I would say this is an “underwhelming” week but that I truly love the top two films on my list. It’s just that beyond that, the pickin’s get a little slim, unless you’re into b-grade horror, kids fliks or anime. There aren’t really any surprises hidden here, so if you don’t see anything you like after a quick perusal, I’d recommend hitting up the Amazon sale lists.
I skipped this one in the theatres. I love, love, love Sherlock Holmes stories and had no desire to see Guy Richie butcher the character with his ‘enslickened‘ boy-with-guns style, so I just avoided the film all together. I honestly couldn’t have been more wrong about it. It’s so good, from top to bottom! I hate to say it but it works on almost every level – it’s well designed, well performed and, as much as it pains me to admit, it was quite well directed. And the Blu-ray disc is spectacular to boot, replete with a killer transfer and some incredible special features.
2. AN EDUCATION
An Education is so good it nearly nosed its way into the number one spot this week. The coming of age story, young girl being wooed by older man, is fairly well worn but the wonderful performances here in this film really make it shine. Carey Mulligan emerges as the breakout star, practically painting herself as this generation’s Audrey Hepburn. Great film. Great Blu-ray disc.
3. COLLATERAL
You can’t really go wrong with a Michael Mann film and though I wouldn’t count Collateral amongst his finest, it’s certainly worth watching. One of the director’s earliest digital-video efforts, the striking visuals really look great on Blu.
Read more: Collateral Blu-ray Disc Review
4. THE BAADER MEINHOFF COMPLEX
Based on the 1985 German best selling non-fiction book of the same name by Stefan Aust, The Baader Meinhoff Complex is a compelling film covering the early years of the West German militant group, the Red Army Faction. It was Germany’s submission for the 81st Academy Awards and worth a look on Blu-ray this week.
5. VAMPYRES
The number five slot was down to either I Sell the Dead or this film. I ultimately had to give it to Vampyres because as much as I wanted to love I Sell the Dead, a 2008 indie film that’s essentially an homage to old EC horror comics and Hammer films, it just didn’t do much for me. Vampyres, however, is true, vintage b-movie horror. The transfer on the Blu-ray isn’t going to win any awards here but remains faithful to the source. If you’re a fan of lesbian-vampire films from the 70s, you won’t go wrong here.
ALSO AVAILABLE ON BLU-RAY THIS WEEK
Clicking an image will take you to Amazon.com where you can learn more about and purchase the Blu-ray disc:
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