled, "Two Movies at Once." [Summit Entertainment]
Schindler's List: 20th Anniversary Limited Edition
It's hard to believe that Steven Spielberg's classic is now 20 years old, considering how fresh and frightening its Holocaust imagery still seems. If you can stomach the subject matter (which is certainly important, but not easy), you will witness one of the most heartbreaking films to ever win Best Picture.
Universal has given this anniversary edition a 3-disc set, with one Blu-ray, two DVDs and the UltraViolet Digital Copy. Our own Ian White deemed this one BIGGIE-worthy (our highest honor!), with a stellar 1.85:1 image and DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. Otherwise, the release has opted for quality over quantity, as far as special features are concerned. The release includes just three extras, including the 77-minute documentary, "Voices From the List." [Universal]
Wreck It Ralph
There have been a ton of movies based on video games. Some are more successful than others. This one snagged an Oscar nomination by combining great graphics, video games and a bit of nostalgia. Oh, it's also a nice story that finds game villain Ralph (voiced by John C. Reilly) looking to be the nice guy for a change.
Disney's extremely original feature missed out on the Oscar, but it does get two pretty great Blu-ray releases. One is in 2D and the other is in 3D. Both versions have a 2.39:1 image, a DTS-HD Master Audio 7.1 track, and a standard-def DVD. Extras include deleted scenes, trailers, the Disney Intermission feature, a making-of short, and the Oscar-winning short, Paperman. The 3D version also adds in that 3D disc, as well as a Digital Copy. [Disney]
Red Dawn
For every good remake, there are about 10 bad ones. This movie wasn't the greatest when it had 1984 superstars Patrick Swayze, C. Thomas Howell, Lea Thompson, Charlie Sheen, and Jennifer Grey fighting off the Russians. That said, Chris Hemsworth, Josh Peck, Josh Hutcherson, Adrianne Palicki and Isabel Lucas fighting the North Koreans seems way too much like a blantant money-grab.
Fox has given this one a 2-disc set, with a 2.40:1 image, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, a DVD and a Digital Copy. Otherwise, the studio didn't bother with deleted scenes, trailers or any other extras. [Fox]
The Intouchables
Inspired by a true story, this little dramedy went on to become one of the biggest films that France has ever seen (it currently holds the number two slot for box-office gross). It's the story of a wealthy French quadriplegic man (François Cluzet), his caretaker (Omar Sy), and the unlikely bond that the two share.
Sony has given the surprise hit a small release, with a 1.85:1 image and a lone French DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track. The single-disc set also includes deleted scenes and an UltraViolet Digital Copy of the movie. [Sony]
Lay the Favorite
Bruce Willis had a ton of high-profile gigs last year. Sandwiched right in between Moonrise Kingdom and The Expendables 2 was this poorly received comedy from director Stephen Frears (High Fidelity). No -- it was really poorly received, recouping just $20,000 of its $20 million budget. (Yeah, there are no typos there.) His character's name is Dink, so what do you expect? Catherine Zeta-Jones, Rebecca Hall, Joshua Jackson, Vince Vaughn, Laura Prepon and Corbin Bernsen also star.
If you have a morbid curiousity, know that Anchor Bay has given this one a single-disc release with a 1.85:1 image, a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, and a crop of deleted scenes. [Anchor Bay]
Also New This Week:
