I started writing this post on Monday. As you can clearly tell, it’s taken me a few days of work, chipping away at it whenever I’ve had a few moments to spare, to get this thing done. But I’m really happy to tell you all about the best new Blu-ray releases this week. There’s some really strong stuff here and a few discs you should be certain not to miss out on. As always, any Amazon purchases made through our links help to support this column and the site on the whole and we thank you for them!

1. CHARADE

I was all ready to give the The Secret in Their Eyes this weeks top spot until I remembered that there was a new Criterion Blu-ray disc available today! And it’s a doosey. Stanley Donen‘s Charade is the ultimate caper film, with enough style and European flair to make you pack a bag and run off to Paris as soon as humanly possible. The plot is ultimately less than completely satisfying but any deficiencies are completely made up for in the casting. Audrey Hepburn is stunning in her Givenchy wardrobe and Cary Grant has never been more suave in a leading role. This is a wonderful, colourful upgrade from the long-available Criterion DVD.

Special Features:

• Restored high-definition digital transfer with uncompressed monaural soundtrack
• Audio commentary featuring Stanley Donen and screenwriter Peter Stone
• Original theatrical trailer
• English subtitles for the deaf and hearing impaired
• PLUS: A booklet featuring an essay by film historian Bruce Eder

Amazon: $29.49

2. THE SECRET IN THEIR EYES

The Secret in Their Eyes (El Secreto de Sus Ojos) is, without question one of the finest films of the last year and long overdue for a domestic Blu-ray release. In direct competition with Michael Haneke‘s The White Ribbon (also one of our Top Picks on Blu-ray) for the Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film this past year, Secret edged out the popular pick to take the prize. And it deserves it.

Director Juan José Campanella brings us a mesmerizing romantic melodrama wrapped in a crime thriller. Adapted from the 2005 novel by Eduardo Sacheri (La pregunta de sus ojos), Secret follows Benjamin Esposito (Ricardo Darin), a criminal investigator attempting to chronicle a past case of brutal rape and murder. When memory fails him, he reconnects with his former crush, Irene Menendez Hastings (Soledad Villamil), the judge from the original case. Romance blossoms as the investigation deepens, danger drawing ever near. You can cut the tension with a knife here!

Highly recommended!

Amazon: $26.99

3. AMERICAN BEAUTY

I can’t believe American Beauty is over ten years old! It seems like only a scant few months ago that I was watching it in the theatre but here we are, eleven years on and it still feels fresh! Former theatre-director Sam Mendes really had a breakout hit here, in his first feature film and has gone on to become a real Hollywood powerhouse since then (he’s even on tap to helm the next James Bond film, if MGM is ever able to sort out its financial situation). Don’t miss out on this new Sapphire Series Blu-ray of the film, featuring all the extras from the previously available DVD and a gorgeous new HD transfer.

Amazon: $19.99

4. ROBIN HOOD

Okay, I know how you all feel about Ridley Scott‘s Robin Hood film. Word on the street is that it’s not much more than a redux of sorts of Scott’s other Russel Crowe epic, 2000s Gladiator – different era, different details, same story. While I haven’t had a chance to see the film yet, I feel fairly confident in recommending even the weakest of Scott’s films. And as much as he might have missed the mark here, I’m sure it’s not half as bad as all the critics are claiming. I expect the Blu-ray to kick some serious ass too!

Amazon: $22.99

5. VIGILANTE

Robert Forster and Fred Williamson star in the 1983 film called Vigilante. That should be enough information right there to send you out to your local BD shop in search of this new Blu-ray from the B-movie geniuses at Blue Underground. It’s a slightly cheesy, slightly exploitative affair with great, understated performances and a score by Star Trek composer, Jay Chattaway. The transfer, as per BU standard, looks stunning when you consider the origin and age of the film. And there are more than enough special features to ensure you got your sixteen bucks worth. Well worth every penny for fans of low budget 80s cinema!

Amazon: $15.99

TV ON BLU

All right, I don’t have a lot of time left to write today, but I need to take this opportunity to tell you how much I enjoyed The Human Target tv show. Not that old, failed series from the 90s, but this new FOX show, that debuted earlier this year and ran a paltry 12 episodes. I don’t think an adventure serial has been more spirited, comedic and inventive on television since…well, hell, I can’t even think of a show that’s ever been this fun! There’s action, conspiracy and romance around every corner in this, one of the finest new shows of the last year. I haven’t had a chance to check out the Blu-ray box set yet but rest assured, as soon as it turns up in my greasy little clutches, I’ll let you know how it fares.

FYI – I’ve never seen a single episode from the other programs but I understand they’re all quite amazing in their own right. So, just to be clear, I’m not saying The Human Target is better than Modern Family, I’m just saying I really enjoyed the hell out of the show and I’m excited to see it on Blu.

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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